UC Berkeley School of Law is the top public law school in the country and one of the most respected programs in legal education. Located in the hills above the San Francisco Bay, Berkeley combines world-class academics with a deep commitment to public interest, social justice, and interdisciplinary scholarship. With a class of 365 students and access to the broader UC Berkeley research university, Berkeley Law produces graduates who work at the highest levels of BigLaw, government, public interest, clerkships, and academia. Its location in the Bay Area provides unmatched access to the tech, venture capital, and environmental law ecosystems.
This guide walks you through how to get into Berkeley Law.
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1. Berkeley Law Admissions Numbers and Statistics
Berkeley Law Class of 2029:
- LSAT: 75th: 173 | Median: 171 | 25th: 169
- GPA: 75th: 4.00 | Median: 3.93 | 25th: 3.85
Berkeley Law Class of 2028:
- LSAT: 75th: 172 | Median: 170 | 25th: 167
- GPA: 75th: 3.99 | Median: 3.92 | 25th: 3.84
Berkeley’s LSAT rose from 170 to 171 at the median, from 167 to 169 at the 25th percentile, and from 172 to 173 at the 75th. GPA also rose: the median went from 3.92 to 3.93, and the 75th from 3.99 to 4.00. The class shrank from 374 to 365.
The 169 at the 25th LSAT percentile gives applicants in the high 160s a realistic path if they bring strong softs. Berkeley’s public mission and emphasis on diversity, public interest, and interdisciplinary work mean that the school weighs qualitative factors more heavily than some peer schools.
Aim to be at or above at least one median to be competitive. Above both puts you in a stronger position. Below both medians, this is a prayer, not a reach.
For context on how medians affect your strategy, see How to Build a Smart Law School List.
2. Berkeley Law Application Essays
Personal Statement (required)
The school's instructions: “The subject matter of the personal statement is up to you, but keep in mind that the reviewer will be focused on determining your potential to be a successful law student and graduate of Berkeley Law. Specifically, we are interested in how your personal background/lived experience shapes, informs, and enhances that potential. Each year, we seek to enroll a class with varied backgrounds and interests who will ultimately become advocates serving all segments of society. The main objective, always, should be to share the things you think are most important for us to know about you (beyond the purely academic and professional) when assessing your candidacy. No topic is off-limits, but we encourage you to consider how what you discuss is relevant to your candidacy for law school.”
The school’s instructions continue: “You are required to submit a personal statement as part of your application. It should be limited to four double-spaced pages in 11-point font that is highly legible and with 1 inch margins. Three pages is recommended.”
Berkeley suggests three areas to consider addressing within the personal statement:
Perspectives and Experiences: “How will you (your perspective, experience, voice) contribute to our classrooms and community?” The school lists examples including race/ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic background, first-generation status, geographic diversity, and ideological diversity.
Interest in the Legal Profession: “What about you (your experiences, your values, your perspective, etc.) calls you to law school? How will you use your law degree with integrity, vision, creativity, and/or to innovate? What makes you hopeful, optimistic, or excited about entering the legal profession? How do you see yourself contributing to or advancing the public good as a lawyer, scholar, or advocate?”
Interest in Berkeley Law: “Tell us more about your interest in Berkeley Law. What makes our school a good fit for you in terms of academic interests, programmatic offerings, and learning environment?”
You do not need to address all three. Berkeley’s optional short answer prompts (below) separately cover Berkeley-environment fit (prompt #1) and what you would contribute to the classroom and community (prompt #3).
For more on how to write a personal statement, see my Personal Statement Examples and Personal Statement Guide.
For more on how to write a Why X essay, see my Why X Essay Guide.
Optional Short Answer Questions (Diversity / Perspective / Identity / Experience)
Berkeley offers 10 short answer prompts and invites you to respond to up to two. Each response should be no more than one double-spaced page in 11-point font with one-inch margins.
- Setting aside our academics and curriculum, how does Berkeley Law’s location and broader environment align with your personal values, ambitions, or goals for your future?
- If law school was not an option, what would you do instead, and why?
