Even though there are “no grades,” the P / H / HH distinction still matters a lot.
People at Berkeley are relaxed and really great to study with.
California law is really emphasized in classes; if you’re not planning to practice in California, that could be a downside.

2L

Amazing school. Great student body. One of the most respected law degrees in CA and NY- two of the leading states in law.

2L

Apply for matching scholarships right away. They’ll match anything if it’s on the list of schools they’ll consider, do not wait to get more money from a higher ranked school in hopes of increasing your scholarship odds. If you haven’t tried to match money by March you’ll be out of luck. / If you’re going to be obnoxious and irritating and want to wear business casual clothes every day, you should probably go somewhere else.

1L

Awesome IP curriculum. Can’t beat having SF across the Bay. Nice weather. Jerks and gunners are pretty scarce.

2L

I love the diversity, of the population as well as the scholarly interests. Frankly, I feel like there are more opportunities than I can ever take advantage of, which is sad. There are lunches every day on a law topic, a career topic or some things that are just for fun. Great access to professors that might help you, referrals to older students that have on-point info (on internships or extracurriculars, whatever), the CDO, it definitely feels like whenever I have a question, it gets answered and fast.

1L

It is far more expensive than it used to be, but still a great place to go to law school. Very laid back atmosphere compared to lower ranked schools some of my friends attend.

3L

It’s socially unacceptable to talk about it, but we all work hard. The whole idea that Berkeley is laid-back and cool comes from the fact that we support each other. In any given week, I put in more study hours than my friends at Stanford, Harvard or Yale (though my friend and Columbia does work harder than me).

2L

Probably that we aren’t the diamond in the rough the advertising makes it seem like we are. I’m happy here and thankful for the opportunities I’ve had, but Boalt isn’t this douche-free, no competition law school. Law school is still law school. Also, most of us don’t end up working in public interest.

2L

The tuition price tag looks high, but part of that is due to the assistance the law school offers to needy students. Students without lots of assets can get a need-based grant up to about $15,000.

2L

Vibrant public interest community, awesome and accessible faculty, active student body

2L

Grades matter. Work hard/smart as 1L and get a job during OCI.

3L

Top law school where people are – shocker – generally quite happy and supportive of each other.

2L

Boalt is probably the most laid back of the top schools – so much so that sometimes you forget how insanely hard most of your classmates work and how smart everyone is. 95% of people are shockingly laid back, well-adjusted, friendly people for a top law school. Its a very “causey place” and definitely leans left. The vast majority of students are certainly left of center but the “Berkeley radical” stereotype really only embodies a few of us. The faculty is incredible and the Bay area is great place to live (though Berkeley is a little grungy). The facilities are recently much improved – Boalt is now a concrete bunker but with an amazing glass box library. The school places very well (like other top schools I suspect). People with top grades have a million job offers but even people with very unimpressive grades often land big law(our grading system is unusual so that might have something to do with it). The school is especially strong in IP law and related areas. A good chunk of the class is very social and very tight knit and after 1L people mostly seem confident about their futures and like they are actually enjoying the law school experience. I have very positive feelings about Boalt.

2L

This is a school where students support each other, rather than focus on competing with each other. Professors are invested in students’ learning and courses are challenging, but engaging. Students are encouraged to participate in journals and student initiated legal projects during their first year, and there are plenty to choose from! The grading system is a bit non-traditional, but most large employers are familiar with it.

2L

Students are very involved in every aspect of the law school. Students and faculty also go to great lengths to ensure your law school experience is pleasant.

2L