Diversity

California Law Review is committed to diversity in our membership and scholarship.

We define diversity as a "variety of personal experiences, values, and world views that arise from differences of culture and circumstance." Such experiences include, but are not limited to: race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, language, abilities/disabilities, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, geographic region, national origin, immigration status, family status, personal/family education level, political beliefs, and prior or current military service.

Social hosted by Lucia Colicchio ‘23.

A diverse membership is integral to California Law Review's achievement of excellence. Because personal experiences and identity shape how individuals look at the world, diversity in law review membership translates into a broader and more complex exchange of ideas and richer scholarship. Additionally, diverse groups of students select a range of different articles for publication, thereby increasing the variety and breadth of scholarship circulating within the legal academy. A diverse membership also strengthens learning and mentorship opportunities within California Law Review, leading to a better legal education and experience for student members. Finally, because law review membership is a stepping stone in the legal profession, striving for diversity ensures that law reviews like California Law Review—and by extension, other influential organizations—remain accessible to all rather than replicating systemic social inequalities.

Throughout the years, California Law Review has undertaken numerous diversity initiatives. These include:

  • creating a Diversity Department that is represented on the CLR Executive Committee by two Diversity Editors,

  • modifying Write-On to include comprehensive and skills-based assessments, such as personal statements and editing packets,

  • collecting and maintaining demographic information for Write-On participants and California Law Review members,

  • establishing a Diversity Committee to plan events and assess California Law Review’s diversity-related policies and programs,

  • integrating diversity workshops into California Law Review’s orientation and professional skills training, and

  • partnering with other Berkeley Law student organizations to co-sponsor events that promote diversity in the legal academy.

Members at CLR’s fall picture day, 2022.