News Archive

The Witness to Guantanamo Project Completes 100 InterviewsStory

The Witness to Guantanamo Project Completes 100 Interviews

Witness to Guantanamo, a project that has traveled the globe interviewing former Guantanamo Bay detainees and others involved with Cuba’s notorious detention camp, has filmed its 100th first-person interview.

USF Moot Court Team Clinches National TitleStory

USF Moot Court Team Clinches National Title

A team of three USF School of Law students beat out 45 other teams in March to win the Robert F. Wagner National Labor and Employment Law Moot Court Competition, the premier national competition dedicated exclusively to labor and employment law.

USF and the U.S. News Law School Rankings

Law Review Symposium Explores Affirmative Action

The University of San Francisco Law Review symposium “The Future of Affirmative Action after Fisher” gathered lawyers, law professors, nonprofit leaders and others on Feb. 22 to consider the role of affirmative action in society today.

Week of Events Celebrate Law School CentennialStory

Centennial Events Highlight History, Look to Second Century

Centennial Challenge Promotes Community ServiceStory

Centennial Challenge Promotes Community Service

The Student Bar Association (SBA) is encouraging students, faculty, staff, and alumni to collectively perform 10,000 hours of community service throughout the centennial year.

Supreme Court to Hold Session at USFStory

Supreme Court to Hold Session at USF

The Supreme Court of California will hold a special oral argument session on Tuesday, Feb. 5 in the McLaren Conference Center at the University of San Francisco.

Recent Alum Takes on Facebook in Class Action

Less than two years out of the USF School of Law, Jonathan Jaffe ’09 made a name for himself by filing a case against social media giant Facebook over the company’s “Sponsored Stories” ad program, which publicizes users’ “likes” without their consent.

Alumna Elected to Illinois Supreme CourtStory

Alumna Elected to Illinois Supreme Court

Hon. Mary Jane Theis, a 1974 graduate of the USF School of Law, was elected to the Illinois Supreme Court Nov. 6 with more than 75 percent of the vote.

Class of 2012 Grads Sworn in as Lawyers

Story

Class of 2012 Grads Sworn in as California Lawyers

Nearly 100 members of the USF School of Law class of 2012 gathered in St. Ignatius Church Dec. 4 to be sworn in as attorneys.

Dean Brand Delivers Inaugural Faculty LectureStory

Dean Brand Delivers Lecture on Hope

On Dec. 4, Dean Jeffrey S. Brand delivered the inaugural University Ministry Faculty Lecture titled "The Outskirts of Hope."

UT Law Professor Presents Research to USF Faculty

As part of the Centennial Faculty Scholarship Workshop Series, University of Texas School of Law Professor Gerald Torres presented research on citizenship and human rights to USF law professors on Nov. 7.

Esteemed Alumni Serve as Judges in AYC CompetitionStory

Esteemed Alumni Serve as Judges in AYC Competition

California Supreme Court Associate Justice Ming Chin BA ’64, JD ’67 was among several esteemed alumni judges of the Advocate of the Year Competition that spanned several weekends in September and October. William Knox-Davies 3L won the competition finals on Oct. 19.

Yale Professor Presents Scholarship to Students, FacultyStory

Yale Professor Presents Scholarship to Students, Faculty

At the second presentation of the Student Bar Association Centennial Speaker Series, Yale Law School Professor Vicki Schultz spoke on ways to balance work and other commitments to have a meaningful life. The centennial speaker series features esteemed faculty from around the country speaking on legal issues ranging from criminal law to environmental justice.

Students Teach Basics of Copyright LawStory

Students Teach Basics of Copyright Law

USF law students taught more than 60 Redwood High School music students the basics of copyright law in Marin County on Oct. 19. The visit is part of the Intellectual Property Rights Lecture Series, organized by the Marin Bar Association Pro Bono Committee and the University of San Francisco School of Law.

CLGJ Report Documents Violence Faced by Haitian Journalists

The law school’s Center for Law and Global Justice (CLGJ) has co-published a report documenting trends of hostility and violence against journalists that create an atmosphere of fear and restrict freedom of expression in Haiti.

Dean Brand to Step DownStory

Dean Brand to Step Down

University of San Francisco School of Law Dean Jeffrey S. Brand has announced he will step down in summer 2013 after serving 14 years as dean.

USF Reception Celebrates Diversity

The USF School of Law Fifth Annual Diversity Reception, hosted by Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, took place Oct. 4. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni attended the event in celebration of diversity at the law school and in the legal profession.

Former Advisor, Speechwriter of MLK Jr. Speaks at the USF School of LawStory

Former Advisor, Speechwriter of MLK Jr. Speaks at the USF School of Law

Dr. Clarence B. Jones delivered an address to the law school community on his role advising the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and defending King and other leaders of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in a libel case filed against them and the New York Times.

USF School of Law Launches Centennial CelebrationStory

USF School of Law Launches Centennial Celebration

The University of San Francisco School of Law began a yearlong celebration of its 100th anniversary this week with a centennial convocation featuring Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Library Construction Creates New Space for Students and Faculty

Substantial construction at the library this summer created additional study rooms and offices for faculty, programs, and clinics.

USF School of Law Marks Centennial with New Book Story

USF School of Law Marks Centennial with New Book

To mark its centennial, the University of San Francisco School of Law has published a book documenting the law school’s humble beginnings in a small building on Market Street to the modern facilities at Koret Law Center where more than 700 men and women from diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds attend classes today.

Human Rights in Criminal Sentencing Project Advocates for ReformStory

Human Rights in Criminal Sentencing Project Advocates for Reform

The USF School of Law Human Rights in Criminal Sentencing Project is advocating for sentencing reforms based on its research that U.S. penal laws are out of step with the rest of the world.

