Meet UC Law SF Board of Governors Member Andrew Angeles ‘19

Andrew Angeles ’19 works as an attorney for the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART).

Before becoming an attorney for a major public transit agency, Andrew Angeles ’19 gained hands-on experience working with technology companies and city government lawyers as a law student at UC Law San Francisco.

“UC Law SF provided the foundation, experience, connections, and education to get me where I am today,” Angeles said.

As a law student, Angeles worked with early-stage tech companies through the UC Law SF Startup Legal Garage. He assisted startups with corporate legal issues, including entity formation, contracting, and employment issues. He also interned with the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office, where he focused on legal issues involving energy and telecommunications.

Angeles said he chose UC Law SF because of its experiential learning opportunities and reputation as a school that helped launch the careers of great civic leaders.

Angeles, who now works as a lawyer for the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), said he wanted to give back to his alma mater by serving on the UC Law SF Alumni Association Board of Governors. The board serves as a liaison between alumni and the school’s administration. It provides valuable input on alumni volunteer activities, chapter and affinity group programming, and helps support department initiatives.

“I could not be happier to support a school where people are dedicated to the law and stand for justice,” Angeles said. “I hope my service will allow the students and alumni to thrive.”

In his role as attorney for BART, Angeles negotiates public contracts, reviews new and existing laws, represents BART in labor arbitrations and disciplinary hearings, and advises management on labor and employment issues, among other duties.

Angeles spent his early years in the Bay Area before moving to Los Angeles at a young age. He said he developed a strong interest in public policy as a teenager, which led him to pursue degrees in that field. Before law school, he earned both a master’s and bachelor’s degree in public policy from the University of Chicago.

Before joining BART’s legal team, Angeles worked at international and national law firms as a litigator and regulatory advisor for businesses and professionals. His practice included maritime law, cyber law, commercial litigation, insurance coverage, and professional liability.

He recommends that current law students take advantage of clinics, externships, and other opportunities to get hands-on experience. He also suggests they take time to breathe, relax, and stay mentally and physically healthy through law school.

“Law school is a wonderful time to push your analytical thinking and further your intellect,” Angeles said. “At the same time, it is a place to make lasting connections with fellow law students, professors, and alumni. Once you are a UC Law SF student, you belong to a community that you can rely on.”