UC Law Proud to Welcome Rep. Adam Schiff as 2023 Commencement Speaker

photo of Rep. Adam Schiff

U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff will address graduating law students at UC Law SF’s 142nd commencement ceremony on May 18, 2023.

UC Law San Francisco is proud to share that U.S. Congressman Adam Schiff of California will deliver the commencement speech to the college’s graduating class of 2023 this spring.

Schiff, a longtime member of the U.S. House of Representatives, made headlines in recent months through his role as a member of the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the U.S. Capitol. The committee recently issued an 814-page final report after interviewing more than 1,000 witnesses over an 18-month investigation.

“We are so excited to welcome Representative Schiff, who has dedicated much of his life to public service and defending American democracy, to speak to our graduating class at the college’s 142nd commencement ceremony,” said UC Law SF Chancellor and Dean David Faigman.

Born in Framingham, Massachusetts, Schiff moved west with his family at a young age and graduated from high school in Danville, California, about 30 miles east of San Francisco. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Stanford University and a law degree at Harvard University.

Prior to entering the world of politics, Schiff clerked for a federal judge and later spent six years as a federal prosecutor in Los Angeles, where he successfully led a criminal case against Richard Miller, the first FBI agent to be indicted and convicted of spying for Russia.

Schiff served five years as a California state senator before winning a seat on the U.S. House of Representatives, a position he has held since 2001. He represents California’s 30th House District, which includes parts of northern Los Angeles County.

Over his 22 years as a federal lawmaker, Schiff has held major positions on important House committees, including the Appropriations Committee. He previously served as chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Schiff also took on the role of lead House manager during the first Senate impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump in 2020.

Schiff will deliver his address at the law school’s 142nd commencement ceremony at the Bill Graham Auditorium on May 18. About 350 law students are expected to receive their diplomas.

This will be the first commencement ceremony held under the law school’s new name, University of California College of the Law, San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings). The law school’s name change became effective on Jan. 1.