New JD and LLM Students Join USFStory

New JD and LLM Students Join USF

A new JD class of 186 full-time and 34 part-time students began classes this month. The entering class, composed of 53 percent women and 46 percent students of color, are joined by 15 LLM students from 12 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Zimbabwe, Eritrea, and Colombia.

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Selects USF Clinic for Pilot Program

The University of San Francisco School of Law is one of nine law schools nationwide recently selected to participate in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Law School Clinic Certification Pilot Program. The program certifies law students to practice trademark law before the USPTO under the guidance of a faculty member.

USF Law Students Inspire Young ImmigrantsStory

USF Law Students Inspire Young Immigrants

Professor John Adler and USF students met this spring with middle and high school students at Canal Alliance, a program that aims to help low-income, Spanish-speaking immigrants in Marin County become self sufficient and develop leadership skills.

Clinic Responds to Lack of Transparency at U.N. MeetingStory

Clinic Responds to Lack of Transparency at U.N. Meeting

For the first time in the history of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), delegates failed to adopt agreed conclusions at the 56th session this spring.

USF Law Students Earn Scholarships

Multiple USF School of Law students have received writing, diversity, and public interest scholarships this year.

Students Excel in Advocacy CompetitionsStory

Students Excel in Advocacy Competitions

More than 50 students took part in advocacy competitions in the 2011–2012 academic year, with many participants earning awards for their performance and four students advancing to national semi-finals.

Scholarship Produced by Emeriti Faculty

USF School of Law senior and emeriti faculty members are producing scholarship at an impressive rate and in a broad array of fields.

Class of 2012 Celebrates GraduationStory

Class of 2012 Celebrates Graduation

Hundreds gathered in St. Ignatius Church May 19 to watch the USF School of Law Class of 2012 graduate. About 220 graduates received Juris Doctor degrees, six received JD/MBA degrees, 14 received LLM in International Transactions and Comparative Law degrees, and four received LLM in Intellectual Property and Technology Law degrees.

USF Law Students and Alum Selected for Fellowship Programs

Multiple USF School of Law students and a 2011 graduate have been selected for highly competitive public service and diversity fellowships.

Fortes Recognized as John J. Meehan Alumni FellowStory

Fortes Recognized as John J. Meehan Alumni Fellow

R. Manuel Fortes BA ’82, JD ’85, was awarded the 2011–2012 John J. Meehan Alumni Fellowship at a reception in April.

Travis Participates in Senate Meeting on Women in the WorkplaceStory

Travis Participates in Senate Meeting on Women in the Workplace

Professor Michelle Travis participated in a discussion on economic empowerment and job creation for women organized by the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee.

Leo’s New Book Explores Interrogation PracticesStory

Leo’s New Book Explores Interrogation Practices

In their new book, Confessions of Guilt: From Torture to Miranda and Beyond (Oxford University Press, 2012), Professor Richard A. Leo and co-author George Thomas III examine how interrogation practices have shifted throughout history—at periods utilizing and at other times avoiding extreme force.

ACS Hosts Visit to Ninth CircuitStory

ACS Hosts Visit to Ninth Circuit

First-year law students visited the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in San Francisco in March.

Law Student Earns Rosenthal ScholarshipStory

Law Student Earns Rosenthal Scholarship

Elizabeth Léone 4L earned the California Bar Foundation’s Rosenthal Bar Exam Scholarship, which supports graduates with financial need entering the legal profession as public interest attorneys.

Art Show Raises Money for SF Food Bank

The USF School of Law Equal Justice Society’s Eighth Annual Creative Justice Art Show raised more than $1,200 for the San Francisco Food Bank. The March 16 fundraising event was titled “Hunger Pains,” and aimed to illuminate the experiences of those who go hungry in the community.

3L Wins Equal Justice Works Fellowship

Elizabeth Aleman 3L has been selected for a highly competitive Equal Justice Works fellowship.

McCarthy Inducted in IP Hall of FameStory

McCarthy Inducted in IP Hall of Fame

Senior Professor J. Thomas McCarthy was one of six global intellectual property leaders to be inducted into the Intellectual Property Hall of Fame for 2012.

Reception Highlights USF Diversity EffortsStory

Reception Highlights USF Diversity Efforts

More than 100 students and alumni gathered at the law offices of Bingham McCutchen LLP for the USF School of Law’s Fourth Annual Diversity Reception. The event highlighted USF’s efforts to increase diversity in the legal profession.

Electronic Communications Privacy Explored in Law Review Symposium

The University of San Francisco Law Review symposium “Big Brother in the 21st Century? Reforming the Electronic Communications Privacy Act” brought together members of the bench, practitioners, government officials, activists, and others to discuss electronic communications privacy and legal reforms.

Trademark Law Leaders Meet in New York for USF SymposiumStory

Trademark Law Leaders Meet in New York for USF Symposium

Nearly 300 trademark attorneys, brand owners, law professors and others gathered in New York for the third annual symposium on trademark law sponsored by the USF School of Law McCarthy Institute for Intellectual Property and Technology Law and Microsoft Corp.

Social Justice Lawyer Shares Insights with Students

Director of the Center for Law and Ethics Joshua Davis led a conversation with social justice lawyer Kelly Dermody, partner at Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP and president of the Bar Association of San Francisco.

Students Assist Rural SeniorsStory

Students Assist Rural Seniors

University of San Francisco School of Law students assisted low-income seniors on a OneJustice trip to the rural towns of Orosi and Earlimart in Tulare County.

CLGJ Report Addresses Haitian IDP Camp Closures

Two years after a devastating earthquake, hundreds of thousands of Haitians are still living in camps in and around Port-au-Prince, and a new report from the Center for Law and Global Justice aims to help the resettlement process.

Recent Alum Fights for Refugee RightsStory

Recent Alum Fights for Refugee Rights

The University of San Francisco Center for Law and Global Justice is sponsoring a fellowship in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, this academic year in partnership with Asylum Access, an international nonprofit dedicated to refugee rights.

