From the Dean
Dean Erwin Chemerinsky headshot
Photo by Jim Block
“I am filled with admiration for all who allowed us to succeed and indeed thrive under unprecedented circumstances.”

Grateful, Inspired, Steadfast

As I write this in late July, we are planning a full return to in-person classes with the beginning of the fall semester on August 16. As I reflect on our last 16 months, I am filled with admiration for all who allowed us to succeed and indeed thrive under unprecedented circumstances.

The faculty did a masterful job of adapting to a new form of teaching. The median score for student evaluations in the spring semester was notably higher than it had been in recent years. This, of course, does not mean that online teaching is the same as or better than in-person teaching. Rather, it reflects the enormous patience and understanding of our students in adapting to online education.

Berkeley Law continued to advance its public mission in countless ways. Our students did prodigious amounts of pro bono work. Our clinics provided effective representation, including to those adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite all of the difficulties, our faculty continued to produce important scholarship in their books, articles, and essays [see Study Hall].

All of this was facilitated, as always, by a terrific staff. They are one of the Law School’s greatest strengths.

Our alumni supported Berkeley Law in so many ways. In a very difficult year financially, they provided essential monetary support. A record number of alumni participated in helping to recruit students and to mentor the students in all of our programs [see Above and Beyond].

I confess I never imagined myself as the dean of an online law school and I am so excited to return to the classroom and to the building. But I know that we are better prepared than ever before to deal with whatever arises. The last 16-plus months have demonstrated a remarkable strength and resiliency to our Law School.

We begin the new school year with special excitement about being together in person. It is hard to believe that other than our 3Ls, none of our students have ever been in the building. I am excited, too, to welcome our new faculty colleagues. Jennifer Chacón, Jonathan Glater, and Osagie K. Obasogie join us after distinguished careers at other law schools and in practice [see Talented Trio].

There is much to look forward to in the coming academic year!

Warmly,

Erwin Chemerinsky
Dean, Jesse H. Choper Distinguished Professor of Law