UC Law San Francisco Alumni

04/24/2025

A UC Law SF alum who bridged law, business, and innovation, Mike Wood ’79 changed how children around the world learn to read. His work as founder of LeapFrog Enterprises continues to shape early childhood education. UC Law SF honors his remarkable legacy: https://www.uclawsf.edu/2025/04/24/remembering-mike-wood-79-leapfrog-founder-and-champion-of-childhood-learning/

04/17/2025

“We were all given a fabulous legal education and it’s allowed me to do things that I couldn’t have imagined,” says Leo Martinez ’78. “And one of the reasons I give back is that I want others to have exactly the same opportunity.”

The Academe at 198 McAllister, opened in 2023, gives UC Law SF students a place to live and learn in the heart of San Francisco. Alumni support is imperative to enhancing the student experience. To learn more about how your philanthropy can support UC Law SF students, contact Chief Advancement Officer Julia Jordan at [email protected].

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7slDz1WSxoc

UC Law San Francisco

04/14/2025

Some 400 alumni returned to UC Law San Francisco in April for the fourth annual Spring Week, reconnecting with classmates and celebrating their alma mater.

Hosted by the UC Law SF Alumni Association, the April 3–5 Spring Week featured vibrant gatherings, campus tours, an art walk and artist reception, a Jazz Brunch for milestone reunion classes, and a Giants game outing at Oracle Park. A virtual town hall with Chancellor and Dean David Faigman offered a glimpse into the College’s forward-looking vision to become an interdisciplinary hub for higher education while continuing to lead the way in preparing legal professionals.

Spring Week also made a lasting impact, raising nearly $75,000 for the annual Day of Giving on April 3 to support vital academic programs, scholarships, student groups, and public-interest fellowships.

Read more about the celebration: https://www.uclawsf.edu/2025/04/11/uc-law-sf-alumni-celebrate-stellar-classmates-enjoy-the-campus-transformation-and-raise-funds-for-students-and-programs/

04/07/2025

The all-alumni reception at San Francisco City Hall was a night to remember! ✨

Kelly Matayoshi ’12, a partner at Farella Braun + Martel LLP, received the Alum of the Year Award in recognition of her engagement and volunteerism that have significantly enriched the UC Law SF community. She currently serves on the College's Foundation Board of Trustees and on an advisory board for UC Law SF’s Center for Litigation and Courts.

The Chancellor’s Alumni of Distinction Award, newly established this year, went to Rachel Proffitt ’02, partner and CEO of Cooley LLP. The award honors an alum who has significantly advanced the field of law through their professional achievements, leadership, and innovation.

We're so proud of Matayoshi and Proffitt, and our network of over 23,000 alumni.

04/05/2025

Congratulations to two of our stellar alumni, Kelly Matayoshi ’12 and Rachel Proffitt ’02!

Alum of the Year Kelly Matayoshi is a highly regarded attorney in business and employment litigation. As a partner at Farella Braun + Martel LLP, she represents clients in complex disputes, ranging from contract conflicts to wrongful-termination cases. Beyond the courtroom, she has been a steadfast advocate for the Asian American legal community, serving as president of the Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Bay Area and earning recognition among the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association’s “Best Under 40” in 2024.

The inaugural Chancellor’s Alumni of Distinction Award was given to Rachel Proffitt. As CEO of Cooley LLP, Proffitt leads one of the world’s top 20 law firms, renowned for its expertise in the tech and life sciences sectors. She has advised industry giants, including guiding Instacart through its $600 million initial public offering, and helping Harvey, a legal artificial intelligence platform, on its $100 million Series C financing which brought its valuation to $1.5 billion.

Read about the alums here: https://www.uclawsf.edu/2025/04/04/alums-kelly-matayoshi-12-and-rachel-proffitt-02-honored-for-leadership-and-impact/

04/03/2025

What’s Your Opening Statement, UC Law SF?

Thanks to a generous commitment from UC Law SF Board of Trustees member, Dipanwita Deb Amar ’96, gifts made during this kickoff challenge will unlock an additional $5,000 to the UC Law SF Fund. This core support helps drive innovation, expand student access, and respond to areas of greatest need.💥

Support the UC Law SF Fund and help raise the bar.

🎯 Every gift matters.

04/02/2025

Tomorrow's the day, Counselor! Will we set a precedent and raise the bar?

03/27/2025

In just one week, the UC Law SF community is encouraged to participate in Raising the Bar: A UC Law SF Day of Giving.

Every gift helps set the precedent for future legal leaders by providing critical resources for scholarships, programs, and hands-on learning opportunities. Raising the Bar starts April 3, but you don’t have to wait to give:
https://give.uclawsf.edu/g/raising-the-bar-2025?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=raising_the_bar_2025&utm_content=facebook

03/25/2025

Spring Week 2025 is just around the corner, and we can’t wait to see you!

Join us for a slate of exciting events April 3-5 to make memories, see what’s new on campus, and reconnect with your fellow alumni. The all-alumni party at San Francisco City Hall, Reunion Jazz Brunch, and Giant's VIP Experience are sure to be unforgettable.

Last chance for tickets before they're gone:
https://give.uclawsf.edu/e/spring-week-2025/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=spring_week_2025&utm_content=facebook

03/20/2025

Trina Diaz '24 and her classmates achieved an impressive 84% pass rate on the California bar exam last year, surpassing the statewide average. UC Law SF graduates are able to pass the bar thanks to their own hard work, comprehensive prep provided by the College, and support from generous donors.

Diaz said, “Financial strain is a significant distraction, which is why I am deeply grateful for the Bar Prep Support Fund. These funds were put directly towards my bar preparation materials. As a result, I was able to immerse myself completely into studying and received a passing score on my first attempt at the California Bar Exam!”

Give to the Bar Prep Support Fund to help the next generation of change makers study without distractions: https://give.uclawsf.edu/g/bps25?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=bar_prep_support_2025&utm_content=facebook

03/20/2025

UC Law SF students have been majorly successful at moot court competitions throughout the semester! Alumni coaches mentor the next generation of legal professionals by preparing students for these competitions.

Alumni also have the opportunity to give back by judging oral arguments. 1L Legal Writing and Research 2 oral arguments will be held on March 22 and 24-26 and more judges are needed.

Email Usha Manandhar at [email protected] to become a judge.

03/14/2025

The UC Center for Business Law San Francisco created the CBL Scholars Program to develop a new generation of future leaders in business law. It’s supported by generous donations from individuals and corporate sponsors.

CBL Scholars gain access to the San Francisco Bay Area’s technology and venture capital ecosystems, and to the extensive network that UC Law SF has among senior legal leaders across these industries.

Get to know the 2025 CBL Scholars in this Q&A:

CBL Scholars Program Connects Students to Bay Area’s Technology and VC Ecosystems March 14, 2025 at UC Law SF Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Share through Email CBL Scholars Marilyn Aguilar-Portillo, Erik Israel, and Bubba Gleaves will receive financial support and mentorship...

03/14/2025

The journey to becoming an attorney isn’t just about knowledge — it’s about having the resources to succeed.

For many UC Law SF graduates, financial stress is a major hurdle while studying for the Bar. The Bar Prep Support Fund removes that burden so students can focus on what matters most: passing.

Join fellow alumni in ensuring the next generation has the support they need! Give today: https://bit.ly/BarPrepSupport