The History of UC Hastings

The University of California, Hastings College of the Law has a rich history dating from its founding as California’s first law school in 1878. This section is an attempt to delve into that past to learn about the roots of this institution and the many individuals whose lives were touched by and in turn helped shape that history.

First Century is the centennial history of UC Hastings written by eminent legal historian, Professor Thomas Garden Barnes. Not only does Professor Barnes give a detailed account of the storms that the College weathered from its infancy to maturity, but he also provides insights into general developments in legal education in the United States.

Past Homes is a photo gallery depicting the locations where UC Hastings has called home since 1878. UC Hastings College of the Law enjoyed a peripatetic existence for the first 75 years. Here is a record of those wanderings.

UC Centennial: A Brief History of UC Hastings College of the Law is an excerpt from The Centennial Record of the University of California, 1868-1968, published by the University of California. It contains a list of references for further study.

Clara Foltz was one of the pioneers in the history of law in California. Her efforts to open legal education to women played an important part in UC Hastings’ history as well. Today, a student organization at UC Hastings is named in Clara Foltz’ honor.

Golden Jubilee is a publication that celebrated the 50th anniversary of UC Hastings. It contains articles on various aspects of the school at the time of its publication (1928.) We have included a short article on S.C. Hastings, the founder of the college.

Librarian Henke is a tribute by the current Law Librarian at UC Hastings to one of her predecessors. Dan Henke was instrumental in the expansion of the UC Hastings Law Library at a crucial moment in its history.

The Sixty-Five Club was an innovation in hiring practice by UC Hastings’ seventh Dean, David E. Snodgrass. Beginning with World War Two, UC Hastings was famous for its nationally recognized distinguished faculty.