PHILANTHROPY - Berkeley Law - University of California, Berkeley

MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN
In my eighth year, I’ve given up finding new superlatives even though I need them; each year
has seemed better than the one just past. What is powering us forward and higher is the vital
and gratifying support from our remarkable community. I can’t thank you enough, because alumni and
friends are increasingly critical.
Despite troubling economic times, alumni and friends contributed more than $10.5 million in the fiscal
year ended June 30, which helped us address some key priorities. We added four world-class faculty
members to our roster of exceptional educators. We continued strengthening financial aid to ameliorate
the tuition burden growth attributable to unrelenting cuts to our state funding. I have no higher priority
than financial aid, including loan forgiveness for graduates in public service and public interest work.
The most tangible sign of Boalt’s progress, of course, is its recent physical makeover. The stylish new
South Addition—which we would delight in naming for a visionary (and generous) alumnus—adds
55,000 square feet of new space. We completed a multiyear renovation strategy which either improved
or completely transformed every classroom, while adding several new ones. Our new student center
provides flexible space for our law journals and vibrant ecosystem of student organizations. Shortly after
I arrived, we did a major renovation of the Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati Main Reading Room,
but the South Addition added a tremendous amount of new study space and “hanging out” space.
Everyone who visits agrees that the truly remarkable architecture lifts our feeling of community to
an even higher level.
There is far too much more to detail, but I can’t resist mentioning just three. A generous seed gift
from The Arthur and Rosalinde Gilbert Foundation helped launch our Berkeley Institute for Jewish
Law and Israeli Law, Economy and Society. Boalt’s surging Professional Skills Program continued to
expand—marked by a growing course list and the most successful year our moot court and mock trial
competition teams have ever had. (It is now, officially, embarrassing.) Our blossoming Professional
LL.M. Program, which offers the degree after two long summers in residence, graduated its second
class, and reached a total enrollment of 81. The traditional fall-spring program has leveled off at about
140 students, representing over 45 nations. We work to make that diversity enrich the experience of
our American J.D. students because, left to chance, it won’t happen enough.
It’s true that these are challenging times for all of us, but I urge you to consider those preparing for
great careers in the law. The average new Boalt graduate owes more than $104,000 in student loans.
In-state tuition was over $50,000 this year. Need-based scholarship and summer fellowship applications
are at all-time highs.
You are going to help us meet those challenges. I believe it in my bones. Part of my job is encouraging
you to do just that. At the same time, we are working on our next moves—with no shortage of ideas
about how we can keep Boalt the greatest public law school on the planet. I know that’s what makes
you proud, and I know that’s what our students and our mission deserve.
So, we celebrate 100 years since the opening of the original Boalt Memorial Hall, and next year will
mark the centennial of the Berkeley School of Jurisprudence. On behalf of the entire campus community
of students, staff, and faculty, thank you for your support. Now we need it again, to propel us into
our second century of leadership, passion, and promise.
CHRISTOPHER EDLEY, JR.
The Honorable William H. Orrick, Jr. Distinguished Professor and Dean
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