Lindbergh Porter ’81 Honored as Alumnus of the YearStory

Lindbergh Porter ’81 Honored as Alumnus of the Year

Lindbergh Porter ’81 was bestowed the 2011 Alumnus of the Year Award at the USF School of Law’s Holiday Luncheon on Dec. 1.

Rivera Earns Aranda Award

Hon. Maria P. Rivera ’74 has earned the 2011 Aranda Access to Justice Award. The Aranda Award honors a trial judge or an appellate justice whose activities demonstrate a long-term commitment to improving access to justice.

Study: USF Top Producer of Big Firm Partners

In a new study examining where partners at the largest U.S. law firms went to school, the University of San Francisco School of Law is ranked fourth for the San Francisco region.

Alum Shares Knowledge on IP Investment FieldStory

Alum Shares Knowledge on IP Investment Field

Ron Laurie ’68 participated in the Nov. 9 event “Got Patents? The Strategic Use of Patents to Increase Market Share,” moderated by Professor David Franklyn. Laurie is managing director of Inflexion Point Strategy LLC, an intellectual property investment bank, and a former IP lawyer.

Alumna Inspires Students With Career Achievements

Angela Alioto BA ’72, JD ’83, a civil rights attorney and former president of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, spoke with students at a Nov. 9 event sponsored by the Office of Career Planning, USF Law Democrats, and the Women’s Law Association.

AYC Competition Explores Legal IssuesStory

AYC Competition Explores Legal Issues

Brian Raynor 3L won the 2011 Advocate of the Year Competition, which spanned several weekends and culminated in the competition finals Oct. 21. Raynor competed in the finals with Jay Pitchford 3L.

Reunion Joins ClassmatesStory

Reunion Joins Classmates

More than 330 people reconnected with friends and faculty at the 2011 USF School of Law Reunion Gala at the InterContinental Hotel Oct. 22. The law school welcomed alumni from classes ending in ’1 and ’6 and their family and friends.

USF Students Assist Naturalization Clinic

Five USF law students traveled to Fresno Oct. 8 to participate in a naturalization clinic for Southeast Asian communities co-sponsored by the Asian Pacific American Legal Center (APALC), OneJustice, California Rural Legal Assistance, and other organizations.

La Raza Job Fair Attracts Employers to USFStory

La Raza Job Fair Attracts Employers to USF

Juliana Garcia 3L and Maria Becerra 3L played a pivotal role in organizing the Northern California La Raza Law Students Coalition First Annual Job Fair, which took place at the USF School of Law Oct. 8.

Traylor Earns CEDAW Award

Associate Director of International Programs Julianne Cartwright Traylor will be presented the Legacy CEDAW Women’s Human Rights Award from the Friends of the San Francisco Commission on the Status of Women on Oct. 17.

First-Year Students Honored with ScholarshipsStory

First-Year Students Honored with Scholarships

First-year students Everardo Mora and Raymond Rollan have been honored with scholarships from the Bar Association of San Francisco and California Bar Foundation.

Adjunct Professor Bestowed Shanghai AwardStory

Adjunct Professor Bestowed Shanghai Award

Adjunct Professor Tom Klitgaard, a 1956 graduate of the University of San Francisco, was bestowed the Magnolia Silver Award by the Shanghai Municipal Government at a Sept. 9 ceremony in Shanghai.

Inn of Court Launches New Season

The University of San Francisco Inn of Court will kick off the 2011–2012 season with a meet and greet on
Sept. 21.

Federal Employees Find Representation Through USF Clinic

The U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) has launched a pilot project with the University of San Francisco School of Law in which Employment Law Clinic students represent federal employees in hearings on employment related disputes.

Legal Writing Conference Addresses Changing Legal MarketStory

Legal Writing Conference Addresses Changing Legal Market

The University of San Francisco School of Law recently hosted the 2011 Western Regional Legal Writing Conference “How to Hit the Ground Writing: Meeting the Expectations of the Changing Legal Market.”

First-Year and LLM Students Welcomed to Law School

The USF School of Law has welcomed a new class of 246 Juris Doctor students, including 57 part-time students, and 17 Master of Law students. Students participated in a number of orientation activities last week, including a Law In Motion event attended by U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi at the AIDS Memorial Grove in Golden Gate Park.

University Unveils New Logo, TaglineStory

University Unveils New Logo, Tagline

The University of San Francisco has unveiled a new logo and tagline designed to capture the exchange of knowledge and learning in action that is the university’s hallmark.

Student Exchange Program Enriches Educational Experience

The USF School of Law welcomes University of Luxembourg student Christian Junck and City University of Hong Kong student Yuli Yan this month. Junck and Yan are the first international students attending USF through the law school’s new Student Exchange program.

USF Students Travel the Globe for Summer ProgramsStory

USF Students Travel the Globe for Summer Programs

More than 70 USF law students spanned the globe this summer to participate in externships, study abroad programs, and an immersion course.

Third-Year Student Speaks at OneJustice Benefit

Carmen Franklin 3L was the featured student speaker at the OneJustice benefit reception and auction “Opening Doors to Justice”; approximately 350 people attended the July 13 event.

USF Fellowship Focuses on Criminal Sentencing ReformStory

USF Fellowship Focuses on Criminal Sentencing Reform

The University of San Francisco’s Center for Law and Global Justice recently received a Ford Foundation grant for the project “Marshalling Global Human Rights to Reform Criminal Punishment and Sentencing in the United States.”

Justice Forum Highlights Students’ Work at U.N.

At a recent USF School of Law Justice Forum, eight students shared stories of their participation in meetings of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York City and the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland.

252 Receive Degrees During CommencementStory

252 Receive Degrees During Class of 2011 Commencement

Hundreds of family and friends filled St. Ignatius Church May 21 for the graduation of the USF School of Law Class of 2011. 

