Why Santa Clara Law?

Many of our prospective students have several law schools to choose from. So what makes them choose Santa Clara Law?

“I chose to pursue a career in law because I believed it would give me the tools to work for social justice and improve the quality of people’s lives. The faculty at Santa Clara Law are all deeply committed to this notion, and they encourage students to make a significant positive impact through both traditional and alternative methods of social justice lawyering. In addition to taking a wide range of courses that focus on public service and social justice issues, I have had the opportunity to supplement my classroom education with practical skills through work in legal clinics, competitions such as Honors Moot Court and Trial Team, and through numerous community service and volunteer programs.”

—Malia Vella, Class of 2011
Public Interest & Social Justice Coalition, Honors Moot Court

“Santa Clara Law is the perfect law school for someone who is looking to enter into high technology law practice in the Silicon Valley. The broad IP curriculum offers you the opportunity to build knowledge from the ground up. Going to school in Silicon Valley also gives you the unique opportunity of interning at high tech companies throughout the area. I gained valuable hands-on experience through my internship with the Patents Group of the Office of the Chief Counsel at NASA Ames Research Center, an opportunity that presented itself largely due to Santa Clara’s unique location and reputation in the area. Many of the Valley’s firms, from small solo practitioners to large general practice firms, also specialize in IP and often look to Santa Clara for recruiting. Santa Clara Law’s wealth of technology resources, from student groups like the Student Intellectual Property Law Association and the Biotechnology Law Group to the High Tech Law Institute and the nationally renowned Computer and High Technology Law Journal make Santa Clara Law a great choice for any student looking to establish himself and build a network in high tech law.”

—Leslie Huang, Class of 2011
Editor-in-Chief, Computer and High Technology Law Journal

“Santa Clara Law offers a study abroad experience for everyone with classes that range from international criminal law and human rights to international high tech law and private international law. Many of the courses offer internship components providing for a unique work experience in different parts of the world. My summer abroad was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I observed trials at the International Criminal Court in the Hague, visited several different international organizations in Geneva, and met world renown judges and scholars in Strasbourg. My summer experience inspired me to work in the international arena and enabled me to further my career goals.”

—Jenny Arvidsson, Class of 2011
President, Law Association for Scandinavian Students (LAFSS)

When we ask our students, these are the top 10 reasons they chose Santa Clara Law.

1. Location, location, location! Students can’t resist the opportunity to study law in the San Francisco Bay Area. Situated on a lush campus centered around a historic California Mission, Santa Clara Law is located in the heart of Silicon Valley, one of the most vibrant and exciting economies in the world.

    

2. Top-ranked program in Intellectual Property. We are consistently ranked among the nation’s best law schools for our intellectual property curriculum and program. Santa Clara students benefit from our close ties with the high tech community, a broad and deep curriculum, a certificate program, and unparalleled internship opportunities with leading firms and corporations.

    

3. Diversity. We are consistently ranked among the top 10 most diverse law schools in the country. We value diversity, and our students and faculty thrive in this highly diverse learning environment.

    

4. International Law and Summer Abroad. Our comprehensive global law program includes more summer abroad opportunities than any other law school in the nation.

    

5. Outstanding teaching faculty. Students develop strong rapport with faculty who are both recognized scholars as well as accessible and committed to teaching.

    

6. Strong reputation especially in the legal community. Judges frequently comment on the high quality of Santa Clara Law graduates and their strong legal skills.

    

7. Supportive atmosphere. Santa Clara Law provides a rigorous legal education to a talented and diverse student body in a collegial setting where you can do your best.

    

8. Social Justice. We have a true commitment to social justice and public service here, and our students serve the poor and the marginalized through our Center for Social Justice and Public Service and related clinics.

    

9. Trial advocacy and clinical programs. We offer you myriad opportunities to hone your skills through classes and moot court activities, and you can gain hands on experience representing real clients through the Katharine and George Alexander Community Law Center or the Northern California Innocence Project.

    

10. Flexible schedule. You can enroll in either the four-year part-time division or the three-year full-time program.