Join Santa Clara Law: Your Future, Your Law School

Santa Clara University School of Law is an exceptional place to study law. The school is situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, home to leading law firms and global companies such as Google, Apple, and Yahoo!. Santa Clara Law is consistently recognized for its intellectual property curriculum and program, as well as for its diverse student body. The school's global law program offers more summer-abroad opportunities than any other law school in the nation. The university provides a supportive community-oriented setting, with over 30 student organizations to join, and the campus offers an array of amenities, including an on-campus fitness centre and swimming pool. Santa Clara Law's new home, the Howard S. and Alida S. Charney Hall of Law, is a technologically advanced and eco-friendly building that fosters collaboration and connectivity. The school's location encourages interdisciplinary collaboration with students of business, technology, social justice, and ethics. Santa Clara Law offers a range of LLM programs for law graduates, including specializations in Intellectual Property Law, International and Comparative Law, and Human Rights Law. The school's admissions process is holistic, considering applicants' written applications, GPAs, LSAT scores, transcripts, and letters of recommendation.

Santa Clara Law's location in the heart of Silicon Valley

Located in Northern California, Silicon Valley is home to numerous high-tech corporations, including the headquarters of over 30 Fortune 1000 companies and thousands of startups. This vibrant ecosystem provides an ideal setting for law students to immerse themselves in cutting-edge legal issues and gain hands-on experience.

The region's strong focus on technology and innovation means that Santa Clara Law students can easily access leading tech companies, such as Google, Meta Platforms, and Intel. This proximity allows for valuable industry connections and potential career opportunities. Additionally, the school's location enables students to develop a deep understanding of the unique legal challenges and complexities faced by businesses in the tech industry.

Furthermore, Santa Clara Law's position in Silicon Valley enhances its intellectual property law program. With the region being a hotbed of innovation, students can engage with real-world examples of intellectual property issues and gain insights into the latest developments in this field. The school's Tech Edge J.D. program, for instance, combines legal, business, and technology education, leveraging its location to offer a competitive edge to students interested in tech law and intellectual property law.

In addition to its academic benefits, the school's location in Silicon Valley also provides cultural and recreational advantages. The region boasts a mild climate, scenic beauty, and a diverse range of activities, ensuring that students can enjoy a rich and fulfilling student life outside the classroom.

Overall, Santa Clara Law's location in the heart of Silicon Valley offers students a unique blend of academic, professional, and cultural opportunities. The school's proximity to leading tech companies and startups, coupled with its innovative programs, provides a strong foundation for students aspiring to become leaders in the legal field.

Consistently recognised as one of the nation's best law schools

Santa Clara University School of Law is consistently recognised as one of the best law schools in the nation. The school is located in the heart of Silicon Valley, one of the most vibrant and exciting economies in the world. The campus is centred around a historic California mission and is just 40 miles south of San Francisco. This location puts students in close proximity to leading law firms and companies such as Google, Apple, eBay, Intel, and Yahoo!.

Santa Clara Law is known for its exceptional academic programmes and offerings. The school is particularly renowned for its intellectual property curriculum and program, which is considered one of the best in the nation. The global law program at Santa Clara Law also stands out, offering more summer-abroad opportunities than any other law school in the United States. This provides students with invaluable international experience and exposure to diverse legal cultures.

The university's commitment to diversity and community service is another key factor in its recognition as a top law school. Santa Clara Law is one of the most diverse law schools in the country, fostering an inclusive and enriching learning environment. Additionally, the school's Center for Social Justice and Public Services enables students to actively serve and engage with the community.

Santa Clara University School of Law also excels in its facilities and resources. In 2018, the law school moved into the Howard S. and Alida S. Charney Hall of Law, a technologically advanced and eco-friendly building. Charney Hall is located adjacent to the nationally known Leavey School of Business and the respected Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration among students of business, law, technology, social justice, and ethics. The building features flexible learning spaces and sophisticated classroom technology, supporting the school's commitment to keeping pace with changes in the legal field.

The combination of academic excellence, diverse community, and state-of-the-art facilities makes Santa Clara University School of Law a consistently top-ranked law school in the nation.

Offers an exceptional environment in which to study law

Santa Clara Law offers an exceptional environment in which to study law. The law school is situated on a lush campus centred around a historic California mission and is located in the heart of Silicon Valley, just 40 miles south of San Francisco. Silicon Valley is one of the most vibrant and exciting economies in the world, and home to leading law firms and prominent tech companies, including Google, Apple, eBay, Intel, and Yahoo!.