Alum Grad Dinner Celebrates Class of 2011 Story

Alum Grad Dinner Celebrates Class of 2011

More than 300 graduating students, alumni, faculty, and staff gathered at the InterContinental Hotel May 18 to salute the class of 2011 and present a number of faculty and student awards at the annual Alumni Graduates Dinner.

McCarthy Honored For Contributions to Trademark Law

Senior Professor J. Thomas McCarthy was honored May 17 with a Distinguished Service Award for his contributions to trademark law at a gala reception during the annual meeting of the International Trademark Association (INTA).

De la Vega and Price Honored at USF Service and Merit Awards CeremonyStory

De la Vega and Price Honored at USF Service and Merit Awards Ceremony

Amid cheering and clapping, Professor Connie de la Vega was bestowed the Sarlo Prize and Professor Bruce Price received the Center for Instruction and Technology (CIT) Award at the University of San Francisco’s 35th Annual Service and Merit Awards.

Cirelli Receives Meehan Award

In recognition of his service to the law school and students in the years since graduating, the USF School of Law named Lawrence M. Cirelli BS ’78, JD ’84, partner at Hanson Bridgett LLP, the 2010–2011 John J. Meehan Alumni Fellow.

Therapy Dog Sessions Ease Exam StressStory

Therapy Dog Sessions Ease Exam Stress

While most of her classmates hovered over books and laptops preparing for final exams in the Zief Law Library Thursday afternoon, Jackie Falk 1L sat on the floor of a private room in the library playing with Sophia Loren, a gentle pit bull/Weimaraner mix. Sophia did tricks—roll over, give a high five, take a bow—and Falk rewarded her with doggie treats and affectionate scratching under the ears.

Green Focuses Scholarship on Systemic Disparate Treatment TheoryStory

Green Focuses Scholarship on Systemic Disparate Treatment Theory

Professor Tristin Green has established the Working Group on the Future of Systemic Disparate Treatment Law with Noah Zatz, professor of law at UC Los Angeles.

Coast Guard's Top Attorney Visits USFStory

Coast Guard’s Top Attorney Visits USF

Rear Admiral Frederick J. Kenney Jr. ’91, judge advocate general of the U.S. Coast Guard, gave a presentation on Coast Guard careers at the USF School of Law on April 4.

Ann Kariuki 3L Bestowed NBLSA Student Award
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Kariuki Bestowed NBLSA Student Award

Ann Kariuki 3L has received the National Black Law Students Association’s (NBLSA) Most Outstanding Student Award, which was presented at the national convention in Houston. Kariuki serves as the career and professional development chair of the USF School of Law chapter of the Black Law Students Association.

Leo Awarded Guggenheim FellowshipStory

Leo Awarded Guggenheim Fellowship for Wrongful Convictions Research

Associate Professor Richard A. Leo has been awarded a 2011 Guggenheim Fellowship in the general nonfiction category for his forthcoming book The Innocence Revolution, co-authored with Tom Wells.

McCarthy Institute Shares Findings on Search Engine Study

The McCarthy Institute for Intellectual Property and Technology Law has established the Center for the Empirical Study of Trademark Law (CEST) with projects that include a study of consumers’ understanding of the difference between online search engine results that are unpaid and those that are paid advertisements.

USF Law Included in Diversity Rankings

The University of San Francisco School of Law has been named one of the most diverse law schools by the National Jurist.

Trina Grillo Retreat Inspires ChangeStory

Trina Grillo Retreat Inspires Change

The 13th Annual Trina Grillo Public Interest and Social Justice Law Retreat “Human Rights at Home and Abroad” gathered law students and activists at the University of San Francisco School of Law on March 25 and 26.

USF Law Review Symposium Explores Citizens UnitedStory

USF Law Review Symposium Explores Citizens United

The University of San Francisco Law Review symposium “Democracy, Inc? Citizens United, Corporate Expenditures, and the Future of Campaign Finance Law” gathered campaign finance law experts and reformers Feb. 25 to discuss the landmark ruling Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission and its effects.

Student-Alumni Mentoring Program Launched

In an effort to connect current students with alumni who can provide advice and support throughout the law school experience, the USF School of Law has launched Connections, a new web-based mentoring program.

Judges’ Photos Bring History to Moot Court RoomStory

Judges’ Photos Bring History to Moot Court Room

In an ongoing project that highlights the success of alumni and provides students a glimpse of what could be their future, photographs of alumni who have become judges now adorn the walls of the USF School of Law Moot Court Room.

Politicos Find Agreement During Debate

Students, faculty, staff, and community members gathered in Fromm Hall on the USF campus Jan. 27 for a debate between two former congressmen, California Democratic Party Chairman and USF School of Law alumnus John Burton and former Libertarian Party Presidential Nominee Bob Barr.

USF School of Law Receives Federal Grant to Combat Trafficking in HaitiStory

USF School of Law Receives $750,000 Grant to Combat Human Trafficking in Haiti

The University of San Francisco School of Law’s Center for Law and Global Justice will soon offer human rights courses, focused on preventing child trafficking, at several Haitian law schools.

Law Graduates Join the BarStory

Law Graduates Join the Bar

Hundreds of alumni, family, and friends gathered in St. Ignatius Church Dec. 3 as University of San Francisco School of Law alumni who passed the July 2010 California Bar Examination were sworn in as licensed attorneys.

PILF Auction Supports Student InternshipsStory

PILF Auction Supports Student Internships

The USF School of Law Seventh Annual Public Interest Law Foundation (PILF) Gala and Award Ceremony raised approximately $48,000 to support students working in the public interest field next summer.

Justice Maria Rivera Named Alum of the YearStory

Justice Maria Rivera Named Alum of the Year

California Court of Appeal Justice Maria P. Rivera ’74 was named the 2010 USF School of Law Alumna of the Year on Dec. 1 during the law school’s annual Holiday Luncheon.

