University of California-Irvine - School of Law

The University of California Irvine School of Law “delivers an extremely strong educational experience and creates very strong job prospects for its students.” By combining both “great professors and lots of hands-on experience,” students feel that UCI prepares them well for a career in the legal field. UCI offers clinics and externships, as well as a pro bono program that many students say is the school’s greatest strength. As one student explains, “I greatly appreciate the ability to dig into substantive work through pro bono opportunities starting 1L fall semester.”

Professors “are overall amazing and very knowledgeable in their field” and “facilitate an open and detailed learning environment.” Students say the high quality of the faculty makes classes interesting and ensures that “students are eager to learn.” The school particularly excels in the opportunities outside the classroom. As one student describes it, “UCI prioritizes learning-by-doing,” and reports being impressed by fellow classmates’ “professionalism and writing skills” during externships and summer positions. Students appreciate the faculty as well as the staff in the career office, with one student saying they “are the most amazing, helpful and accessible people” and adding, “[I] never imagined a law school could be so supportive and welcoming.” Some students report that they would like to see the school do more to retain professors, as they are concerned about faculty turnover. As one student describes it, “While we have many amazing permanent professors, it feels a bit difficult to build relationships” with other professors without knowing if they will stay at the school. Students point out this may be because the school is relatively new and emphasize that “for being such a new law school, the quality of faculty and focus on experiential learning at UCI Law is unmatched.”

"The environment at UCI is “very supportive and encouraging,” and “the student body is diverse and very welcoming.” It’s a “close-knit community” and people “help each other”. Students say it’s a “very progressive school” with peers who “are highly inclusive of all backgrounds and identities.” The “affordable on-campus housing allows many students to easily spend time together and walk to their classes.” Students who live off-campus also find the social environment very welcoming and there is a strong sense of community between the students.” As one person notes, “I'm an older married student so I don't socialize as much with too many students. That said, I've made some lifelong friends here.” The facilities here are not the star of the show. As one student describes, “It is clear that since its founding, UCI has prioritized substance over style,” and that while the building itself is not very impressive, it hosts “an amazing program.” While the program is intensive the atmosphere remains collegial. “Every student is competitive, but not against each other,” explains one student. “It feels as if we are all working towards the same goal and can help each other along the way.”"