Critical Race Studies
Led by renowned scholars who have influenced law and policy for decades, UCLA Law’s Critical Race Studies Program is the premier setting for studying the intersection of race and the law.
The first law school program in the United States dedicated to critical race theory in legal scholarship and related disciplines, the Critical Race Studies program is unequaled in American legal education. The cornerstone of the program is the CRS specialization, a competitive academic course of study engaging top students who are committed to racial justice scholarship and legal practice.
Criminal Justice Program
The Criminal Justice Program (CJP) serves as a central hub for UCLA Law’s criminal justice research, curriculum, and student programs.
Research
Faculty at UCLA Law have published widely in the area of criminal law. The research interests of our faculty cover a wide range of issues, including qualified immunity, the criminalization of immigration, the collateral consequences of criminal convictions, comparative criminal law, fines and fees in the criminal system, Fourth Amendment law, policing, the impact of racial bias on charging and sentencing decisions, plea bargaining, juvenile justice, prison conditions, and much more.
Center for Law & Economics
With a foundational approach informed by broad interdisciplinary study, the Center for Law & Economics fosters an examination of how economic concepts can help us understand and improve our laws.
The Center for Law and Economics, along with the Lowell Milken Institute for Business Law & Policy, cosponsors the UCLA Law and Economics Workshop, which draws from the expertise of renowned faculty across UCLA, including the University’s Economics Department and Anderson School of Management, as well as visiting scholars.
UCLA Animal Law and Policy Program
The UCLA Animal Law and Policy Program advances animal protection through reliable, impactful research, effective law and policy reform, and training in practical legal tools.
The UCLA Law Animal Law and Policy Program contains the UCLA Animal Law and Policy Small Grants Program in addition to doctrinal animal law classes and seminars:
For information about The UCLA Animal Law and Policy Small Grants Program, please see immediately below.
A. Barry Cappello Program in Trial Advocacy
From innovative courses to the nation's best mock trial team, UCLA Law offers a comprehensive, immersive approach to trial advocacy.
The A. Barry Cappello Program in Trial Advocacy provides comprehensive training in the strategies and techniques required to be a successful trial lawyer. Through courses, clinical opportunities and one of the best competition programs in the country, students learn how to prepare for and conduct jury selection, opening statements, direct and cross examinations and closing arguments, as well as how to make and respond to evidentiary objections. Award-winning faculty, experienced trial lawyers, and nationally successful mock trial coaches lead the program.
Emmett Institute on Climate Change & the Environment
A leading environmental law program at the #1 public university, the Emmett Institute educates future leaders and develops solutions to the climate crisis and environmental justice challenges.
The Emmett Institute is the central environmental law hub at UCLA. Since 2008, the Emmett Institute has grown to become one of the top environmental law programs in the country. Our faculty members are renowned for their public service, teaching excellence, and scholarship in state, federal, and international law. Located in Los Angeles, a diverse city facing unique environmental justice and climate change challenges, the Emmett Institute provides J.D., LL.M. and M.S. students unmatched opportunities for mentoring, career placement, and experiential learning.