ACS and Pride Law Host Prop. 8 PanelStory

ACS and Pride Law Host Prop. 8 Panel

On Nov. 18, the USF School of Law American Constitution Society and Pride Law Association co-sponsored the “Prop 8 Update.”

Debate Examines Prop. 23
 Story

Debate Examines Prop. 23

On Oct. 27, the USF School of Law Environmental Law Society hosted a debate on Proposition 23, an initiative on the Nov. 2 ballot that would have suspended California’s climate change law.

USF Teach-In Explores Impact of BP Oil SpillStory

USF Teach-In Explores Impact of BP Oil Spill

The University of San Francisco School of Law and the College of Arts and Sciences organized the Nov. 1 teach-in “BP, the Gulf, and Beyond: Environmental and Human Costs of the Gulf Oil Disaster.”

USF Featured in The Best 172 Law SchoolsStory

USF Featured in The Best 172 Law Schools

The University of San Francisco is one of the nation's most outstanding law schools, according to The Princeton Review. The education services company features USF in the 2011 edition of its book The Best 172 Law Schools.

USF and Charles University Celebrate 20-Year Partnership

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the partnership between Charles University and the USF School of Law.

CLGJ Report Explores Conditions in Haiti Story

CLGJ Report Explores Conditions in Haiti

The Center for Law and Global Justice has co-published a report with the Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti (IJDH) and other social justice organizations that explores conditions in Haiti’s displacement camps after the devastating earthquake in January 2010.

USF Symposium Examines Clean Technology and the Law Story

USF Symposium Examines Clean Technology and the Law

Legal practitioners, professors, policymakers, and private industry leaders gathered at the University of San Francisco on Friday, Oct. 1 for the symposium “Clean Technology and the Law: The Legal Infrastructure for Promoting the Development and Dissemination of Clean Technologies.”

BLSA Retreat Emphasizes Academic SuccessStory

BLSA Retreat Emphasizes Academic Success

The Western Regional Black Law Students Association’s (WRBLSA) Northern Sub-Region Academic Retreat took place at the University of San Francisco School of Law on Sept. 25.

The American Lawyer Magazine Recognizes Prof. McCarthy Story

American Lawyer Recognizes McCarthy

The American Lawyer named Senior Professor J. Thomas McCarthy, founding director of the McCarthy Institute for Intellectual Property and Technology Law, one of the 25 most influential persons in the intellectual property field.

PILF Grantees Gain Experience and Knowledge this Summer Story

PILF Grantees Gain Experience, Knowledge

This summer 27 law students participated in local, national, and international internships funded by the USF School of Law Public Interest Law Foundation (PILF).

Prof. Hing Reflects on USF School of Law Immigration Photo Exhibit 

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Hing Reflects on Immigration Photo Exhibit

This fall, a black-and-white photo exhibit exploring immigration is on display with a statement by Professor Bill Ong Hing in the USF School of Law’s second floor rotunda.

USF Ranked Top Law School for Hispanics

The University of San Francisco School of Law is one of the top 10 law schools for Hispanics in 2010, according to Hispanic Business magazine. USF, which ranked as the ninth best law school for Hispanics, is one of the most diverse in the nation with approximately 41 percent students of color in the 2010 entering class.

Prof. Davis Named Associate Dean for Faculty Scholarship

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Davis Named Associate Dean for Faculty Scholarship

USF School of Law Professor Joshua P. Davis has been named associate dean for faculty scholarship, a newly created position intended to enhance the law school's scholarly production and reputation.

The USF School of Law SBA Diversity Committee Wins ABA Award

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USF Law Diversity Committee Wins ABA Award

The American Bar Association (ABA) has presented the University of San Francisco School of Law Student Bar Association (SBA) Diversity Committee with the Henry J. Ramsey, Jr. Diversity Award, which recognizes excellence in improving diversity and advancement within the legal profession.

New Class Welcomed to USF

A new class of 251 Juris Doctor students, including 41 percent students of color and 53 percent women, joined the USF School of Law last week. The entering class was chosen from nearly 4,700 applicants and boasts a median GPA of 3.45 and median LSAT score of 159.

Summer Experiences Expand Student HorizonsStory

Summer Experiences Expand Student Horizons

This summer approximately 95 USF law students traveled the world for internship and study opportunities.

Ronald Wheeler Joins USF as Zief Library Director

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Ronald Wheeler Joins USF

Ronald Wheeler joined the USF School of Law as an associate professor of law and the new director of the Dorraine Zief Law Library July 1.

Leo Receives Edwin H. Sutherland Award from Law and Society Division

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Leo Receives Edwin H. Sutherland Award

Associate Professor Richard Leo earned the Law and Society Division Society for the Study of Social Problems (SSSP) Edwin H. Sutherland Award for his book Police Interrogation and American Justice (Harvard University Press, 2008).

Professor Denvir Examines First Amendment in New BookStory

Professor Denvir Examines First Amendment in New Book

In his new book Freeing Speech: The Constitutional War Over National Security (NYU Press, 2010), USF School of Law Research Professor of Constitutional Policy John Denvir explores the issue of presidential dominance and proposes an ambitious solution: a First Amendment that makes sure the voices of opposition are heard.

Ning Yu '10 Awarded American Bankruptcy Institute Medal of ExcellenceStory

Yu Awarded Medal of Excellence

Ning Yu '10 was awarded the 2010 American Bankruptcy Institute Medal of Excellence for her outstanding performance in her bankruptcy coursework.

USF Law Students Serve Local Communities

Ten University of San Francisco law students were selected from more than 1,500 applicants to participate in the 2010 Equal Justice Works Summer Corps program. USF has the highest number of participating students of all California law schools.

