Santa Clara University School of Law is marking its 100th year of providing top notch legal education. The school, which was founded in 1911 by 15 Italian and Irish Catholics, is celebrating the occasion throughout the month of October. A special convocation is being held on campus on Oct. 18 at 5 p.m.
Since its humble beginning one century ago, Santa Clara University School of Law has become one of the most highly regarded law schools in the country. When classes first started, the faculty consisted of only four, part-time teachers. Despite a small staff, the first graduating class produced two state district attorneys, a San Francisco city attorney, a federal food commissioner and the founder of a 200-lawyer San Francisco law firm.
With a proven record of success, enrollment at the School now tops 900 with courses being offered in international and intellectual property law, J.D./MBA and J.D./MSIS degrees and social justice law. Through their growth, however, SCU Law has remained true to its Jesuit foundation and a commitment to social justice. Last year alone, students contributed nearly 11,000 hours of pro bono work. In addition, faculty members are often granted advancements for scholarly research as well as community outreach. Santa Clara’s faculty have gone on to create non-profits and advocate for human rights.
“Since its founding in 1911, Santa Clara University’s law school has been providing a quality legal education for bright and engaged men and women who seek to inspire change in the national and local corridors of power and to represent their clients’ interests and needs,” said SCU Law Dean Donald Polden. “Today, Santa Clara Law prides itself on providing a rigorous education for some of the country’s most promising lawyers who lead their fields with a commitment to professional excellence, ethical lawyering, and community service—all with one of the most vibrant business centers in the world as our backyard.”
Among SCU Law’s most notable alumni are Former California Supreme Court chief judge, Ed Panelli, Santa Clara County Assistant District Attorney, Rolanda Pierre-Dixon and California Appeals Court associate justice Charles Poochigian.