Santa Clara Law is consistently recognised as one of the nation's best law schools for its intellectual property curriculum and program, as well as for its diversity. The global law program includes more summer-abroad opportunities than any other law school in the nation. Santa Clara Law's Center for Social Justice and Public Services allows students to actively serve the community.

The law school's new home, the Howard S. and Alida S. Charney Hall of Law, is a 96,000-square-foot, technologically advanced, and eco-friendly building located at the gateway to the Santa Clara University campus. Charney Hall's location encourages interdisciplinary collaboration among students of business, law, technology, social justice, and ethics. The building features flexible learning spaces and sophisticated classroom technology, allowing Santa Clara Law to continuously evolve its programs and offerings to keep pace with changes in the legal field.

Santa Clara Law provides a community-oriented setting, and all students are members of the Student Bar Association (SBA). There are over 30 student organisations that students can join at any time during the academic year, allowing them to connect with others who share their interests and network with law faculty and legal practitioners. The Office of Career Management assists students in strategising and planning their postgraduate employment search and maintains connections with law firms, companies, and alumni to facilitate networking opportunities.

Interdisciplinary approach to learning

Santa Clara Law's interdisciplinary approach to learning creates the opportunity for innovation. The law school is located in the heart of Silicon Valley, home to leading law firms and global companies such as Google, Apple, eBay, Intel, and Yahoo. This vibrant and dynamic environment provides a unique context for legal studies, allowing students to engage with diverse industries and sectors.

The law school's proximity to the Leavey School of Business and the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics further enhances its interdisciplinary focus. Students can collaborate and interact with peers and experts from various fields, including business, technology, social justice, and ethics. This cross-disciplinary collaboration prepares students for the complex and multifaceted nature of legal practice, where a broad understanding of different disciplines is advantageous.

Santa Clara Law's curriculum reflects this interdisciplinary approach by offering a range of specializations, including business/corporate law, contracts/commercial law, intellectual property law, international law, and more. The law school is consistently recognized for its intellectual property curriculum and program, which attracts students interested in high-tech law and those with backgrounds in science and mathematics.

The interdisciplinary approach at Santa Clara Law extends beyond the classroom. The law school's global law program provides numerous summer-abroad opportunities, allowing students to gain international perspectives and experience the evolving legal culture of different countries. This global exposure equips students with a more comprehensive understanding of legal systems and practices worldwide.

The combination of experiential learning and interdisciplinary collaboration at Santa Clara Law empowers students to become well-rounded legal professionals. By engaging with diverse fields and industries, students develop a broad perspective that enhances their critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. This approach prepares graduates to navigate the complexities of legal practice and make a meaningful impact in their chosen areas of specialization.

Support for students at every step of the way

Santa Clara Law is committed to supporting students at every step of their academic journey and beyond. From the application process to registering for classes, finding career opportunities, and everything in between, the university is dedicated to helping students succeed.

The university offers a range of resources to assist students in the application process. The admissions specialists are readily available to answer any questions and provide support throughout the entire process. The pre-application checklist outlines the requirements for a complete application, including taking the LSAT or GRE, submitting transcripts and letters of recommendation, and writing a personal statement. The university also offers a rolling admissions process, encouraging applicants to apply as early as possible to receive maximum consideration for scholarships.

Once enrolled, students can take advantage of the university's interdisciplinary approach, combining experiential learning with a nationally recognised teacher-scholar model. This whole-person education helps students find their vision, voice, and values, preparing them to lead with heart. The university's location in the heart of Silicon Valley, adjacent to the Leavey School of Business and the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, further enhances the academic experience by encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration.

Santa Clara Law also prioritises career development and connects students with postgraduate employment opportunities. The Office of Career Management assists students in strategising and planning their job search, leveraging their connections with law firms, companies, and alumni to facilitate valuable networking opportunities.

Additionally, Santa Clara Law provides a community-oriented setting with over 30 student organisations. The Student Bar Association (SBA) serves as a platform for law students to connect with their peers, network with faculty and legal practitioners, and organise social, educational, and service-oriented events. The university also offers on-campus housing, an on-site fitness centre, and a swimming pool, contributing to a well-rounded and supportive student experience.

With its array of resources, dedicated faculty and staff, and vibrant campus community, Santa Clara Law ensures that students receive the support they need throughout their academic journey and beyond.

Frequently asked questions