UC Law San Francisco (Formerly UC Hastings)
Description
1. Introduction
The University of California College of the Law, San Francisco (UC Law SF) — formerly known as UC Hastings College of the Law — is a prestigious public law school located in the heart of San Francisco, California. Known for its strong experiential learning, proximity to courts and legal firms, and a diverse student body, UC Law SF prepares students to be practice-ready lawyers capable of meeting modern legal challenges.
2. Important Details and Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | University of California College of the Law, San Francisco |
| Former Name | UC Hastings College of the Law |
| Location | San Francisco, California, USA |
| Type | Public Law School |
| Programs Offered | J.D., LL.M., MLS, CSL, HPL |
| Experiential Learning | Clinics & externships, moot court, pro bono |
| Student Orgs | 70+ legal organizations |
| Housing | Academe at 198 student housing |
| Application Deadline (JD) | April 15, 2026 |
| LSAT Requirement (JD) | Required for J.D. applicants |
| English Test Requirement (Intl) | TOEFL/IELTS for some programs |
3. Law Courses / Study Programs & English Requirements
Program Table
| Program | Duration | Specializations | English Tests Accepted | Minimum Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Juris Doctor (J.D.) | 3 years | Multiple concentrations (e.g., public interest, corporate, tech law) | TOEFL / IELTS (Intl) | Varies |
| Master of Laws (LL.M.) | 1 year | E.g., Criminal, Intl Law, IP, Tax, Health Policy & Law | TOEFL/IELTS | Typically 90+/7+ |
| Master of Legal Studies (MLS) | 1–2 years | Legal Studies, Policy, Regulation | TOEFL/IELTS | Typically 90+/7+ |
| Certificate of Legal Studies (CLS) | Variable | Legal foundations for non-lawyers | TOEFL/IELTS | Typically 90+/7+ |
| Masters of Science, Health Policy & Law (HPL) | 1–2 years | Health policy & legal intersection | TOEFL/IELTS | Typically 90+/7+ |
*Exact scores differ by program and profile — check specific admissions pages.
4. Name of Entrance Exam
| Program | Entrance / Standardized Test |
|---|---|
| J.D. | LSAT (Law School Admission Test) — required; GRE sometimes accepted |
| LL.M. | No LSAT; prior law degree required |
| MLS / CLS / HPL | No LSAT/GRE/GMAT required |
| Int’l Applicants | TOEFL/IELTS for English language proficiency |
5. Top 5 Reasons Why Choose UC Law San Francisco
-
Prime Legal Location – Situated blocks from federal, state, and local courts and top firms.
-
Experiential Learning – Strong emphasis on clinics, externships, and real-world legal practice.
-
Diverse & Inclusive Community – Programs such as LEOP and first-generation support enhance access.
-
Global & Specialized LL.M. Opportunities – Tailored areas and integrated JD courses.
-
Strong Career Outcomes – High employment in Bar-advantage roles, practice readiness, and leadership opportunities.
6. Grades and Rankings
| Ranking Authority | Rank / Grade | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. News & World Report | 88 (National Law Schools) | Most recent ranking data available. |
| Moot Court | 1 in Nation (advocacy) | High performance in advocacy competitions. |
| Teaching Careers | 18 Nationwide for law professors | Alumni becoming law faculty. |
| Diversity | High diversity index (past rankings) | Recognized for diverse student population. |
7. Documents Required for Admission
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Application Form | Completed online via LSAC or UC Law SF portal |
| Transcripts | Official academic records |
| LSAT / GRE Scores | Required for JD; optional for some programs |
| English Proficiency | TOEFL/IELTS for non-native English speakers |
| Personal Statement | Essay on applicant background/goals |
| Letters of Recommendation | Academic/professional references |
| Resume/CV | Academic and work history |
| Application Fee | Fee varies by program |
8. How to Apply for Admission
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Choose program & review requirements |
| 2 | Create LSAC account (for JD) |
| 3 | Complete online application & pay fee |
| 4 | Submit official transcripts |
| 5 | Upload test scores (LSAT/TOEFL/IELTS) |
| 6 | Submit statements & recommendations |
| 7 | Check application status & follow up |
| 8 | Accept offer & arrange visa (Intl applicants) |
9. Contact Details
| Department | Phone | |
|---|---|---|
| JD Admissions Office | +1-415-565-4623 | admissions@uclawsf.edu |
| LL.M. Admissions | +1-415-565-4817 | llm@uclawsf.edu |
| Dean’s Office (General) | (415) 565-4700 | chancellor@uclawsf.edu |
To explore more law colleges offering similar programmes, visit our Law College Directory for a structured comparison
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