Hastings College of Law, a part of University of California is not the mere law department of the University, it has taken the students to greatest heights in providing access to every level of judiciary by preparing them according to the circumstances of the 21st century. Hastings college of Law has not changed the way the lawyers practice law but the perception of a lawyer as well.
PG at UC Hastings College of Law offers different law concentrations and dual degree options also. Only 43% of the total applicants are accepted by the college making the admission to UC Hastings College of Law quite competitive. The applications are submitted online with an application fee of 75 USD. GRE and LSAT scores, ELP scores and academic records are some of the mandatory requirements for students.
The college is one of the most expensive institutions in the USA with approximately 84,000 USD as the annual cost of attendance to attend the college for one year. The vice president of the USA Ms. Kamala Harris is one of the alumni of the college. The graduates from the college earn over 100,000 USD per annum which is sufficient to tell the quality of the education provided by the college.
University of California Hastings College of Law Rankings
Rank of an institute in a global scenario pushes up the goodwill and brand value of the school and encourages the aspiring students as well to get admitted in one of the world’s best educational groups. UC Hastings holds the top most ranks in almost every aspect. Following are some of the glimpses of that:
- #50th among Top law schools in US by US News and Report.
- #8th in Dispute Resolution
- #161 by QS World University Rankings
- #4 among colleges in San Francisco
Highlights
| Type | Public |
| Graduates | 959 |
| Acceptance rate | 43% |
| Faculty (full-time) | 72 |
| Application fee* | 75 USD |
| IELTS score | 7.0 or above |
| TOEFL iBT score | 90 or above |
| Application deadline (Fall) | April 1 |
| Website | www.uchastings.edu |
*Application fee has been waived for all applicants for the year.
University of California Hastings College of Law Campus
Campus of UC Hastings College of Law is home for about 50-70 student organisations which help the students in growing their professional network, developing new skills and exploring opportunities. Campus of the college is located just a few blocks away from local, state and federal courts. Students also get the benefit of in house training centres which prepares them for the future.
The campus is also home to several nationally acclaimed legal centres such as Centre for Gender and Refugee Studies, Centre for Negotiation and Dispute Resolution, Centre for WorkLife Law, Centre for Innovation and East Asian Legal Studies. All these centers help the students to get experiential learning and hands on experience.
Last year only, UC Hastings established a fit for 21st century academic building, featuring smart classrooms and conference rooms as well as community spaces for students, faculty and alumni. The campus also has a grand library which has a huge collection of study material and journals with library staff specially trained in international research.
University of California Hastings College of Law Residence
UC Hastings College of Law provides student housing in the USA not only on campus devoted exclusively to its students but also provides assistance to them in finding off campus residences. On campus housing is provided at McAllister Tower (formerly The Empire Hotel) which is situated just one block away from the academic buildings.
- All admitted students after paying their enrollment deposits can apply to live here.
- Apartments are assigned on a first come, first serve basis.
- Amenities include art-deco style lounge, pool table, table tennis, large TV, ATM, gym, laundry and mailroom.
- 252 apartments (87 efficiency units, 100 studio units, 55 one-bedroom units, 6 two-bedroom units and 4 penthouses.
Rates for academic year.
| Type | Price Range in USD per month | Maximum Tenants Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | 1,370-1,595 | One |
| Studio | 1,595-2,100 | Two |
| One Bedroom | 2,065-2,580 | Two |
| Two Bedroom | 3,220 | Three |
| Penthouse | 3,970 | Three |
These rates are for per unit, not per student and utilities like gas, electricity, water are included in monthly rent. Hastings also provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students with known disabilities with facilities like academic modifications, removed architectural barriers, auxiliary aids and services.
University of California Hastings College of Law Programs
Programs at UC Hastings College of Law include 8 concentrations of LLM degrees. Hastings also encourages its students to take advantage of international opportunities through global programs. Students are also allowed to take admission in multiple degree programs between Hastings and another graduate school in a law related discipline.
The college is sensitive towards the need of legal writing and skills required for it thus offers special legal writing skills courses to the first year students. To offer simultaneous degrees the college also has tie ups with UC Berkeley Haas School of Business, UC Davis Graduate School of Management, and Presidio Graduate School.
University of California Hastings College of Law Application Process
The college offers many law programs and the admission guidelines are clearly defined. Starting date of application for Fall session is September 1 and the deadline is April 1. Following are the requirements while applying at UC Hastings:
Application Portal: Online
Application Fee: 75 USD
Documents Required:
- Completed application submitted via LSAC
- Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score of 159 or above and/or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE score) from a test administered between October & June.
