With Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign gaining momentum, the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco, is experiencing a notable surge in applications. Since Harris, a 1989 alumna, ascended to the national stage as Vice President alongside President Biden, the law school has seen a remarkable 33% increase in applicants, well above the 13% national average.
The spike in interest is largely attributed to Harris’s high-profile role. While Harris’s alma mater is not part of the prestigious T-14 law schools list, her influence is undeniable. The school, formerly known as UC Hastings College of the Law, has leveraged Harris’s prominence to boost its visibility.
Similar trends were observed when Joe Biden, another non-T-14 law school graduate, became President in 2020. Applications to Syracuse University College of Law increased by 30% during that period, although Syracuse’s administration has not commented on this specific impact.
UC Law San Francisco, as a public institution, must remain neutral in political endorsements. Nevertheless, the school’s website prominently features Harris’s achievements, including her 2005 commencement address. The connection to Harris seems to energize current students, as indicated by the enthusiastic response during a recent orientation.
Law school dean David Faigman anticipates that Harris’s candidacy will further enhance the institution’s reputation, potentially increasing both applications and donations. The school’s recent rebranding and efforts to address historical controversies have also contributed to its evolving image.
Despite a drop in U.S. News rankings from No. 59 in 2020 to No. 82, UC Law San Francisco’s visibility is likely to benefit from Harris’s campaign, as noted by admissions consultant Mike Spivey. The school’s reputation for resilience and its connection to a prominent figure in the legal field may help attract more applicants and strengthen its position in the competitive legal education landscape.
