Photo Essay

Law School Life Through the Lens

Connection & Camaraderie

What does it mean to be part of Berkeley Law?

It means learning in a place where legal education giants like Jesse Choper and Melvin Eisenberg (below) have helped train generations of new lawyers. Sharing in the jubilation of milestone achievements — those of classmates and close friends as well as your own (see Commencement at Long Last). Drawing purpose from meaningful relationships and working together to change things for the better (see Reconnected). Challenging yourself on a big stage (see May It Please the Court) and collaborating for a cause (see Navigating New Terrain).

It means championing excellence, community, and public mission.

Eisenberg speaking with colleague in office
Photo by Brittany Hosea-Small
Eisenberg looking at framed degrees on wall of office
Photo by Brittany Hosea-Small
WALL OF FAME
Eisenberg reflects on his remarkably prolific career — his latest book, Legal Reasoning, comes out at the end of September — shortly before moving out of his office. Eisenberg joined Berkeley Law’s faculty in 1966 and became one of the nation’s foremost experts on corporate law and contract law, writing seminal textbooks in each field. He was elected to the prestigious American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1984.
Mel's publications written on post-it note on books
Photo by Brittany Hosea-Small
REMINISCING
Sharing some memories with Choper (top left), Eisenberg recalled one of his special class “mod” sections of about 30 students: “I had a very close relationship with this section. In fact, one year, we all went to a park and they made up T-shirts with my picture and the words ‘Mel’s Angels.’ A Hell’s Angels member there approached one of them and said, ‘What’s going on?’”

Commencement at Long Last

Making up for lost time was a true labor of love for Berkeley Law. On May 13, the Class of 2022 had its commencement at the Greek Theatre. Eight days later, we held a makeup commencement for the previous two graduating classes that had their in-person ceremonies postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
commencement ceremony with students seated
Photo by Brittany Hosea-Small
Tiara Brown smiling with hand on chest getting up from seat
Photo by Brittany Hosea-Small
PRIZED MOMENT
Tiara Brown ’22 reacts to being named the winner of this year’s Student Service Award.
Jeff Selbin with student smiling
Photo by Laurie Frasier
FASHION PATROL
Policy Advocacy Clinic Director Jeff Selbin (right) passes out scarves, including one to Jennifer Sherman ’22.
Family and friends of Indi Garcia wearing matching shirts
Photo by Rachel DeLetto
INSTANT CLIENTS
Family and friends of Indi Garcia ’22 wear their sentiments about her budding profession.
Rachel Wilson and Joanna Leung making heart shapes with their hands smiling
Photo by Laurie Frasier
HANDS HELD HIGH
Rachel Wilson ’22 (left) and Joanna Leung ’22 put their feelings on display as classmate James Tenrai looks on.
Diego Ortega Chávarri with is father at the commencement ceremony
Photo by Brittany Hosea-Small
CLOSE TO THEIR HEARTS
Diego Ortega Chávarri LL.M. ’20 (right) and his father, Carlos Ortega, with a photo of Diego’s mother, María Luz Chávarri. “Unfortunately, she passed away before my LL.M. program started,” Diego says. “But all my accomplishments are dedicated to her.”

Reconnected

The unbridled joy of returning to in-person classes and programs this year was abundantly clear. From clinics and journals to affinity groups and informal gatherings, ear-to-ear smiles from reuniting were everywhere.
Stephanie Campos-Bui and Devan Shea hugging and smiling
Photo by Darius Riley
OPEN ARMS
Policy Advocacy Clinic Associate Director Stephanie Campos-Bui ’14 and Deputy Director Devan Shea at a celebration marking the end of the school year.
Robin Martinez sharing a laugh with Berkeley Law staff
Photo by Darius Riley
A FESTIVE WELCOME
First-year student Robin Martinez shares a laugh with Berkeley Law staff during a reception at orientation.
Arielle Rodriguez and Jasmin Shaw smiling on bench
Photo by Darius Riley
FOOD FOR THE SOUL
3Ls Arielle Rodriguez and Jasmin Shaw at a Public Interest Working Group lunch event.
Caiti Hall, Kate Im, and Mack Parlatore walking together on campus
Photo by Darius Riley
DINOMITE OUTING
(from left) 1Ls Caiti Hall, Kate Im, and Mack Parlatore join other students from one of Professor Chris Hoofnagle’s mods on a boba-fueled visit to a dinosaur exhibit on campus.
Members of the Environmental Law Clinic walking in a grass field
Photo by Brittany Hosea-Small
FIELD WORK
Members of the Environmental Law Clinic stroll during a research trip in nearby Richmond.
Hannah Mangen on a lunch break on her computer
Photo by Darius Riley
TAPPING IN
Hannah Mangen ’24 takes a break for lunch.
Students takes notes in classroom
Photo by Darius Riley
RETURN TO CAMPUS
Students takes notes in Professor Andrew Bradt’s Civil Procedure course.
Dean Erwin Chemerinsky speaking to classroom
Photo by Rachel DeLetto
NEW ARRIVALS
Dean Erwin Chemerinsky welcomes the incoming class of LL.M. students.

May It Please the Court

Participants, judges, and staff involved in Berkeley Law’s annual James Patterson McBaine Honors Moot Court Competition — now in its sixth decade — relished the return to a spirited in-person event.
Robert Fairbanks and Sean Kolkey shaking hands
Photo by Jim Block
SHAKEN, NOT STIRRED
Champion Robert Fairbanks ’22 (left) and runner-up Sean Kolkey ’22 congratulate one another after their final-round argument.
Judge Stephen A. Higginson speaking into microphone
Photo by Jim Block
TO THE POINT
U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Stephen A. Higginson asks a question.

Navigating New Terrain

Berkeley Law student groups focused on reproductive rights are exploring new legal strategies and various state policy efforts on the heels of the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision to strike down Roe v. Wade.
Florence Van Dyke, Jade Williams, Jacqueline Berkenstadt, and Camille Tabari standing with signs by trees
Photo by Darius Riley
STANDING FIRM
(From left) Florence Van Dyke LL.M. ’22 and Reproductive Justice Project members Jade Williams ’24, Jacqueline Berkenstadt LL.M. ’22, and Camille Tabari ’24.