University of California, Los Angeles - UCLA School of Law

Admittedly, “law school is tough.” Yet UCLA manages to do “a really good job of making the process as enjoyable as possible.” A large part of that has to do with the fact that the university provides students with “the perfect mix between a world-class education and a laid back environment.” Academically, students are privy to “a wide array of classes that are innovative and challenging.” There is a “huge focus” on “clinical/experiential learning” and many of these “clinics [result in] some unique opportunities, such as litigating environmental issues and helping inexperienced filmmakers get their film to market.” Even first years are able to get their hands dirty with “1L moot court, transactional competitions, mock trial, and journals.”

Importantly, students here gush when asked about their “outstanding” professors. They love that the faculty is comprised of “true scholars with a passion for teaching.” They also value that their instructors “come from a range of backgrounds” and “were practicing lawyers before entering academia.” Another hallmark of UCLA professors? Well, they’re “extremely accessible” and the vast majority make sure that their office hours are “flexible.” A decent number even deign to “take students out for lunch” every now and again!

Not to be outdone, the school’s administration is “amazing” in its own right and “generally very responsive.” As this impressed student shares, “Whenever I have a question about financial aid, enrollment, or internships, the person I talk to about it is eager to help me or point me in the direction of someone else who can help.” And an astonished classmate adds that they are “super supportive to the point where by your last final 1L year, they’re waiting for you outside, ready to serve you celebratory cake.”

Lastly, UCLA law students also rush to highlight the “incredible” Office of Career Services, which will “do anything and everything to help you.” One grateful student illustrates, “I’ve had my resume reviewed in-depth twice...Each time the reviewer was responsive well beyond normal business hours. My counselor was on call to provide any information I needed whenever I needed it.” All in all, students happily report that a UCLA JD leads to “desirable job placement for students and alumni.”

Students readily assert that “UCLA’s strongest selling point...is its environment.” As one happy individual surmises, “Maybe its the West LA location, but students who come to UCLA generally chill out when they get here.” Sure, you will encounter “some competition.” However, most people are “very collegial” and “it’s not hard to make friends that will have your back.” Many people do admit that “the student body definitely leans liberal.” And a smattering of individuals suggest that their peers can appear to be “intolerant of conservative and moderate opinions.” One student even complains that “this makes some classes feel rather uncomfortable, and every student who argues a non-progressive viewpoint has to qualify their statements.” Others counter that “conservative voices are not silenced in the classroom” and that there are “many productive conversations and debates between individuals who fall on different ends of the political spectrum.”

No matter your viewpoint, UCLA makes it easy to lead a robust life beyond the classroom. Many people note that the “student body association does a good job of planning events.” Additionally, “most students live in one of two apartment complexes (arranged through the school), which makes it easy to go grab a drink or a bite with a classmate.” And, of course, there are “tons of student organizations” in which you can participate.