David J. Epstein Program in Public Interest Law and Policy

David J. Epstein Program in Public Interest Law and Policy is a selective academic program within the UCLA School of Law dedicated to training lawyers for careers in public service and social justice. Established in 1999 through a major gift from alumnus and real estate developer David J. Epstein, it integrates a specialized curriculum with hands-on legal experience. The program is a cornerstone of UCLA's commitment to public interest law, consistently ranking among the top programs of its kind in the United States.

History and establishment

The program was founded in 1999 following a transformative donation from David J. Epstein, a 1961 graduate of UCLA School of Law and prominent figure in Southern California real estate. His philanthropic vision was to create a permanent institutional pathway for students dedicated to public interest law. The establishment coincided with a growing national movement within legal education to formalize training for non-profit and government work. Under the early leadership of faculty like Gary Blasi and with support from then-Dean Susan Prager, the program quickly became integral to the identity of UCLA School of Law. It has since expanded its scope and influence, shaping the public interest landscape in Los Angeles and beyond.

Program structure and curriculum

The program features a structured first-year curriculum for its fellows, including a specialized section of Legal Research and Writing focused on public interest issues and a foundational seminar on Law and Social Change. Core coursework emphasizes constitutional law, administrative law, poverty law, and civil rights litigation. Students must complete substantial pro bono hours and a faculty-supervised Capstone project addressing a contemporary social justice problem. The curriculum is complemented by the UCLA Law Experiential Learning requirement, often fulfilled through clinics like the Immigration Law Clinic, Environmental Law Clinic, or externships with organizations such as the ACLU and Public Counsel.

Admissions and student profile

Admission is highly competitive, with approximately 25 students selected annually from the entering J.D. class at UCLA School of Law. The selection committee, comprising program faculty and directors, seeks candidates with demonstrated commitment to public service, often evidenced by prior work with organizations like AmeriCorps or the Peace Corps. The admitted cohort typically reflects strong academic credentials and diverse professional backgrounds in education, organizing, and non-profit management. The program actively recruits through the UCLA Law Admissions office and partners with national fellowships like the Equal Justice Works to attract candidates.

Career outcomes and alumni network

Graduates pursue careers across the public interest spectrum, including roles as public defenders, attorneys with the U.S. Department of Justice, advocates at the Natural Resources Defense Council, and lawyers for international NGOs like Human Rights Watch. The program's dedicated Public Interest Career Development office facilitates placements with employers such as the Los Angeles County Public Defender and the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund. A robust alumni network, including notable figures like California Supreme Court Justice Goodwin Liu, provides mentorship and supports the program's Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) to alleviate educational debt for graduates in low-paying public service jobs.

Related centers and initiatives

The program operates in close synergy with other centers within UCLA School of Law, notably the Critical Race Studies Program, the Emmett Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, and the Ziffren Institute for Media, Entertainment, Technology and Sports Law. It co-sponsors lectures and conferences with the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs and the UCLA Center for the Study of Women. Key annual initiatives include the Public Interest Law Fund auction and the Epstein Program Lecture Series, which has featured speakers like Bryan Stevenson of the Equal Justice Initiative and California Attorney General Rob Bonta.

Category:UCLA School of Law Category:Public interest law Category:Legal education in the United States