USF Advocacy Teams Continued Success

USF Advanced Advocacy Competitions Program teams continued to earn top placements in moot court competitions this spring.

Graduating Class Praised for Spirit, Passion, DriveStory

Graduating Class Praised for Spirit, Passion, Drive

St. Ignatius Church filled with family and friends May 22 to honor this year's graduating class at the University of San Francisco School of Law commencement ceremony.

Class of 2010 Honored at Alumni Graduates DinnerStory

Class of 2010 Honored at Alumni Graduates Dinner

More than 300 students, alumni, faculty and staff gathered at San Francisco's InterContinental Hotel May 19 to welcome the Class of 2010 into the USF School of Law alumni ranks. The evening also included the presentation of several faculty and student awards, as well as a class gift to the law school.

U.S. Supreme Court Cites de la Vega and Leighton’s Research

Citing Professor Connie de la Vega and Director of Human Rights Programs Michelle Leighton's research in the Graham v. Florida decision reached May 17, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the Eighth Amendment's Cruel and Unusual Punishment Clause does not permit a juvenile offender to be sentenced to life in prison without parole for a non-homicide crime.

Professor Hing proposes a policy for U.S. investment in Mexico. Story

Hing Examines Mexican Migration and U.S. Immigration Policy in New Book

In his new book, Ethical Borders: NAFTA, Globalization, and Mexican Migration (Temple University Press, 2010), Professor Bill Ong Hing examines why undocumented immigrants from Mexico continue to enter the United States and proposes a policy for U.S. investment in Mexico that would improve conditions so that Mexican citizens would have little incentive to migrate.

Thai and Vietnamese Delegations Visit USF 

Delegations from Thailand and Vietnam visited the USF School of Law in April to learn about international and United States legal education and share insights from their own countries.

Circle of Greed Author Visits USF

Award-winning journalist Patrick Dillon spoke to students and faculty April 8 about his new book Circle of Greed: The Spectacular Rise and Fall of the Lawyer Who Brought Corporate America to its Knees, which he co-authored with Carl M. Cannon. The event was sponsored by the Center for Law and Ethics.

USF drew attention to the recovery and rebuilding taking place in Haiti by holding a teach-in.

Story

USF Hosts Teach-In on Haiti

As the media spotlight fades from Haiti following a devastating 7.0-magnitude earthquake on January 12, the University of San Francisco drew attention to the recovery and rebuilding taking place in Haiti by holding a half-day teach-in of first-hand accounts and expert discussion.

Law School Participates in International ProceedingsStory

Law School Participates in International Proceedings

The USF School of Law participated in international human rights proceedings in March, including a consultation with the U.S. Department of State and meetings of the United Nations Human Rights Council and Commission on the Status of Women.

USF Among Top 100 Law Schools According to U.S. News RankingsStory

USF Among Top 100 Law Schools According to U.S. News Rankings

The USF School of Law ranks among the top 100 law schools in the United States, according to the 2011 U.S. News and World Report rankings of law schools released April 16.

Manian, Price Receive Tenure

Maya Manian and Bruce Price have been granted tenure and promoted to full professor, Dean Jeffrey Brand announced in April.

Employment Law Scholar Joins FacultyStory

Employment Law Scholar Joins Faculty

Tristin K. Green has joined the faculty of the USF School of Law as a tenured professor.

USF Advocacy Teams Earn Top Placements at Jessup CompetitionStory

USF Advocacy Teams Earn Top Placements

USF Advanced Advocacy Competitions Program teams have earned top placements in moot court competitions this academic year.

Law Students Awarded California Bar Foundation ScholarshipsStory

Law Students Awarded California Bar Foundation Scholarships

The California Bar Foundation recently presented scholarships to USF School of Law students who demonstrated a commitment to public service.

Brandi and Arns Named Alumni of the Year

Renowned trial attorneys Robert S. Arns '75 and Thomas J. Brandi '72 were named USF School of Law Alumni of the Year for 2009 during the annual Holiday Luncheon Dec. 2.

2009 PILF Auction Raises Record-Breaking Total

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PILF Auction Raises Record-Breaking Total

This year's Sixth Annual USF Public Interest Law Foundation Gala Auction and Award Ceremony raised enough money to provide 27 summer grants for public interest internships in 2010.

Andy Worthington Screens New Guantanamo Documentary.Story

Andy Worthington Screens New Guantanamo Documentary 

In November, freelance journalist and historian Andy Worthington, author of The Guantanamo Files: The Stories of 776 Detainees in America's Illegal Prison, presented a screening of his new documentary film to USF law students.

Class of ’09 Posts 81.3 Percent Bar Pass RateStory

Class of ’09 Posts 81.3 Percent Bar Pass Rate

The USF School of Law Class of 2009 achieved an 81.3 percent pass rate on the July 2009 California Bar Examination, exceeding 80 percent for the third straight year.

End Life Without Parole for JuvenilesStory

End Life Without Parole for Juveniles

The efforts of Professor Connie de la Vega and Director of Human Rights Programs Michelle Leighton to abolish juvenile life sentences without parole (JLWOP) by courts in the United States have been rewarded with a $140,000 grant from the Ford Foundation.

Graduate Earns White House InternshipStory

Graduate Earns White House Internship

This fall, Jennifer Baker '09 is interning in the Office of the Counsel to Vice President Joe Biden. She is working with Counsel Cynthia Hogan and her two deputy attorneys.

USF Ranked High by Super Lawyers

The USF School of Law received high rankings from Super Lawyers magazine in recognition of alumni professional achievement.

Leo's Book Wins Criminal Justice AwardStory

Leo's Book Wins Criminal Justice Award

Associate Professor Richard Leo received the prestigious Outstanding Book Award from the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences for his book Police Interrogation and American Justice.

CERD Adopts General Recommendation 32Story

CERD Adopts General Recommendation 32

Several suggestions proposed by Professor Connie de la Vega to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) were adopted at its 75th session in August.

