Co-curricular Opportunities

At UC Hastings, you can hone your lawyering skills through clinics, externships, pro-bono work, law journals and one of the nation’s best moot court teams.

To fully understand the challenging and exciting reality of modern legal practice, you have to live it. As a J.D. student at UC Hastings, you will have countless opportunities to live the real practice of the law through hands-on simulation courses, legal clinics, law journals, competitive professional skills teams, and community pro bono work.

Moot Court, Trial, and Negotiation Teams

The UC Hastings Moot Court Team was ranked #1 in the country for the 2010-2011 academic year. Members are selected from open tryouts each spring and the team participates in 20 moot court competitions annually. Our Moot Court Team is consistently one of the best in the nation and provides an unforgettable experience—both professionally and personally—for everyone involved. Our other professional skills teams include:

• Client Counseling Team
• Negotiation & Mediation Team
• Intercollegiate Trial Team

Legal Clinics & Pro Bono

The legal clinics at UC Hastings provide a remarkable opportunity to advocate for real clients and promote social justice in our community. At the Civil Justice Clinic (CJC), you’ll take lead responsibility for handling real cases and clients under the supervision of experienced faculty. We also run a thriving pro bono program offering free legal services and advice through dozens of non-profit partner organizations throughout the Bay Area.

Law Journals

UC Hastings publishes nine law journals, more than almost any other law school in the country.

Simulation Courses

Simulation courses make extensive use of real case studies and hands-on role-playing to learn basic legal procedure, client counseling, trial advocacy and more. You will work in teams to research a case, file briefs and argue on your client’s behalf in mock trials. The feedback you receive from professors, and your own analysis of videotaped sessions, will help you sharpen your professional lawyering skills.

Visit Us

Schedule a visit to explore UC Hastings’ our vibrant legal community and co-curricular opportunities first-hand.