- Aside from being capable and smart, what else will you contribute to the classroom or community?
- Fast forward several years. It is your law school graduation. Who are you scanning the audience to find first, and why?
- Describe a recent time when you defied or exceeded the expectations someone else had of you.
- What’s the last new thing that you tried? How did it go?
- Describe a time when you made a difference or a place where you had an impact that does NOT appear on your resume.
- We all make mistakes. When was the last time you made a mistake, and what was the outcome of that realization?
- Tell us about a moment where laughter helped build a bridge with someone.
- Describe a time when you had to put aside personal beliefs to stand up for fairness or justice.
For more on how to write a diversity or perspective statement, see my Diversity Statement Examples and Diversity Statement Guide.
Scholarship-Specific Essays (optional)
Berkeley offers optional essays for the Public Interest Scholars Program and the Berkeley Law Opportunity Scholarship (BLOS). Both require a 1-2 page essay submitted in the application’s Attachments Section. The Hyundai-Kia Scholarship Program’s fall 2027 essay applicability and instructions remain unconfirmed.
Berkeley Law Opportunity Scholarship
The school’s scholarship prompt and instructions: “You are required to submit a 1-2 double-spaced page essay, using 11-point font and 1-inch margins to address the following prompt: How do you think being a first generation college student has shaped your perspective, and how will that perspective contribute to the Berkeley Law community and the broader legal profession? The essay can discuss content from your personal statement or diversity statement (if included), but should be a unique, independent essay specifically addressing your identity as a first generation college graduate. You may wish to discuss any obstacles you have faced on your journey to law school, contributions to your community, history of leadership or advocacy, and what kind of impact you hope to make at Berkeley Law and in the greater legal profession.”
Public Interest Scholars Program
The school’s scholarship prompt and instructions: “You are required to submit a 1-2 double-spaced page essay, using 11-point font and 1-inch margins to address the following prompt: Knowing the challenges that can come with pursuing a public interest legal career, what drives you toward your goals, and how do you plan to make a meaningful impact with your legal degree? The essay can discuss content from your personal or optional statements, but should be a unique, independent essay specifically addressing your public interest background and goals. You may wish to discuss your public interest experience prior to law school, your interest and/or dedication to a particular public interest field, your plans to contribute to Berkeley Law’s community, and/or your postgraduate plans.”
For more on making all of these essays work together, see my Cohesive Narrative Guide.
Academic Potential Addendum (optional)
The school’s prompt and instructions: “If you do not believe that your standardized test score(s) or academic record accurately reflect your ability to succeed in law school, then you may tell us why and share what you believe indicates your potential. (350 word maximum, 11 point font, double-spaced, with 1 inch margins). You may attach a copy of your SAT or ACT score report(s) to this essay (a screenshot or unofficial copy will suffice), and we reserve the right to request score reports to verify statements made in this optional essay.”
Addenda and Character & Fitness Resources
A yes answer to any character and fitness question requires an attached addendum explaining the circumstances. Use 11-point font, double spacing, and 1-inch margins; this incident explanation has no word or page limit. If an answer becomes affirmative after submission, notify the Admissions Office in writing. Failure to disclose or notify can result in revocation of the offer. Follow the current application's exact disclosure questions.
Individual review: An affirmative C&F answer does not necessarily preclude or prejudice admission. Berkeley reviews it individually in relation to your experience, academic achievement and potential.
Optional-statement submission: Generally attach optional statements to the LSAC application. After submitting the application, you may email optional statements as PDF attachments to admissions@law.berkeley.edu.
Conditional required addenda: If a scholarship program you apply to requires an additional addendum or essay, attach it with the application through LSAC. This is not a general scholarship-essay requirement for every applicant.
I’ll be publishing a guide to addenda and character and fitness.
3. Berkeley Law Resume Requirements
Berkeley has no page limit but recommends two pages. Include education first, then employment, research, service, leadership, and involvement. Include dates and hours per week. Do not include photos, graphics, or personal mottos.
For more on preparing your resume, see my Resume Examples and Resume Guide.
