The Program seeks to admit those students most likely to achieve academic success who also satisfy one or more of three admission criteria related to the public interest orientation of the Program:

1. Commitment to public interest, which is evaluated in two ways:

(a) Activities in high school, college, graduate school or career. (For this purpose, "public interest" is broadly defined to encompass any and all interests underrepresented by the private market, including the interests of the poor, ethnic minorities, unpopular social causes across the political spectrum, such as pro- and anti-abortion efforts, and broad-ranging interests such as the environment, property rights, peace, family issues, and the welfare of future generations.)

(b) Evidence that the applicant has demonstrated, in the conduct of these activities, the personal qualities of tenacity, idealism, and initiative that are particularly important for public interest lawyers who may forgo material incentives in their careers.

2. Special abilities enabling the applicant to serve or represent groups or interests lacking adequate access to law and lawyers. While overlapping somewhat with the first, this criterion would be evidenced by such things as language skills, cultural familiarity, insight into such groups, or other special skills.

3. Intellectual strengths and acquired expertise relevant to problem solving and policy analysis. This includes expertise in quantitative methods, social science, policy analysis, ethnographic and historical research, or similar skills, acquired through formal education or work experience.

Transferring into the Program After One’s First Year



Program also reserves approximately five admissions slots for students who are interested in applying for admission to the Program as second-year students.  Both UCLA School of Law students and transfer students from other law schools may be considered for admission as second-year students.  The application deadline typically falls in July.

For more detailed information about the Program admissions process and the variety of public interest programs and activities at UCLA, please contact Rochelle Adelman, Assistant Director of Public Interest Programs, UCLA School of Law, Box 951476, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1476, (310) 794-5355, email: adelman@law.ucla.edu.

Financial Aid

Applicants who will be applying for financial aid should consult Financial Aid.  Program students are considered for financial aid on the same basis as regular students.  The Emil Joseph Stache Scholarship will provide tuition assistance over three years to two students in each entering Program class.  Summer Funding and a Loan Assistance Program are available to assist students who pursue public interest jobs during summer and after graduation, respectively.