University of California College of the Law-San Francisco

San Francisco, CA

publicgraduate

About University of California College of the Law-San Francisco

A pioneering law school, born from a Chief Justice's vision and forged by a legacy of independence.

The University of California College of the Law-San Francisco, originally known as Hastings College of the Law, boasts a rich and unconventional history dating back to its founding in 1878 by California's first chief justice, Serranus Clinton Hastings. His initial vision for a legal education blended liberal arts with practical ethics, a concept that initially clashed with his handpicked board's vocational focus. This tension set the stage for a unique journey of autonomy.

The college's story is one of fierce independence, famously solidified by the 1886 "Kewen's Case." This landmark legal decision affirmed its legislative separation from the University of California Regents, a distinct path compared to other "Affiliated Colleges" that would eventually form the University of California, San Francisco. This hard-won freedom shaped its identity, ensuring it remained a standalone institution within the UC system, a testament to its founder's enduring, if sometimes challenging, legacy.

For many years, this institution was considered the primary law school of the University of California, dedicated to preparing lawyers for practice, contrasting with Berkeley's more academic approach to jurisprudence. Despite a period of decline and being dubbed a "peripatetic law school" due to its lack of a permanent campus and reliance on part-time faculty, it persevered. Its resilience is evidenced by its status as a charter member of the Association of American Law Schools in 1900 and its eventual establishment of a permanent campus in 1953, marking a significant turnaround.

Prospective students and families considering the University of California College of the Law-San Francisco will find a school with a deep-rooted commitment to legal education, shaped by a compelling narrative of vision, conflict, and ultimately, enduring independence. Its journey reflects a steadfast dedication to its mission, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a foundational legal education with a unique historical footprint.

Key Highlights

✦Founded in 1878 by Serranus Clinton Hastings, the first Chief Justice of California, with a $100,000 gift.
✦Maintained legislative independence from the University of California Regents since 1886, a distinction from other UC-affiliated professional schools.
✦A charter member of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) in 1900, one of only 27 initial members.
✦Designated as the University of California's "law department" until 1947, preceding other UC law schools.
✦Overcame a period of being a "peripatetic law school" to establish a permanent campus in 1953 after 16 different temporary locations.
✦The deanship, initially a part-time role, was converted to a full-time position in 1933, signaling a commitment to dedicated leadership.

Timeline

1878

Founded by Serranus Clinton Hastings with a legislative act, establishing it as a separate legal entity affiliated with the University of California.

1883

An attempt was made via legislative act to transfer the law school directly to the University of California, vesting governance in the Regents.

1886

The Supreme Court of California, in 'Kewen's Case,' declared the 1883 and 1885 acts unconstitutional, upholding the law school's independence from the Regents.

1899

Declined an invitation from the Regents to join the 'Affiliated Colleges' at their new Parnassus Heights campus, preferring its Civic Center location.

1900

Became one of 27 charter members of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS).

1903

Berkeley's Department of Jurisprudence began awarding law degrees, leading to a period of decline for Hastings.

1916

Involuntarily ejected from AALS for the first time, partly due to the lack of its own academic law library and permanent campus.

1933

The deanship was converted from a part-time to a full-time position.

1947

The state legislature passed a bill authorizing UCLA to create a 'school of law,' prompting Berkeley to rename its School of Jurisprudence to a School of Law.

1953

Opened its first permanent campus after operating from 16 different temporary sites since its founding.

Schools & Colleges

3 notable schools within University of California College of the Law-San Francisco

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University of California College of the Law-San Francisco

Established in 1878, it was designated as the University of California's primary 'law department' for many years, focused on preparing lawyers for practice in the state.

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Berkeley Law (formerly Department of Jurisprudence, School of Jurisprudence, Boalt Hall School of Law)

Initially conceived for the study of law as an academic discipline on the Berkeley campus, it began awarding law degrees in 1903 and quickly eclipsed Hastings, eventually becoming a prominent law school.

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The Affiliated Colleges (Medical, Dental, Nursing, and Pharmacy Schools in San Francisco)

A group of independent professional colleges in San Francisco that, unlike Hastings, voluntarily submitted to the UC Regents' governance in the early 20th century, eventually evolving into the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).

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