Surge in Law School Applicants at UC Law San Francisco Amid Presidential Election
The University of California College of the Law, San Francisco (UC Law SF), has reported a significant 64% surge in applications in the weeks leading up to the U.S. presidential election, where one of the candidates is Kamala Harris, an alumna of the school and current Vice President of the United States. This spike underscores the broader impact of high-profile alumni on applicant interest, particularly when the alum is actively engaged in the national political arena.
Applicant Numbers Reach Record High
UC Law SF has received 633 applications so far this year, a marked increase from the 385 applications received during the same period last year. This data, collected and analyzed by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), highlights a notable rise in demand for the school. The LSAC manages applications for all American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited law schools across the United States, providing comprehensive insights into trends in legal education.
Harris Effect on Law School Demand
UC Law SF Dean David Faigman noted that Kamala Harris's background and current role as a presidential candidate are likely contributors to this surge. Harris, a 1989 graduate of UC Law SF (then known as the University of California Hastings College of the Law), has incorporated her extensive legal experience into her campaign, from her tenure as a local prosecutor to her roles as California Attorney General, U.S. Senator, and now Vice President. Many applicants view Harris’s achievements as an inspirational blueprint for a successful legal and political career.
Comparing National and UC Law SF Applicant Trends
The Role of Political Engagement in Legal Education
Political elections, particularly those featuring notable alumni, have historically driven interest in certain institutions. For UC Law SF, Harris's 2020 vice-presidential nomination also saw a jump in applications of about 33%. Now, with her running for president, her association with the school has once again fueled enthusiasm, leading to the largest application increase in the past five years, according to a law school spokesperson.
Navigating Legal Education’s Political Dynamics
While UC Law SF has prominently featured Harris on its website, including a feature titled “10 Things You Didn’t Know about Kamala Harris’ Law School,” the school, as a public institution, maintains a neutral stance on political endorsements. The spotlight on Harris, however, highlights how political figures with legal backgrounds can significantly influence public perceptions of law schools and attract applicants who aspire to follow in similar footsteps.
This surge in applicants at UC Law SF illustrates the profound influence of high-profile alumni and election cycles on prospective students’ educational decisions. The trend also sheds light on how political events may encourage more individuals to pursue legal education and enter public service, creating a future generation of lawyers motivated by political engagement and social change.