- All undergraduate and graduate transcripts in English
- Two letters of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Current Resume
- Passport ID pages
- Evidence of financial competency
- Any other required document
University of California Hastings College of Law Cost of Attendance
The Hastings College of Law is one of the most expensive institutions in the USA. The cost of studying and living can be taken into account to work out the budget to study in the USA.
| Expense Heads | Annual Cost in USD |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | 50,728 |
| Insurance Premium | 5,202 |
| Room & Utilities | 17,892 |
| Food | 3,240 |
| Books & Supplies | 1,500 |
| Transportation | 1,940 |
| Personal Expenses | 2,700 |
| Total | 83,202 |
University of California Hastings College of Law scholarships
UC Hastings College of Law claims to have given merit scholarships to study in the USA or need based grants to over 80% of its students. No separate application needs to be submitted for scholarship. Applicants who have been offered merit scholarships are not eligible for need based grants. In addition to college’s general merit based scholarship and need based grants, students are also provided private scholarships.
Tony Patino Fellowship is awarded to first year students showcasing exemplary qualities like Academic achievement, Ethical and honorable conduct, Dedication to humane values, Participation in public services activities and Leadership. Deadline for the Tony Patino fellowship is June 18. Email: TonyPatino@uchastings.edu.
Work while studying: The school provides a Federal work study program to assist students who want to work while pursuing their education. These funds are available for both on campus employment as well as off campus jobs. However, due to the extensive nature of the first year of law school, first year students are not allowed to work.
University of California Hastings College of Law Alumni
An alumni network is 22,000 members strong and one of the most notable personalities of that network is none other than Kamala Harris, the current vice president of the United States. Everything else falls short in front of her but that doesn’t belittle the huge list of renowned personalities who have graduated from UC Hastings.
- Nestor Barrero – Former Employment Lawyer for NBC Universal
- Lloyd Brown – Former Media Executive with Yahoo and former Chairman of American Broadcasting Company.
- Christopher Darden – Prosecutor in O J Simpson murder case
- Scott Drexel – former Chief Prosecutor, State Bar of California.
- Clair Engle – US senator from California
- Clara Shortridge Foltz – first practicing female lawyer of US
- Ananda Grove – former court TV anchor
- Horace Davis Pillsbury – General Counsel & President, Pacific Bell
- Ann Veneman – Executive director of UNICEF.
University of California Hastings College of Law Placements
UC Hastings has a team of experts to help its students shine in their career in respect to their unique skills, strengths, values and interests. The college has an official website for job postings. Around 92% of its students were successfully able to get placed after their graduation in the year out of which around 33% were placed right after graduation and remaining 60% got a job posting within 10 months of their graduation, with an average salary of 106,832 USD. The placement records suffered a bit due to the pandemic and the class reported an employment rate of 76% but within 10 months of graduation the rate rose up to 100%.
Some of the college graduate salaries are as follows:
| Position | Average Annual salary in USD |
|---|---|
| Lawyer | 91,563 |
| Legal Counsel | 150,000 |
| Associate General Counsel | 170,000 |
| Corporate Counsel | 148,000 |
UC Hastings is a college which has revolutionized how law is taught and then practiced. With their primary obligation of preparing their students in such a manner that they practice law in traditional style but with 21st century advancements attached to it, Hastings has produced an array of globally renowned lawyers. UC Hastings ensures diversity, equality and inclusion in every aspect of its being. And thus provides a rigorous, innovative and inclusive education that prepares its students to excel as professionals and advance the rule of law and further justice.
FAQs
Ques. When is the next application deadline?
The deadline for Fall enrollment is April 1.
Ques. Does UC Hastings offer rolling admissions?
Yes. The admission files are reviewed in October. Decisions are sent out in December and continue till June.
Ques. Can I check my status online?
Yes, you can check your application status by logging into your university account.
Ques. How long should the personal statement be?
Quality is more important than quantity. Although it is recommended to write a 2-4 pages long personal statement.
Ques. How many letters of recommendation should I submit?
Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation.
Ques. Does UC Hastings offer a part time program?
No. Hastings only offers a full time day program.
Ques. Does UC Hastings provide study abroad programs?
Yes, the college offers around seventeen study abroad programs which can be browsed as their site.