McCarthy Symposium Examines New Challenges to Trademark LawStory

McCarthy Symposium Examines New Challenges to Trademark Law

The USF School of Law hosted a gathering of intellectual law professors and practitioners from around the world on Nov. 4 to grapple with emerging issues in trademark law.

USF Advocacy Competition Impresses Audience

Achal Srinath 3L, who competed against Bryan Clifton 3L in this year's Advocate of the Year Competition, earned the 2009 Advocate of the Year Award. Jonathan Shugart 2L won the award for Best Brief.

Estate Planning Society’s Attorney PanelStory

Estate Planning Society’s Attorney Panel

The Estate Planning Society hosted a panel discussion Oct. 15 offering students firsthand accounts from lawyers working in estate planning.

Pemberton Leaves Mark on USF

Professor Emeritus John de J. "Jack" Pemberton, a civil rights activist and distinguished leader in labor and employment law, died Oct. 21. He was 90 years old.

USF Promotes Pro Bono Service

In conjunction with nationwide activities, the USF School of Law will present the National Pro Bono Celebration the week of Oct. 25.

Reunion Builds Upon Alumni NetworkStory

Reunion Builds Upon Alumni Network

Approximately 200 people gathered at the Westin San Francisco Market Street for the 2009 Reunion Gala Dinner Dance on Oct. 17.

EFF Provides Lesson on Fair Use

Electronic Frontier Foundation's Fred Von Lohmann, a leading authority on intellectual property law, presented on online copyright infringement and the doctrine of fair use to a USF audience on Oct. 6.

Class of 1969 Reunites After 40 YearsStory

Class of 1969 Reunites After 40 Years

The Class of 1969 celebrated its 40th reunion on Sept. 26.

California State Bar Foundation AwardsStory

California State Bar Foundation Awards

Seven USF law students and graduates were honored with scholarships from the California State Bar Foundation at the 2009 Scholarship Reception.

USF Symposium Explores Antitrust Enforcement in Pharmaceutical IndustryStory

USF Symposium Explores Antitrust Enforcement in Pharmaceutical Industry

On Sept. 25, the USF School of Law hosted Lawyers, Drugs, and Money, a symposium exploring antitrust enforcement in the pharmaceutical industry.

Symposium Examines Changing Job Market for Lawyers

Nearly 300 people gathered at the University of San Francisco Sept. 17 for a day-long symposium examining the changing legal employment landscape.

Public Interest Internships Enrich Students

This summer, 26 USF law students engaged in Public Interest Law Foundation (PILF) sponsored internships at locations as diverse as the San Francisco Public Defender Office, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, the Homeless Action Center, and the Children's Law Center in Los Angeles.

USF Ranked in Top 10 Law Schools for HispanicsStory

USF Ranked in Top 10 Law Schools for Hispanics

Hispanic Business magazine recognized the University of San Francisco School of Law as one of the top 10 law schools for Hispanics in 2009.

1Ls in the CommunityStory

1Ls in the Community

More than 100 USF law students, faculty, and family members volunteered at Law In Motion's annual Service Saturday event on Aug. 22.

Iglesias Participates in Immersion Trip to El SalvadorStory

Iglesias Participates in Immersion Trip to El Salvador

USF School of Law Professor Tim Iglesias joined University of San Francisco faculty and staff during a summer immersion trip to El Salvador that brought participants face-to-face with their own economic privilege.

Larger, Diverse Class of 1Ls Join USFStory

Larger, Diverse Class of 1Ls Join USF

The USF School of Law welcomed a new class of 272 first-year law students last week who were chosen from nearly 4,000 applicants.

The New Yorker Reports on Richard Leo's Book, The Wrong Guys

In the Aug. 24 issue of The New Yorker magazine, writer Jeffrey Toobin chronicles Richard Leo's work on the case known as the "Norfolk Four," in which four Navy men were wrongfully convicted of murder and rape.

Around the World in a SummerStory

Around the World in a Summer

Internship, volunteer, and study opportunities brought more than 120 USF School of Law students around the world this summer.

Maritime Law Event Explores Longshore ActStory

Maritime Law Event Explores Longshore Act

On July 17, the University of San Francisco Maritime Law Journal will sponsor its annual continuing legal education (CLE) event at the USF School of Law in conjunction with the Longshore Institute, a leading source of information on the U.S. Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act.

LIM Joins Michelle Obama in Community ServiceStory

LIM Joins Michelle Obama in Community Service

On June 22, USF School of Law students, administrators, and staff participating in the Law In Motion Service Program worked beside first lady Michelle Obama and first lady of California Maria Shriver to build a new playground for youth and seniors at Bret Harte Elementary School.

Leo Wins 2009 Herbert Jacob Book PrizeStory

Leo Wins 2009 Herbert Jacob Book Prize

USF School of Law Associate Professor Richard Leo received the prestigious 2009 Herbert Jacob Book Prize from the Law and Society Association at the organization's annual meeting in May.

USF Students Excel in Advocacy CompetitionsStory

USF Students Excel in Advocacy Competitions

During the spring semester, USF School of Law students competed in numerous regional, national, and international moot court competitions, with many earning first-place finishes.

A Visit to Cambodia and Vietnam

Dean Jeffrey Brand is assisting students in Cambodia and Vietnam for several weeks as part of the law school's summer programs.

NBC Nightly News Reports on USF Law Clinic

The USF School of Law's Investor Justice Clinic is receiving national attention for its work on behalf of small investors.

Alumni Graduates Dinner Salutes Class of 2009Story

Alumni Graduates Dinner Salutes Class of 2009

Alumni Graduates Dinner Salutes Class of 2009 More than 300 USF School of Law students, alumni, faculty, and administrators gathered at San Francisco's Mark Hopkins Hotel May 20 to celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2009.

