UC Davis School of Law (King Hall)
Description
1. Introduction
The University of California, Davis School of Law, commonly known as King Hall, is a prestigious public law school located in Davis, California. Established in 1965, King Hall is part of the University of California system and enjoys a strong reputation for academic excellence, diversity, and service-oriented legal education. The law school emphasizes collaborative community learning, real-world legal skills, and prepares graduates for successful legal careers in public interest, private practice, and international arenas.
2. Important Details & Highlights
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | UC Davis School of Law (King Hall) |
| Location | Davis, California, USA |
| Established | 1965 |
| Type | Public Law School |
| Bar Passage Rate | 93% (2025 1st-time takers) |
| Student Body | Approx. 600+ |
| Faculty | 60+ scholars |
| Known For | Constitutional, environmental & public interest law |
| Campus Features | Interdisciplinary centers, clinics, strong alumni network |
| Diversity | Highly diverse faculty and student community |
| Accreditation | American Bar Association (ABA) |
| Official Website | law.ucdavis.edu |
All details validated from official sources and ranking data.
3. Law Programs & English Language Requirements
UC Davis Law primarily offers graduate law programs (no integrated 5-year B.A./LL.B) as per US law school structure.
| Program / Duration | Degree | Specialization Options | English Requirement (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Juris Doctor (J.D.) | 3 Years Full-time | Constitutional Law, Immigration, IP, Environmental, etc. | TOEFL required for applicants from non-English instruction backgrounds (TOEFL waiver conditions apply) |
| Master of Laws (LL.M.) – 10-month | LL.M. | Business Law, Immigration Law, Tax, IP, Environmental Law, Criminal Law & Policy | TOEFL iBT 88 / Paper 570 / IELTS 6.5 (waivers possible) |
| Advanced Two-Year LL.M. | LL.M. | Tailored study or specialization certificates | As per one-year LL.M. |
| Certificate Programs | – | Public Interest, Business Law, etc. • For JD students | N/A |
| Clinical & Experiential Programs | – | Multiple practical clinics | N/A |
Note: U.S. law schools do not offer integrated 5-year LLB programs; degrees are graduate professional programs.
4. Entrance Exam
| Program | Exam |
|---|---|
| J.D. Program | LSAT or GRE (standard requirement for JD admissions) |
| LL.M. Program | No LSAT required (LL.M. admissions focus on prior degree and English proficiency) |
5. Top 5 Reasons to Choose UC Davis School of Law (King Hall)
Reputation & Quality: Nationally ranked law school with strong programs in constitutional, environmental and public interest law.
Diversity & Inclusive Community: Recognized in Princeton Review for resources for women and minority students.
Practical Experience: Extensive clinics, externships, and experiential learning reflecting real legal environments.
Financial Support: Generous financial aid and scholarships aimed at reducing student debt.
Location Advantage: Proximity to Sacramento, Bay Area, and other major legal markets offering rich professional networking.
6. Grade and Ranking
| Ranking Category | Rank / Position |
|---|---|
| U.S. News & World Report (Overall Law)** | 50 (2025) |
| Constitutional Law | Top 20 |
| Most Graduates in Public Interest | 4 |
| Princeton Review (Resources for Women) | 1 |
| Princeton Review (Resources for Minority Students) | 3 |
| Faculty Scholarly Impact (Leiter) | 18 |
Rank data based on most recent ranking publications.
7. Documents Required for Admission
| Document | Required For |
|---|---|
| Completed Application | All programs |
| Official Transcripts | All programs |
| LSAT / GRE Scores | J.D. |
| Personal Statement | J.D. |
| Letters of Recommendation | J.D. |
| Resume / CV | All applicants |
| English Proficiency Scores | International applicants |
| LL.M. Program Essays | LL.M. |
| Financial Documentation | Visa applicants |
| Other Waivers (if applicable) | TOEFL waiver documents |
Note: Requirements vary; always confirm with official admissions office.
8. How to Apply for Admission
| Step No. | Application Steps |
|---|---|
| 1 | Research program & eligibility |
| 2 | Create LSAC Account (for JD/LL.M.) |
| 3 | Prepare required documents |
| 4 | Take LSAT / GRE (for JD) |
| 5 | Submit Application through LSAC / Law School Platform |
| 6 | Submit TOEFL / IELTS if needed |
| 7 | Pay application fee / request fee waiver |
| 8 | Send letters of recommendation |
| 9 | Verify application completion |
| 10 | Await decision & follow up |
Procedure is typical for U.S. law school admissions; specifics may vary each cycle.
9. Contact Details
| Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions – JD | 530-752-6477 | admissions@law.ucdavis.edu |
| Admissions – LL.M. | 530-752-6081 | llm@ucdavis.edu |
| Administration Office | 530-752-0243 | – |
| Law Library | 530-752-3327 | lawlibref@ucdavis.edu |
To explore more law colleges offering similar programmes, visit our Law College Directory for a structured comparison.
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