PreLaw Magazine Recognizes Santa Clara Law as a Leader

Santa Clara University School of Law received recognition in National Jurists’ PreLaw Magazine for its diversity as well as the breadth of the curricular offerings in international law and high tech law.

Santa Clara Law continues to be one of the nation’s most diverse law schools, earning the No. 20 spot on PreLaw Magazine’s 2022 Best Schools for Diversity list.

As part of its annual issue ranking schools that excel in diversity, international law, innovation, and more, PreLaw Magazine evaluated all ABA-accredited law schools based on how well each school matched with the U.S. average for the respective minority population: Black or African American, Hispanic, Asian (including Native Hawaiian), and Native American faculty and students.

“We are so proud that Santa Clara Law continues to be one of the most diverse law schools in the nation,” said Dean Michael Kaufman. “One of our greatest distinctive strengths, diversity is vital to graduating lawyers who understand, represent, and seek justice for those most marginalized in our world.”

Fifty-seven percent of Santa Clara Law’s current student body identifies as persons of color, and 22 percent are firstgeneration. “As a community committed to racial justice, Santa Clara Law recognizes both the great strides it has made in diversity, as well as the continuing work that will be required to attain the diverse and inclusive campus to which the law school aspires,” said Kaufman. Santa Clara Law has a commitment to training lawyers who represent the growing diversity of California and the country.

PreLaw Magazine also awarded Santa Clara Law an A+ for both its International Law Program and its Tech Edge J.D. Program, based on the breadth of its curricular offerings.

The Law School was among 15 schools in the U.S. that received an A+ grade for being a leader in international law and helping students be better equipped in matters of global economics, business law, and human rights law— among other areas of law that are heavily influenced by international law. The international law curriculum at Santa Clara includes a broad offering of courses, access to the most extensive and one of the oldest law summer abroad programs of any law school in the country, and access to a number of international speakers and scholars throughout the year.

Additionally, the school’s Center for Global Law and Policy offers opportunities for students and faculty to advance international and comparative law scholarship and education at Santa Clara University.

Santa Clara Law’s First-Ever Senior Diversity Officer

The Law School was also among 12 schools in the U.S. that earned an A+ grade for its respected high tech law program—including the Tech Edge J.D.— which has trained attorneys who are leading law firms and technology companies in Silicon Valley and around the world. Santa Clara Law is known for leadership and academic scholarship, to increase diversity and inclusion in innovation and inventorship.

“Our signature programs in tech law and international law are among our greatest distinctive strengths, preparing our students for rewarding careers in two of the most growing and impactful practice areas,” said Kaufman. “We are gratified that National Jurist’s PreLaw Magazine has recognized the strength and quality of these leading programs by honoring them with its highest A+ ranking.”

The School of Law has hired its first-ever senior director for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Thiadora (Dori) Pina, who currently serves as a clinical professor and director of the Law School’s externship program. “The position was created to lead Santa Clara Law, as we work within the parameters of the law, to strengthen the enrollment, retention, and success of all students and faculty,” said Dean Michael Kaufman. To continue to build on our diversity as a key distinctive strength, the law school will:

• Increase the enrollment, retention, and graduation rates of students from underrepresented communities.

• Recruit, retain, and promote outstanding educators with diverse and enriching teaching, research, and life experience.

• Implement intentional anti-racism and anti-oppression initiatives in curricular, pedagogy, counseling, career, and barpassage programming.

• Implement restorative justice and trauma-informed practices.

“I look forward to partnering with Dori in her new role to ensure that we are always working intentionally and comprehensively together to become a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive community,” said Dean Michael Kaufman.