The latest from UCLA Law.
Lachs '63 Reflects on His Trailblazing Career
When UCLA Law alumnus Stephen Lachs '63 joined the L.A. Superior Court in 1979, he became the world's first openly gay judge. But after two decades on the bench and nearly 60 years as a lawyer, the pioneer still thinks of himself as just "Stevie from Brooklyn."
Students Win Susman Godfrey Prize
Regina Campbell '23, Kaysie Gonzalez '23, and Galyn Sumida-Ross '23 are among the recipients of the inaugural Susman Godfrey Prize, which recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of law students of color across the nation. The UCLA Law 1Ls each earned $2,500 and a Summer 2022 clerkship offer at any of Susman Godfrey's offices.
'Hollywood's Longest Year'
Seismic changes to the entertainment business were the topic of the 45th Annual UCLA Entertainment Symposium. Playing out in a webinar series during June, just as UCLA Law was recognized as the No. 1 entertainment law school in the nation, the symposium featured mega-producer Jason Blum, FX chairman John Landgraf, and a panel on moves to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in Hollywood, moderated by UCLA Law alumna Catrice Monson '97 (pictured) of Right Size Media.
Book Q&A: Behind L.A.'s Social Movements
Professor Scott Cummings's riveting new book, An Equal Place: Lawyers in the Struggle for Los Angeles, offers a close look at the lawyers who were central to Southern California's social and labor movements from 1992 to 2008. "The struggle for social change almost always involves lawyers," Cummings says.
Williams Research Boosts Trans Rights
Williams Institute Legal Director Christy Mallory '08 is training her attention on the legal rights of the trans community. This Pride Month, the University of California celebrates her efforts and success. "The key to fighting back is the same as it has always been: Data."
Discover how Mallory and Williams are combating anti-trans laws.
Clinic Students Shape State Wildfires Bill
Six students in UCLA Law's California Environmental Legislation and Policy Clinic worked with legislators to explore new policies to better protect communities. Legislation informed by their research is now under consideration by California lawmakers.
Alumni on the Move
Lisa Hone ’92 joins the National Economic Council to administer the Biden administration’s efforts to expand broadband. Jamie Jefferson ’98 joins Barg Coffin Lewis & Trapp as partner. Daniel Wu ’99 joins O’Melveny & Myers’s technology practice in Century City as partner. Lynn Miller ’74 joins autonomous trucking company Plus as general counsel. Vukie Mpofu ’21 is named manager of hockey operations and legal affairs for the Los Angeles Kings. And Rickey Ivie ’77 is appointed to California’s Commission on Judicial Performance.
Meet Our New Head of Communications
Media veteran Christopher Roberts joins UCLA Law from the University of Texas School of Law and a previous career as a film and theater producer. In a Q&A with the person who oversees all of the law school's publications, newsletters (yes, this very email), and more, Roberts shares what brought him to Los Angeles and his plans for UCLA Law.
2021 Law Firm Challenge Ends June 30!
That's right, the annual Law Firm Challenge ends on June 30 at midnight. So if you practice at a participating firm, your time is running out to help our students. Please make a gift now! Your generosity is vital to ensuring that exceptional students from all walks of life have access to a world-class legal education at UCLA Law.
Thank you for supporting our students with your Law Firm Challenge gift! And to everyone who has already made a gift, we deeply appreciate it.
Questions? Contact us at lfc@law.ucla.edu.
Join Us for These Events!
Terrific events are always happening at UCLA Law, and you are invited. Highlights:
- July 1 — When American Companies Moderate Global Content
- July 7 — Working with Accused People with Disabilities
- July 15 — Life Interrupted: The Impacts of Internet Shutdowns
- July 21 — How to Pick a Jury
- July 26 — Critical Race Theory Under Attack: The Fight for Antiracist Education
- July 29 — Misinformation and Synthetic Media
Visit the UCLA Law events page for more events and information.
LaToya Baldwin Clark appears on NBC News to discuss teaching critical race theory. Joanna Schwartz joins the Bloomberg News podcast to talk about whether the Supreme Court will hear a case about qualified immunity for police. Sharon Dolovich speaks to the Los Angeles Times about private prisons and immigration detention centers. Katherine Stone talks to NPR about the impact of the Supreme Court's decision regarding unions and farmworkers. Cheryl Harris is quoted by the AP on classroom discussions of race. Eugene Volokh is quoted in the Austin American-Statesman on the prevalence of 9-0 decisions at the Supreme Court. Adam Winkler appears on the Bloomberg News podcast to talk about a recent court decision on the regulation of assault weapons, and he is quoted by the AP and the San Francisco Chronicle on gun regulations. Scott Cummings speaks with the Los Angeles Times on judicial ethics. Gary Blasi is quoted in Los Angeles Magazine on the threat of an eviction crisis in L.A. County. Ingrid Eagly talks to USA Today about how a private company impacts policing. Jonathan Zasloff is quoted in The Washington Post on fair housing under the Biden Administration. And Laura Gómez discusses the term “Latino” with GBH.
Something Fun: Instagram Takeovers!
What's student life like at UCLA Law? Follow @UCLALawAdmissions on Instagram and get a front-row seat to the joys, challenges, and rewards of going to law school and living in Los Angeles with weekly takeovers by our students. Whether you went here last century or want to come here next year, you'll love this insider look at real life at UCLA Law.
Like, share, repeat.
Follow us and keep up with everything at UCLA Law.
