What if I told you that the UCLA School of Law started in temporary barracks? Right here, at UCLA School of Law, the story began not in grand halls, but in modest, makeshift structures behind Royce Hall. In 1949, UCLA School of Law opened its doors, fueled by a vision of accessible legal education. The school’s creation was the culmination of a 1940s push for a public law school in Southern California, a more affordable option compared to private institutions. Governor Earl Warren signed the bill in 1947. Just two years later, the first classes commenced. The original law building was completed in 1951. In 1952, the first graduating class, a mere 44 students, received their degrees. This pioneering class included five women, one of whom was the top student and law journal editor. Under Dean Richard Maxwell’s leadership (1958-1969), UCLA School of Law tripled its faculty size. It also welcomed its first female and African-American faculty members. The school embraced innovation early on, becoming a pioneer in clinical legal education. This hands-on approach, championed by Deans Murray Schwartz (1969-1975) and William Warren (1975-1982), remains a hallmark of UCLA Law. The school also fostered specialized areas of study, including entertainment law, with copyright expert Melville Nimmer leading the charge. Students played a key role in the school’s evolution. In 1973, they established El Centro Legal de Santa Monica, a network of student-run legal clinics. Today, El Centro thrives with 15 projects serving diverse communities in Los Angeles. UCLA School of Law has consistently pushed boundaries. Alumna Susan Westerberg Prager became one of the first female law school deans in the country when she took the helm at UCLA Law in 1982. Over the years, the school has continued to attract brilliant legal minds, both faculty and students. Its alumni have made significant contributions in law, business, government, and beyond. UCLA School of Law has become a powerhouse of legal education and scholarship, leaving a lasting legacy on the legal landscape.
Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics
Established in 2000 the Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics IPAM stands proudly on the UCLA campus. A testament to