4. Berkeley Law Letters of Recommendation
Berkeley accepts up to four letters through LSAC. Two to three is standard. Academic letters from professors who know your classroom work well are preferred. If you have been out of school five or more years, professional letters are appropriate.
For more on recommendations, see my LOR Guide (Applicants) and LOR Guide (Writers).
5. Berkeley Law Interview Process
Berkeley invites some applicants to submit a video interview via the Kira platform. This is at the discretion of the Admissions Office and may happen at any time during the cycle. You cannot request to interview. The video consists of two questions (one about your interest in Berkeley Law, one randomized situational question), four minutes each. Berkeley strongly encourages invited applicants to complete it.
6. Berkeley Law Deadlines and Early Decision
Note: Applicants should verify all dates on the school’s official admissions page, as deadlines may shift slightly from year to year.
Testing Policy
Berkeley accepts the LSAT or GRE. In limited circumstances, GMAT scores may also be considered. If you’re considering the GRE, read my LSAT vs. GRE guide before deciding.
Application Dates and Fees
- Early Decision Deadline: November 16, 2026 (binding). No application fee for ED. If admitted, you must commit to enroll, withdraw all other applications, and not submit new ones. ED admission cannot be deferred. Berkeley’s ED program comes with a guaranteed $120,000 scholarship ($40,000/year). Applicants not admitted through ED are rolled into the regular decision pool without prejudice, and committed ED admits may receive early access to the housing application.
- Regular Decision Deadline: February 15, 2027 (11:59 PM PST).
- Application Fee: $75.
- Last LSAT/GRE for ED: November 2026. Berkeley strongly recommends testing before October 2026 to ensure scores are on file. LSAT scores and the LSAT writing sample must be received by December 2, 2026; GRE scores must be received by November 30, 2026.
- Last LSAT for Regular Decision: January 2027. Last GRE: January 31, 2027.
Berkeley begins reviewing applications in early October. Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis, so earlier submission gives you optimal consideration. Late applications are not accepted.
For a full breakdown of early decision strategy, see Should You Apply Early Decision to Law School?
7. Berkeley Law Scholarships and Financial Aid
Merit Scholarships
All admitted applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships. Berkeley offers a range of merit awards. As a public university, Berkeley’s in-state tuition (~$57,000) is significantly lower than private T14 peers, and out-of-state tuition (~$67,000) is still competitive. Most students establish California residency after the first year, reducing costs substantially.
Named Scholarships and Fellowships
Berkeley offers multiple named scholarship programs. The Public Interest Scholars Program and Berkeley Law Opportunity Scholarship (BLOS) both require separate application essays (see section 2) and have an early deadline: Regular Decision applicants must submit a complete application by December 15, 2026 to be considered. The BLOS deadline for binding Early Decision applicants is November 16, 2026. Fall 2027 essay requirements and the deadline for the Hyundai-Kia Scholarship Program remain unconfirmed.
Beyond these, Berkeley offers a number of additional named scholarship and fellowship opportunities for entering students, including the Leadership Academy, the Native American Opportunity Plan, the Center for Indigenous Law & Justice Scholarship, Berkeley Scholars in Law, Berkeley Justice Fellows, and Berkeley Innovation Scholars, among others. Review Berkeley’s full scholarship listings to identify any programs that align with your background or interests.
Need-Based Aid
Berkeley participates in federal financial aid programs. File FAFSA by March 1 for priority processing.
Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP)
Berkeley’s LRAP is one of the most generous in the country, supporting graduates in qualifying public interest and government careers.
For more on scholarship strategy, see How to Negotiate Law School Scholarships.
8. Berkeley Law Concurrent and Combined Degree Programs
Berkeley offers several concurrent degree programs:
- JD/MBA with Haas School of Business (four years)
- JD/MPP with Goldman School of Public Policy (four years)
- JD/MSW with the School of Social Welfare (four years)
- JD/MCP (Master of City Planning) with the College of Environmental Design (four years)
- JD/PhD in Jurisprudence and Social Policy (JSP): Berkeley’s distinctive interdisciplinary doctoral program, housed within the law school. Normally seven years with the JD.
