From the Dean: With Passion

In thinking about writing the welcome to this magazine, the last of my 11-and-a-half-year tenure as dean and my 40 years on the faculty of UC Law San Francisco (née “Hastings”), I searched for a single word that would capture my emotions in the moment. I came up with “passion.”

Foremost, I am passionate about this law school and the people who have made it — and continue to make it — the great institution that it is. It would be folly to attempt to name all those who have contributed to my success and happiness in this career that I chose so long ago. Literally thousands of students, faculty, staff, and alumni have been part of this wonderful community I call home. I have been truly blessed.

I am also passionate about the future of this law school. UC Law is as well situated for success as any law school in the nation. Set in one of the greatest cities on Earth, UC Law has a storied history and a phenomenal future. The school’s students, staff, and faculty are second to none. Its curriculum, clinics, and centers are broad and deep — and constantly evolving to respond to the emerging issues of the day. And its physical plant is in a class of its own. UC Law is simply one of the great law schools in the country today.

Great law schools train great lawyers to face the vicissitudes of life. Every generation confronts challenges of one sort or another and of varying levels of risk. Today is no different, though perhaps our times pose greater peril to our constitutional order than most. As has been true for much of American history, those trained in the law will be at the forefront of managing these risks.

Done well, an education in the law provides the analytical tools needed to solve the most pressing challenges confronting the world. What I can say without fear of contra-diction is that UC Law does legal education well.

Our graduates are prepared for the challenges of today and, equally, those of tomorrow. I am passionately grateful for being part of this great institution and passionately enthusiastic about its future.

Warmly,

David