University of California - College of the Law, San Francisco

UC Hastings is at the forefront of the legal education reformation. Indeed, the program staunchly places an emphasis on “practice [over] theory.” This evolution is evident in Hastings’ curriculum which only mandates a relatively small number of required courses. In turn, this allows students “to easily specialize and spend their time interning or externing.” Additionally, the school provides what is arguably one of the “nation’s best” moot courts and offers a “number of clinics” of which students can take advantage.
For the most part, students are impressed with their classroom experience. Although the average class size is fairly large, Hastings manages to accomplish the seemingly impossible and create an “intimate” feel. A first-year explains, “Despite the fact that there are eighty students in my section, I have made personal connections with each of my professors and feel as comfortable with them as I would expect if my section had ten students.”
Speaking of professors, Hastings has managed to attract “a number of leaders in their respective fields.” One fortunate first-year quickly chimes in, “The professors are not only highly regarded scholars, that many times have written the text for the course, but have also been great teachers with ample time for students.” Overall, the faculty offers a “great mix of personalities, interests, backgrounds, credentials, etc.” This might offer some insight into why they fervently “encourage and acknowledge different opinions.” Finally, just as essential, professors are “always…approachable and willing to engage with students.”
Perhaps one of Hastings greatest strengths is its Career Center. Counselors are “always available and work with every student association, and the administration to make getting a job easy and to ensure that students feel prepared for the future.” An incredulous first-year quickly adds, “They even have a program to help you determine what kind of LIFE you want to have, and whether it even includes typical lawyering.” Beyond the Career Center, students can also tap into a “huge alumni base, particularly in the Bay area” when seeking employment.
Students also happily report that Hastings administrators are a “supportive” bunch. Generally, they “are responsive to any issues and remedy problems as quickly as possible.” One particularly pleased third-year student expresses gratitude to them for swiftly “eliminating bad professors upon negative feedback from students.” However, there are a handful of students who feel that the administration could “communicate better with students and keep them more informed.”

There’s a lot of which to take advantage outside the classroom at Hastings. To begin with, “The alumni and career centers put on interesting and informational lawyer and alumni panels on a weekly basis.” Additionally, there are also “excellent health and counseling resources” and there “are always lots of social events to attend.” A content third-year offers some more insight, “I saw three Supreme Court Justices speak, attended panels and symposiums with top lawyers, even work[ed] with several super lawyers.”
Further, Hastings prime location in San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood also means that students have a myriad of professional opportunities at their fingertips. As a third-year brags, “we are so close to so many law firms and attorneys- the networking opportunities and proximity to firms/externships is unparalleled.” A second-year adds, “UC Hastings is walking distance from both state and federal trial and appellate courts, in addition to numerous government agencies. I can take a class that begins ten minutes after my externship ends at the U.S. Attorney's Office (and not be late).” Finally, yet another classmate confirms declaring, “there is no better legal mecca than our area. It is also centrally located in the city and on main public transportation, making it easy for commuters.”