2026

On August 10th, 1L students filled the Charney Hall Atrium with lively chatter and anticipation as they met Dean Michael Kaufman, faculty, upperclassmen, staff, and the Student Services team, all eager to welcome and support them throughout their time at Santa Clara Law. The week-long Orientation brought students together through shared meals, conversations with mentors, and activities designed to help them build connections as they begin their law school journey.

To prepare for the year ahead, the incoming class attended a series of sessions covering everything from academic policies and study strategies to financial health and overall well-being. A highlight was the professor-led panel discussion, which introduced students to new ways of thinking about complex legal issues, offered insight into potential career paths, and gave clarity on what to expect from their courses. 

William Harmon shared that the in-person interaction with faculty put him at ease: “Hearing their voices and humanizing them, I think that’s very real. I think teachers can seem larger-than-life and that made it a little less daunting.” Fellow 1L Sarah Simone agreed, adding that the reassurance is much-appreciated coming into this new chapter: “The opening speech just felt very grounded—someone who really knows what they’re doing. [They’re] people who’ve been doing this for a while and seemed to really care about students. And I think that’s exactly what we all wanted to hear just walking into this immediately.”

The orientation culminated in a Convocation ceremony at the Mayer Theatre, bringing the community together to reflect on the shared purpose and values that will guide 1Ls throughout their studies and beyond. In attendance were Howard Charney, J.D. ’77, our Distinguished Innovator in Residence; Fr. Matthew Carnes, S.J.; and University Provost Jim Glaser. Judge Risë Pichon, J.D. ’76, Distinguished Jurist in Residence, led the Oath of Professionalism. Dorian Daley, J.D. ’86, Chair of our Law Advisory Board, whose multimillion-dollar investment helped establish the Daley Center for Conflict Resolution, also shared reflections on the expectations that come with being a lawyer. SBA Co-Presidents, Connor Fehrenbach and Justin Zumel, called on their peers to turn their ambitions into action through the law.

(Left to Right) Dorian Daley, J.D. ’86; Judge Risë Pichon, J.D. ’76; Provost Jim Glaser; Dean Michael Kaufman; SBA Co-Presidents Connor Fehrenbach and Justin Zumel

2026 Cohort by the numbers

This year’s 1L class represents one of Santa Clara Law’s most accomplished and diverse cohorts yet, with students arriving from backgrounds such as neuroscience and engineering. Over half (56%) are students of color, 21% are first-generation college graduates, and 15% hold advanced degrees. 

The 2026 first-year cohort also stands out for its academic achievement. Every incoming student received our PLEDGE scholarship, and the class earned the highest median LSAT score in Santa Clara Law history. These milestones reflect the school’s continued commitment to attracting talented students and supporting them from the moment they enroll.

1L students share a meal and get to know each other 

Specialized programs connect students to their career goals

What drew these students to Santa Clara Law in the first place? Several 1Ls mentioned the prime location for careers in the tech industry and the prospect of living in the Bay Area in general. But the location was only part of the appeal: Students also cited the cohort programs as a way to focus their studies in fields that interested them most.

Sonika Saraiya, who chose the Tech Edge J.D. program with hopes of pursuing a career in tech law, said its specialized course offerings and networking opportunities were a major draw. “I wasn’t able to find a parallel program of that caliber at any other school,” she remarked. For Saraiya, the program also serves as a direct link to Silicon Valley’s legal community. “I know that I want to settle and practice here, so it doesn’t make sense for me to go somewhere else and try to come back when I can just start my career and launch it from here, with people that I would be interacting with for the rest of my career.”

Saraiya is among 51 students in her Tech Edge J.D. cohort. Now in its ninth year, the program continues to equip students with critical skills sought out by employers in technology industries.

The Public Interest J.D. program helps students pursue careers in Public Interest and Social Justice. Through milestone experiences, students develop skills to pursue legislative and policy reform and use their education in service of others, advancing Santa Clara Law’s commitment to social justice and the greater good. The Public Interest J.D. enters its fourth year with a record 23 new students, its largest class yet.

For students balancing school with careers, families, or other commitments, the Flex J.D. program offers a way to pursue a law degree without putting their lives on hold. The hybrid program combines asynchronous coursework with a flexible schedule, allowing students to structure their studies around their individual needs. This year, 8 Tech Edge J.D. students and 3 Public Interest J.D. students are enrolled in Flex J.D., doubling the Public Interest J.D. Flex cohort since last year.

Santa Clara Law also welcomed 24 new students from around the world, including Germany, Turkey, India, South Korea, China, and Russia to our J.D., LL.M., and visiting student programs. 

As our 1L students begin learning to think and act like lawyers, they join a community rooted in advocacy, innovation, and service. In the months ahead, they will have opportunities to explore their passions, make lasting connections, and shape their own vision for the future.

A selfie with Bucky the Bronco to capture the moment