UCLA School of Law (University of California, Los Angeles)
Lawzee EliteOverview
Founded in 1949, UCLA Law is the youngest of the University of California's top-tier law schools and has quickly become one of the nation's premier public institutions. Its location in Los Angeles gives students unmatched access to the entertainment industry, public interest organizations, and a dense network of law firms and courts.
Academic Environment
UCLA Law combines rigorous academics with a distinctly West Coast, collaborative culture. Signature programs in Entertainment Law, Critical Race Studies, and Public Interest Law draw students from across the country. The curriculum is flexible, with numerous clinics, simulation courses, and joint-degree options.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of UCLA Law are highly sought after in both California and national legal markets, particularly in BigLaw, entertainment and media, and public interest organizations. Strong bar passage rates, robust on-campus recruiting, and a vast alumni network contribute to excellent long-term outcomes.
Insider Perspective
UCLA Law is the cool kid of the T14-adjacent schools. The setting is spectacular—Westwood is sunny, beautiful, and surrounded by wealth—and the vibe is distinctly less neurotic than East Coast counterparts. UCLA dominates two very specific niches: Entertainment Law (it is the #1 school in the world for this) and Critical Race Studies (it pioneered the field). If you want to work for Disney, Warner Bros, or a talent agency, UCLA is better than Harvard. The David J. Epstein Program in Public Interest Law and Policy is also one of the best in the nation for social justice warriors. Admissions advice: UCLA loves a 'Why UCLA' narrative that connects your goals to Los Angeles. Whether it's the tech start-up scene in 'Silicon Beach' or the entertainment industry, show them why being in L.A. is crucial to your legal career.
Areas of Study
Top Clinics
Journals
LSAT Score Distribution
A median LSAT of 170 places UCLA Law among the most competitive law schools. Applicants below 164 should consider retaking the exam or emphasizing other strong application components.
Undergraduate GPA Distribution
Application Components
- ✓Personal Statement
- ✓CAS Report (LSAT & Transcripts)
- ✓2-3 Letters of Recommendation
- ✓Resume
- ?Diversity Statement (Optional)
- ?Interview (By Invitation)
Frequently Asked Questions about UCLA Law
Is it hard to get into UCLA School of Law (University of California, Los Angeles)?
UCLA School of Law (University of California, Los Angeles) is moderately competitive with an acceptance rate of 22%. Applicants with scores near the median of 170 LSAT and 3.86 GPA have a strong chance of admission.
What is the lowest LSAT accepted?
While there is no strict minimum, the 25th percentile LSAT score is 164. Applicants scoring below this number face significant challenges but may be considered if they have exceptionally strong soft factors or work experience.
Does UCLA Law require an interview?
Interview policies vary by year, but top-tier schools like UCLA Law often use interviews (by invitation) to evaluate candidates holistically. Check the specific requirements in the Admissions section above.
What is the employment rate for graduates?
90% of graduates are employed 10 months after graduation. A significant portion (50%) go into BigLaw firms, while 10% secure federal clerkships.