Berkeley also has combined degree agreements with the Fletcher School at Tufts (MALD) and the Harvard Kennedy School (MPP) for students already enrolled at Berkeley Law or the partner institution. Students may take up to 12 units of coursework in other UC Berkeley graduate programs toward their JD requirements.
9. Berkeley Law Employment Outcomes (Class of 2025)
Berkeley Class of 2025 employment outcomes (reported to the ABA, measured 10 months after graduation):
- Full-time, long-term bar-passage-required employment (ABA): 96.8%
- BigLaw (firms with 101+ attorneys): 62.2%
- Federal clerkships: 6.4%
- Public service (including government): 17.7%
Berkeley places heavily into California’s major legal markets, with San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Silicon Valley as the primary destinations. The public service figure reflects Berkeley’s strong public interest culture and proximity to state and federal government in the Bay Area.
10. Berkeley Law Areas of Study and Specializations
Intellectual Property and Technology Law: Berkeley’s location adjacent to Silicon Valley and its Law & Technology program make it one of the top schools for IP, privacy, and tech law. The Berkeley Center for Law & Technology hosts major conferences and produces influential scholarship.
Environmental and Energy Law: The Center for Law, Energy & the Environment (CLEE) is one of the leading programs in the country. Berkeley’s environmental law clinic and coursework draw on California’s role as a regulatory leader.
Criminal Justice and Criminal Law: Berkeley’s Death Penalty Clinic, Post-Conviction Advocacy Clinic, and faculty strength in criminal justice reform make it a top destination for students interested in defense work and policy reform.
Public Interest and Social Justice Law: Berkeley has one of the strongest public interest cultures in the T14. The Thelton E. Henderson Center for Social Justice supports programming, fellowships, and clinical work across civil rights, immigration, and poverty law.
Business and Corporate Law: The Berkeley Center for Law and Business supports coursework and programming in corporate governance, securities, and transactions, with direct access to the Bay Area’s financial and venture capital communities.
11. Berkeley Law Clinics and Experiential Learning
Berkeley operates an extensive clinical program. Key clinics include:
- East Bay Community Law Center (EBCLC): One of the largest law school-based clinics in the country. Multiple practice areas including housing, immigration, clean slate (criminal records), health, education, and community economic development.
- Death Penalty Clinic: Students work on capital defense cases and policy reform.
- Environmental Law Clinic: Environmental litigation and policy advocacy, leveraging the Bay Area’s environmental ecosystem.
- International Human Rights Law Clinic: Students work on human rights litigation and advocacy globally.
- Samuelson Law, Technology & Public Policy Clinic: Technology law, digital privacy, and innovation policy. Connected to the Bay Area tech ecosystem.
- Policy Advocacy Clinic: Legislative and policy advocacy in California and nationally.
- New Business Community Law Clinic: Transactional work for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
- Workers’ Rights Clinic: Employment and labor law representation.
Pro Bono and Experiential Learning
Berkeley encourages pro bono work through its Pro Bono Pledge and recognizes students who complete public interest service hours at graduation. The school’s externship program places students at courts, agencies, tech companies, environmental organizations, and public interest groups across the Bay Area and nationally. The proximity to Silicon Valley, Sacramento (state government), and the Ninth Circuit creates unique access.
12. Berkeley Law Notable Faculty and Journals
Faculty
- Erwin Chemerinsky: Dean of Berkeley Law. Constitutional law. One of the most cited and recognized legal scholars in the country.
- Andrea Roth: Barry Tarlow Chancellor’s Chair in Criminal Justice and Professor of Law. Criminal procedure, evidence, and technology in the justice system. Co-Director of the Berkeley Center for Law & Technology.
- Saira Mohamed: Professor of Law. International criminal law, transitional justice, and human rights.
- Catherine Crump: Clinical Professor of Law. Director of the Samuelson Clinic. Technology, privacy, and civil liberties.
- Daniel Farber: Sho Sato Professor of Law. Environmental law, constitutional law, and disaster law.