Shatz Presented Sarlo PrizeStory

Shatz Presented Sarlo Prize

At the 33rd Annual Service and Merit Awards of the University of San Francisco on May 13, Professor Steven Shatz received the Sarlo Prize for teaching excellence, promoting the common good, and furthering the university's vision, mission, and values.

232 Receive Degrees at May 23 CommencementStory

232 Receive Degrees at May 23 Commencement

The university welcomed 232 students into the ranks of USF School of Law alumni at the commencement ceremony held May 23 in St. Ignatius Church.

Nelson Receives Meehan AwardStory

Nelson Receives Meehan Award

Christina Gallagher Nelson '88 recently hosted an estate planning seminar for the University of San Francisco, volunteering her time to share sound estate planning practices.

Honigsberg's Book Explores War on Terror

In his new book, Our Nation Unhinged: The Human Consequences of the War on Terror (UC Press, 2009), Professor Peter Jan Honigsberg recounts in vivid detail the stories of detainees in Guantanamo Bay and other prisons who have endured torturous interrogations and inhumane conditions.

Four Accomplished Scholars Join USF Faculty

The USF School of Law has announced the lateral appointments of four new faculty who are accomplished legal scholars and award-winning teachers from law schools around the country.

USF Law Ranked Among Best in NationStory

USF Law Ranked Among Best in Nation

Touting a bar pass rate of nearly 88 percent and a student body that is among the most diverse in the nation, the USF School of Law is listed as one of the top 100 law schools in the new 2010 U.S. News and World Report rankings.

Law School Marks Fair Housing MonthStory

Law School Marks Fair Housing Month

In conjunction with Fair Housing Month, the University of San Francisco School of Law and Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto (CLSEPA) published a 12-page guide to mortgage foreclosure prevention in April. The law school also hosted a presentation by leading fair housing attorney John Relman this month.

Law School Teams Up For DiversityStory

Law School Teams Up For Diversity

The USF School of Law has joined the Bar Association of San Francisco (BASF) in an attempt to recruit more minority students to become lawyers.

USF Students Serve Local and Global CommunitiesStory

USF Students Serve Local and Global Communities

USF School of Law students served local and global communities during spring break, participating in the U.N. Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York City, the U.N. Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, Switzerland, and Rural Education and Access to the Law (REAL) events in Bakersfield and Watsonville.

WLC Career Panel Offers Advice to Legal PractitionersStory

WLC Career Panel Offers Advice to Legal Practitioners

On March 19, the USF School of Law Women Lawyers Committee (WLC) presented "Managing Your Career in a Challenging and Rapidly Changing Economy."

USF Bestowed National Community Service Honor

The University of San Francisco earned placement on the 2008 Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) President's Honor Roll for Community Service, with distinction, in part due to law school centers and programs.

Law Students as HeroesStory

Law Students as Heroes

The USF School of Law's Investor Justice Clinic is receiving national attention for its work on behalf of small investors.

Estate Planning Reception Explores Career ChoicesStory

Estate Planning Reception Explores Career Choices

USF law students with an interest in estate planning joined alumni and estate planning practitioners for a networking reception hosted by Christina Gallagher Nelson '88, partner at Greene Radovsky Maloney Share & Hennigh LLP; Visiting Professor John Osborn; and the USF Estate Planning Society.

Call for Cities to Fight Global WarmingStory

Call for Cities to Fight Global Warming

The fight against global climate change must be fought and won by America’s cities and towns, not only through federal initiatives, according to Alice Kaswan, USF professor of environmental law.

Public Interest Retreat Draws Large USF NumbersStory

Public Interest Retreat Draws Large USF Numbers

Professors Connie de la Vega and Dolores Donovan, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs Erin Dolly, and 17 USF law students attended the Trina Grillo Public Interest and Social Justice Retreat at Stanford University in February.

Law Review Symposium Focuses on Plight of Immigrant Workers

More than 150 lawyers, professors, students, and community members gathered Feb. 27 for the University of San Francisco School of Law's annual Law Review Symposium.

Events Honor Life of Art ZiefStory

Events Honor Life of Art Zief

Passionate, difficult, compassionate, and stubborn were among the many words used to describe Arthur C. Zief, BA '41, JD '47, at a memorial service in St. Ignatius Church Feb. 14.

EJS Raises Awareness of Global PovertyStory

EJS Raises Awareness of Global Poverty

The USF School of Law chapter of the Equal Justice Society (EJS) is sponsoring the Fifth Annual Creative Justice Art Show to raise awareness of poverty and those ignored by the political process, especially women and children in developing countries.

Panel Highlights Importance of Civility in Law

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Panel Highlights Importance of Civility in Law

At a recent USF School of Law presentation, a panel of practicing attorneys and a judge urged students to be mindful of the importance of maintaining civility in their careers as legal professionals.

Thomas Tang Team Advances to International FinalsStory

Thomas Tang Team Advances to International Finals

For the first time in school history, a USF School of Law Thomas Tang Moot Court Competition team advanced to the international finals, which took place in Seattle Nov. 22.

USF Law Students Assist Rural Communities

On Jan. 8 and 9, 13 USF law students participated in the Rural Education and Access to the Law (REAL) winter break trip, co-sponsored by the Public Interest Clearinghouse and the USF School of Law.

Honigsberg's Guantanamo Truth CommissionStory

Honigsberg's Guantanamo Truth Commission

Peter Jan Honigsberg outlined his proposal to establish a truth commission that will gather the stories of Guantanamo survivors in a column published this month in The Huffington Post.

Talbot Discusses BART Shooting Case on KQEDStory

Talbot Discusses BART Shooting Case on KQED

Professor Robert Talbot spoke on KQED’s Forum about the legal questions presented by the case of Johannes Mehserle, the former BART police officer charged with murder in the New Year’s Day shooting death of an unarmed man in Oakland.