From the Dean

Part of what makes Berkeley Law special is in providing opportunities to help people elevate their aspirations and achievements. This issue of Transcript is filled with examples of the successes of our students, staff, faculty, and alumni. I would especially call attention to two of the features.

One of the things that I am proudest of for my time as dean has been our significant increase in financial aid for our students. Sadly, no longer does the law school receive much in the way of state funds. This year, only about 8% of our revenue comes from the campus and the state. This is dramatically different from what it used to be.

We now are tremendously dependent on tuition, with over 60% of our revenues coming from J.D. and LL.M. tuition. The result is that, like our peer private and public law schools, we have to charge very high tuition. This year, tuition and fees for in-staters is $62,567 and for out-of-staters is $74,995.

We have the obligation to make sure that no one is denied a Berkeley Law education because of inability to afford it, and that no one is discouraged from applying because of its cost “sticker shock.” Financial aid is absolutely crucial. I have made it my top priority in fundraising and we have almost doubled our financial aid in my six-plus years as dean.

A feature in this issue of Transcript describes this and the importance of continued emphasis on raising additional funds for scholarships. I am grateful to all who have made these scholarships possible; it truly transforms lives.

I also would call your attention to the feature about our alumni thriving in academia. We have many graduates working as professors in law schools and universities all over the world. They are specializing in every imaginable field, inspiring students, and doing cutting-edge research. Berkeley Law is one of a handful of law schools responsible for a significant percentage of all law professors.

Prospective and current students often ask me about pursuing a career in legal academia. I tell them that being a law professor is the best job in the world and that coming to Berkeley Law is an excellent way to launch such a career. It is thus with great institutional pride that I read about some of these individuals and the great work they are doing.

With best wishes,

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