- Khiara Bridges: Professor of Law. Race, reproductive rights, and constitutional law.
Journals
- California Law Review: One of the most cited law reviews in the country. Publishes scholarship across a broad range of legal topics.
- Berkeley Technology Law Journal: The leading student-edited technology law journal.
- Ecology Law Quarterly: Premier environmental law journal.
- Berkeley Journal of International Law: public and private international law and comparative law.
- Berkeley Journal of Employment and Labor Law: employment and labor law, including workplace discrimination and employee benefits.
- Berkeley Journal of Criminal Law: regional, national, and international criminal law.
- Asian American Law Journal: legal issues affecting Asian American communities.
- Berkeley La Raza Law Journal: legal issues affecting Latine communities.
- Berkeley Journal of Gender, Law & Justice: gender and its intersections with race, class, sexual orientation, and disability in law.
13. Berkeley Law Culture and Student Life
Berkeley Law’s class of 365 creates a mid-sized community with a distinctly collaborative and public interest-oriented culture. The school is more ideologically progressive than most T14 peers, and students describe the environment as supportive and community-driven. The campus sits in the Berkeley hills with views of the San Francisco Bay.
The Bay Area offers an unparalleled quality of life: mild weather year-round, exceptional food, proximity to the ocean and mountains, and a legal market that spans tech, environmental, entertainment, corporate, and public interest. Cost of living is high but offset by lower public university tuition and the ability to establish California residency.
14. Tips for Your Berkeley Law Application
The personal statement does a lot of heavy lifting. Use the four pages wisely. If your identity, perspective, or lived experience is central to your story, the PS is where it belongs. If school-specific fit is important to your case, weave it in naturally using the “Interest in Berkeley Law” suggested topic.
The optional short answers are where diversity and perspective can also live. Prompt #3 (“what else will you contribute to the classroom or community?”) functions as a diversity/perspective essay. Choose the prompts that reveal something the PS does not.
Do not skip the short answers. They are optional, but Berkeley created 10 prompts for a reason. These are your chance to show personality, values, and dimensions of yourself that a formal personal statement cannot capture. Answer two.
The video interview is by invitation only. You cannot request it. If invited, do it. Berkeley strongly encourages it. The format is two questions (one about your interest in Berkeley, one situational), four minutes each. This is one of the few ways to address Berkeley-specific interest outside the PS.
Berkeley’s public interest orientation is real. If public interest, social justice, environmental law, or tech policy is your path, Berkeley’s culture and programs are among the best in the country. Make that alignment clear.
Bay Area ties help. If you have personal or professional connections to the Bay Area, California, or the tech/environmental ecosystems, draw those connections. Berkeley places heavily in California, and demonstrating that you intend to stay and practice in the region is a natural fit.
The cost advantage is significant. As a public university, Berkeley’s tuition is substantially lower than private T14 peers, and residency establishment after year one reduces costs further. Combined with generous scholarships and LRAP, Berkeley can be one of the most financially efficient T14 options.
Apply for scholarship-specific essays if you qualify. The PISP and BLOS scholarships each require a dedicated essay. If you are eligible, write them. For Regular Decision applicants, the PISP and BLOS deadline is December 15, 2026, well before the February 15 regular decision deadline. Free money left on the table is a missed opportunity.
Want Help Getting Into Berkeley Law?
Berkeley is a school where mission alignment, intellectual depth, and specific school fit carry real weight. The numbers get you in range. The essays make the case.
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Related Reading
→ How to Build a Smart Law School List
→ Should You Apply Early Decision to Law School?
→ How to Negotiate Law School Scholarships
→ 6 Proven Steps to Get Off a Law School Waitlist
→ How to Get Into Law School Below Both Medians
→ What Holistic Law School Admissions Really Means
→ Blog Directory
Note: While I try to keep this guide up to date, always verify deadlines, requirements, and policies at the Berkeley Law website before applying.
Think you spotted an outdated requirement or something that doesn’t look right? Email moshe@sharperstatements.com with the school and a link to the current information.
