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Dean Erwin Chemerinsky to Deliver Commencement Address and Receive Honorary Doctor of Laws at The Colleges of Law’s 2026 Graduation Ceremony
A leading constitutional scholar joins graduates at a milestone moment shaped by academic rigor, access, and a commitment to community impact.
The Colleges of Law today announced that Erwin Chemerinsky, one of the nation’s foremost constitutional law scholars and Dean of the University of California, Berkeley School of Law, will address the class of 2026 at its commencement ceremony on April 25, 2026, at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort.
A prolific author, Chemerinsky has written leading casebooks and treatises on constitutional law, federal jurisdiction, and civil rights, and is among the most cited legal scholars in the United States. He is widely recognized for making complex constitutional issues accessible to both legal audiences and the broader public through his scholarship and frequent media commentary.
The Colleges of Law Names Brandy Price as Dean and Chief Academic Officer
BY THE COLLEGES OF LAW
The Colleges of Law, credited with launching California’s first accredited Hybrid J.D. program, announced the appointment of Brandy Price, J.D., as its new Dean and Chief Academic Officer.
“Dean Price is a trusted and proven leader whose deep understanding of our students, faculty, and programs makes her uniquely qualified to lead The Colleges of Law’s academic enterprise,” said Matthew Nehmer, Ph.D., president of The Colleges of Law. “She has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and student success that will continue to carry us forward.”
Dean Price assumes the role after more than five years of service to The Colleges of Law, during which she has led multiple academic and administrative initiatives, including her recent tenure
Important Update on 2025 February Bar
California extends Provisional Licensure Program for Feb 2025 bar takers, allowing supervised practice while awaiting admission.
BY THE COLLEGES OF LAW
The State Bar of California has announced an important opportunity for individuals who sat for the February 2025 bar exam. The Provisional Licensure Program (PLP) will be extended to more than 1,000 eligible applicants, offering a chance to gain real world legal experience under supervision while awaiting bar admission.
- Applicants from the February 2025 bar exam who were first time takers or first time registrants
- Applicants approved for the PLP must still pass the California Bar Exam to be admitted to practice law
- Application window Sept. 1 to Dec. 31, 2025
The Colleges of Law to Celebrate Class of 2025 at 51st Commencement Ceremony in Santa Barbara
The Colleges of Law will celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2025 on Saturday, April 26, where 64 graduates who have completed rigorous legal studies while balancing careers, families and community responsibilities will be recognized.
Assembly member Jacqui Irwin, who represents California’s 42nd Assembly District, will deliver the keynote address. A longtime public servant and former mayor, Irwin has championed key initiatives in education, public safety, and veterans' affairs, making her a fitting voice to honor a new generation of legal changemakers.
“We are living in a moment when the legal system is being tested in profound ways – socially, politically, and morally,” said Dr. Matthew Nehmer, President of The Colleges of Law. “Our graduates are stepping into this landscape with not only a
The Colleges of Law Appoints Two New Members to its Board of Trustees
The Colleges of Law recently announced the appointment of two new members to its Board of Trustees. Teri Cannon, J.D., and Celina L. Zacarias bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in higher education and community relations, enriching the college with their diverse expertise and dedication.
"We are thrilled to welcome these longstanding community leaders to our Board of Trustees," said Matthew Nehmer, Ph.D., president of The Colleges of Law. "Their individual talents and experience in higher education are a valuable addition to our board. I look forward to working alongside them to advance our mission of excellence in legal education."
Teri Cannon is a renowned leader with expertise in higher education, legal administration, and accreditation. Cannon's impressive career includes key positions
