Areas of Focus

Public Interest Law and Policy

Our robust program in public interest law and policy provides the training, skills and opportunities for students to become leaders in public service and social justice.

UCLA Law's deep commitment to public interest and public service includes a wide array of classes, clinics, experiences, professional opportunities and connections to leading faculty and dynamic alumni. Students may apply for the competitive Epstein Program specialization as an entering 1L or as a 2L transfer. Service-learning trips provide opportunities for students supervised by expert faculty to work in communities of need around the United States. The school's Clinical Education and externship program and the student-run El Centro Legal Clinics provide myriad opportunities for students to engage with clients while still in school. The Margaret Levy Public Interest Fellows program brings national public interest leaders to campus for intensive engagement with students. The Office of Public Interest Programs collaborates with the Office of Career Services to provide career resources for students, including dedicated public interest career counseling. Generous post-graduate loan repayment and summer public interest grant programs give both graduates and current students a leg up in their social justice careers.

Centers of Excellence
Centers of Excellence

Criminal Justice Program

CJP is designed to help students build a foundation in criminal law while gaining meaningful experience.

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Centers of Excellence

David J. Epstein Program in Public Interest Law & Policy

This program is of the nation’s most innovative and successful law school public interest programs.

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Centers of Excellence

Native Nations Law & Policy Center

This center advances Indian nations’ laws and institutions while promoting cultural resource protections.

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News
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Jan 22, 2024

Jon Michaels and Joanna Schwartz are elected to the American Law Institute

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Jan 16, 2024

Gary Blasi speaks with the LA Times about tenants who take cash to leave their rent-controlled appartments

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