Berkeley Law Launches New Era under Dean Erwin Chemerinsky

Berkeley Law – By Andrew Cohen

Erwin Chemerinsky officially became Berkeley Law’s dean on July 1. But for many, the true signal of this new era emerged during a dizzying week in August when Chemerinsky and his wife, Professor Catherine Fisk ’86, hosted eight parties for members of the school community at their Oakland home.

That level of engagement and warmth, hallmarks of Chemerinsky’s hugely successful tenure launching UC Irvine School of Law, resonated powerfully with students, faculty, staff, and alumni. They have also felt the winds of upward flight since his arrival.

While Berkeley Law has faced recent challenges, including an unexpected leadership change in March 2016, they are fading quickly in the rear-view mirror. The new era features major faculty additions; upticks in applications, budget expenditures, incoming students’ LSAT scores, and fundraising; needle-moving scholarship; flourishing intellectual property and business law programs; and expanding opportunities for hands-on public interest work.

“There are many reasons why this is one of the nation’s premier law schools and its top public law school,” Chemerinsky said. “We will sustain that momentum by continuing to invest in our teaching, research, and service mission.”

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