From the Dean

One of the joys in reading each Transcript issue is seeing examples of the wonderful, inspiring work of Berkeley Law alumni. Our graduates truly are leaders in virtually every field of law and it is not hyperbole to say that they are using their talents to transform the law and the world.

This issue of Transcript focuses especially on two groups of alumni who are making a real difference. One of the feature spreads describes many of the determined efforts by our graduates and those at Berkeley Law to protect and advance the rule of law. The last year has seen an unprecedented challenge to our constitutional democracy. I am so proud of the many ways in which our faculty, students, staff, and alumni are working diligently to uphold the guardrails of democracy, and I think you will take pride in reading about them.

For example, Clinical Professor Claudia Polsky ’96 initiated a lawsuit to challenge the cutoff of federal funds to University of California faculty and researchers. She assembled a litigation team led by Elizabeth Cabraser ’78 and including many Berkeley Law graduates at the law firms of Lieff Cabraser and Farella Braun + Martel. I am honored to be part of this effort. The pro bono work of these lawyers has been successful, helping to restore approximately $1 billion in federal grants. And this is just one of many endeavors by our faculty and alumni to enforce the Constitution and laws at this difficult time.

Also featured in this issue of Transcript is a group of alumni propelling innovation in high-level, in-house legal roles at dynamic companies. Berkeley Law long has been regarded as the leading law school in the country in the areas of intellectual property and law and technology. It is thus terrific to see the work of our alumni in guiding companies that are using technology to advance tremendous changes across the business marketplace. Coast to coast, from established corporate pillars to Silicon Valley startups, in areas including electric vehicles, finance, consumer goods, and social media, Berkeley Law graduates are fueling innovation in important ways.

My central message to prospective and entering law students is that as lawyers they can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives and in our society. The articles in Transcript powerfully show how this is happening.

Warmly,

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