Social Justice Thursday Speaker Series

Joining theory and practice, the Center sponsors a lunchtime speakers’ series on contemporary social justice issues. Topics are as varied as community law practice; private practice in the public interest; the digital divide; international human rights; or race, class and criminal justice. Speakers are prominent attorneys who describe their practice, as well as scholars who discuss recent work. Faculty serve as facilitators.

Social Justice Thursday Essential Issues

Many first year students feel that issues of social justice and legal ethics can get lost in a thicket of technical knowledge. The Social Justice Thursday Essential Issues series addresses these feelings by providing first year law students with a forum to discuss social justice issues, alternate perspectives on legal education, and first-year subject areas. Faculty serve as discussion leaders.

Social Justice Workshop

Faculty members rotate teaching this unique seminar which gives students a chance to explore with faculty contemporary, cutting-edge issues in social justice law. Each course begins with an introduction defining the terms of the contemporary debate. Throughout the semester nationally prominent speakers and faculty members present papers to the seminar for discussion. Lectures by featured speakers are open to the University community.

Social Justice Case Study Conference

Students in the Law and Social Justice Seminar describe their research on social justice cases, legislation, and issues.

Trina Grillo Public Interest and Social Justice Law Retreat

The Grillo Retreat provides a unique opportunity for public interest and social justice law students, faculty and practitioners to forge an alliance by exchanging viewpoints, exploring career opportunities, and formulating strategies for social justice during this annual weekend retreat. Co-sponsored by Santa Clara Law School and the Society of American Law Teachers (SALT), with other west coast law schools, this retreat honors the memory of Trina Grillo, 1948-96, who was a source of inspiration to many law students, professors, and public interest and social justice lawyers.

Diversity Lecture

The Center for Social Justice and Public Service offers at least two major lectures each year featuring Critical Race theorists. Critical Race Theory is a body of scholarship that has grown since the mid-1970s as a response to the rollback of gains made by the Civil Rights Movement. Critical race scholars, who see "racism as an ingrained feature of our landscape," respond by analyzing "the myths, presuppositions, and received wisdoms that make up the common culture about race." See Critical Race Theory: The Cutting Edge (Richard Delgado & Jean Stefancic eds., 2d ed. 2000). Bringing the perspective of Critical Race Scholars to campus will benefit both law school and undergraduate students, faculty, staff, and alumni by encouraging an exchange of ideas.

Visiting Practitioner Lecture

The visiting practitioner program brings prominent attorneys to campus to counsel students on pursuing public interest and social justice careers and to share their work.

Past Conferences and Special Events