Launch a Legal Career. Open Doors to Public Impact.
Support the Bridge Fellowship Program and help students build careers where they’re needed most.
Bridging Passion and Practice into Public Service
The UC Law San Francisco Bridge Fellowship Program provides critical financial support to students committed to careers in public service.
Through both short-term and year-long funded placements, the Bridge Fellowship Program empowers students to begin working with government agencies and nonprofit organizations. These institutions are underfunded in American society but tackle some of the most urgent legal challenges of our time—including protecting human rights, defending the environment, and advocating for vulnerable communities.
Compelling Employment Outcomes
In 2024, nearly 94% of short-term Bridge Fellows secured long-term, full-time employment following their placements. Sixty percent were hired by their fellowship organizations, while the remaining 40% joined similar roles at comparable institutions.
Among year-long fellows, 100% were able to be reported as employed in law school funded full-time, long-term positions due to the year-long placement program—with nearly two-thirds continuing in permanent roles with their placement offices.
Building Skills That Shape Careers
Bridge Fellows don’t just work—they contribute meaningfully. In 2024, 100% of fellows reported developing essential legal skills, including client interaction, legal research, drafting, and courtroom advocacy, while receiving close mentorship from academic supervisors and the Career Development Office.
These early, hands-on experiences give graduates the confidence and capacity to succeed in high-responsibility roles at the start of their careers.
Meet Some of Our Fellows
Bridge Fellows bring passion, determination, and talent to their placements—and their voices tell the story best. Their reflections offer a glimpse into the day-to-day impact of the Bridge Fellowship Program and the enduring value of donor support in shaping meaningful legal careers.
“I am forever grateful for the Bridge Fellowship Program because this fellowship has afforded me the opportunity to explore and discover my passion in public criminal defense. Due to this fellowship, I am able to dedicate 100% of my time to the zealous representation of my clients, who are often vulnerable, and need and deserve the most support. I want to thank the donors and alumni who have made my dream come true. “ – Maribel F. Villarreal ’24
“Without the Bridge Fellowship Program, it would have been impossible to pursue my dream of being a public defender in San Francisco. I’m enrolled in the volunteer attorney program, which is unpaid and unavailable to new lawyers unless they have funding, and a prerequisite to be hired in San Francisco as it provides invaluable trial and courtroom experience. If not for the fellowship’s monthly stipend, I wouldn’t have been able to enroll in this program. The fellowship has allowed me to pursue the career I value.” – Nicholas Dias ‘24
“The Bridge Fellowship Program has allowed me to ease into my legal career while providing vital funding and mentorship. Through the program, I have been able to delve more deeply into capital post-conviction defense work while exploring other long-term employment opportunities. It has also enabled me to make connections with more seasoned attorneys in the area of law I wish to practice in, which will serve me throughout my legal career.” – Katherine Cox ’24
Support the Next Generation of Advocates
This work is only possible because of donor support.
If your own journey was shaped by an internship, mentor, or early job that opened doors, you understand what a difference it can make.
Your donation provides more than financial support—it provides hope, direction, and the first step toward a career of impact.
>> Make a gift todayPlacements That Advance Justice
Bridge Fellows have trained and served in an impressive range of government and nonprofit organizations. These placements reflect the diversity of our students’ passions and the broad impact of alumni support across sectors that are essential to justice.
Government Organizations
California Attorney General’s Office
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Industrial Relations Department
Fresno Public Defender’s Office
Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office
Los Angeles Public Defender’s Office
Marin County Public Defender’s Office
Monterey County Public Defender’s Office
Napa County District Attorney’s Office
National Labor Relations Board
New York City Mayor’s Office
Oakland City Attorney’s Office
Sacramento Public Defender’s Office
San Diego City Attorney’s Office
San Francisco District Attorney’s Office
San Francisco Public Defender’s Office
San Francisco Superior Court
San Mateo County Courthouse
San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office
Santa Clara County Superior Court
Santa Clara County Public Defender’s Office
Santa Cruz County Public Defender’s Office
Solano County Counsel Dependency Unit
Solano County District Attorney’s Office
Solano County Public Defender’s Office
Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office
South Coast Air Quality Management District
State Water Board
U.S. Court of Appeals, First Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
U.S. District Court, Chambers of Judge Alsup
U.S. District Court, Chambers of Judge Donato
U.S. District Court, Chambers of Judge Spero
U.S. Postal Service Law Department
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)
Nonprofits
Accountability Counsel
AIDS Legal Referral Panel
Asian Law Alliance
Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach
Bet Tzedek Legal Services
Bay Area Legal Aid
California Appellate Project
Catholic Charities, Orange County
Center for Food Safety
Child Care Law Center
Community Legal Aid SoCal
Council on American-Islamic Relations
East Bay Sanctuary Covenant
Equal Rights Advocates
Esperanza Immigrant Rights
Family Violence Law Center
Immigration Center for Women and Children
Immigration Institute of the Bay Area
Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights
Legal Advocates for Children and Youth
Legal Aid at Work
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles
Legal Aid of Marin
Legal Aid of NC
Legal Aid of Sonoma County
Mississippi Dreams Prisoner Advocacy
National Center for Lesbian Rights
Project Sentinel
Public Advocates Inc.
Public Rights Project
Root & Rebound
Social Justice Collaborative
Southwest Center for Equal Justice
Startup Policy Lab
Tenants Together
Tibetan Centre for Human Rights & Democracy
UnCommon Law
UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR)
Youth Law Center
Zitrin Foundation
Contact Us
Career Development Office
UC Law San Francisco
200 McAllister Street, 2nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94102
bridge@uclawsf.edu
T: 415-565-4619