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How to write the “why berkeley law” essay with examples.

Reviewed by:

David Merson

Former Head of Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University, & Admissions Officer, Brown University

Reviewed: 12/20/23

Getting ready to write your "Why Berkeley Law?" essay? In this blog, we'll offer tips and examples to help you write a standout essay.

When applying to Berkeley Law , one of the most crucial components of your application is the optional essay. This essay provides you with an opportunity to express your genuine interest in the school and explain why you are a perfect fit. 

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into strategies for crafting an effective "Why Berkeley Law?" essay, explore examples of successful essays, and address frequently asked questions.

Writing the "Why Berkeley Law?" Essay

If you’re applying to Berkeley’s Public Interest Scholars Program , you'll find an optional essay prompt that gives you up to 350 words to answer the following question:

“Tell us more about your interest in Berkeley Law. What makes our school a good fit for you in terms of academic interests, programmatic offerings, and learning environment?” 

Let's explore how you can effectively respond to it. 

Discover What Sets Berkeley Law Apart

Berkeley Law has a rich history and a lot to offer prospective students. When tackling this extra essay, be sure to explore the school's traditions, the variety of programs it offers, and the unique qualities that align with your academic goals. 

Reflect on Academic Goals

Now, take a moment to think about your academic goals, including what you want to achieve in the short term and the long term. Think about the specific academic interests that have drawn you to Berkeley Law. Explore how the school's academic offerings can help you reach these goals.

Are there specific courses, areas of study, or research chances that align with your interests? Make sure to express these connections clearly in your essay to demonstrate how well your academic aspirations match with Berkeley Law.

Forge a Regional Connection

The Bay Area is a thriving legal hub, but breaking into it can be challenging without prior connections. If your goal is to practice law in California , don't hesitate to mention it in your essay. Take it a step further by aligning yourself with a specific Bay Area population or legal specialization, such as tech law.

Embrace Diversity and Activism

Berkeley prides itself on its diversity and rich tradition of activism, like the historic Free Speech Movement. Incorporate this culture into your essay to show your appreciation for a vibrant and inclusive campus if you want to stand out. 

Though this isn’t necessarily a diversity essay , it is a good idea to highlight any personal experiences or values that demonstrate your commitment to diversity and social justice. Whether it's through your own background, extracurricular activities, or future aspirations, make it clear that you'll actively contribute to and benefit from Berkeley's diverse community.

Highlight Leadership and Initiative

Berkeley values students who take the lead and make a positive impact. Share examples of your leadership roles, whether in school, work, or community organizations. Highlight instances where you took the initiative to solve problems or create positive change. Demonstrating your potential to contribute actively to the Berkeley community will strengthen your essay.

Connect Your Past Experiences to Future Goals

Your essay should tell a story of your academic and personal journey, culminating in your desire to attend Berkeley. Explain how your past experiences have shaped your ambitions and why Berkeley is the ideal place to continue your growth. Discuss specific resources or opportunities that will help you achieve your long-term goals.

Be Authentic and Reflective

Lastly, be yourself in your essay. Berkeley is looking for authentic individuals who can contribute to their diverse and intellectually vibrant community. 

Share your true passions, values, and aspirations. Reflect on your experiences and insights, and don't be afraid to acknowledge the challenges or setbacks you've faced. A genuine, thoughtful essay will make a lasting impression.

Structuring Your "Why Berkeley Law?" Essay

To effectively write the essay prompt, make sure to follow a structured approach:

Introduction (Approx. 50-75 words)

• Start by introducing yourself and your intention to join Berkeley Law.
• Mention your passion for public interest law and why you are excited to apply.

Academic Interests (Approx. 75-100 words)

• Talk about your academic interests and how they align with Berkeley Law's offerings.
• Highlight specific courses or professors that pique your interest.

Programmatic Offerings (Approx. 75-100 words)

• Explain why the Public Interest Scholars Program stands out to you.
• Discuss how the program's features, like mentorship or clinics, will benefit your career goals.

Learning Environment (Approx. 75-100 words)

• Describe what you admire about Berkeley Law's learning environment.
• Mention the diverse community and the emphasis on activism, and explain why these aspects resonate with you.

Conclusion (Approx. 25-50 words)

• Summarize your main points and reiterate your enthusiasm for Berkeley Law.
• Express your eagerness to contribute to the Berkeley Law community and make a difference in public interest law.

This approach will help you effectively convey your genuine interest in Berkeley Law's Public Interest Scholars Program within the 350-word limit.

Mistakes to Avoid in Your “Why Berkeley Law” Essay

As you work on your essay, it's crucial to steer clear of common mistakes that could hinder your application's impact.

• Generic Responses : Avoid generic statements that could apply to any law school. Your essay should be tailored to Berkeley Law specifically.
• Lack of Specifics : Provide concrete examples and specifics about Berkeley Law and how they relate to your goals.
• Negativity : Refrain from negative comments about other law schools or institutions.
• Ignoring the Word Limit : Stick to the specified word limit. Admissions committees appreciate applicants who can communicate concisely.

Examples of Successful “Why Berkeley Law” Essay

In this next part, let's dive into “Why Berkeley?” law essay examples that really hit the mark, demonstrating the applicants' genuine alignment with the school's ethos, academic programs, and dedication to public interest law.

Example Essay #1

“As an aspiring public interest attorney, Berkeley Law's commitment to social justice and its extensive programmatic offerings make it the ideal institution for me. From my research, it's clear that Berkeley Law's values align perfectly with my passion for advocating for marginalized communities. The Public Interest Scholars Program, in particular, stands out as an opportunity to further my commitment to public service.

Berkeley Law's wide array of clinics and centers, such as the Policy Advocacy Clinic and the International Human Rights Law Clinic, strongly resonates with my academic interests. These hands-on experiences will allow me to apply legal theory to real-world situations, honing my skills while making a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need. Additionally, the Pro Bono Program's emphasis on community service deeply aligns with my commitment to giving back.

The vibrant and inclusive learning environment at Berkeley Law is another compelling reason for my interest. The diverse student body and faculty create a dynamic atmosphere where I can learn from different perspectives and foster a global understanding of legal issues. The Berkeley Law community's dedication to activism and the Free Speech Movement is particularly appealing, as it mirrors my own desire to be a catalyst for change and contribute to a more just society.

‍ In my pursuit of a legal career focused on public interest, Berkeley Law's dedication to fostering social justice and providing extensive resources for students aligns perfectly with my aspirations. I am eager to engage with the Berkeley Law community, contribute to its legacy of activism, and take full advantage of the opportunities it offers to develop into an effective public interest attorney.”

Why This Essay Was Successful

This essay succeeded because it showed that the applicant's goals match what Berkeley Law offers. They clearly expressed their passion for public interest law and mentioned specific programs and opportunities at the school that interested them. 

They also talked about how Berkeley Law's diverse community and commitment to activism aligned with their values. Overall, the essay made a strong case for why the applicant would be a good fit for Berkeley Law.

Example Essay #2

“Berkeley Law is the epitome of my academic and professional aspirations as a future public interest attorney. Its exceptional academic offerings, programmatic diversity, and commitment to social justice have convinced me that this is where I belong.

My academic interests lie in environmental justice and sustainable development. Berkeley Law's esteemed Environmental Law Program, renowned for its interdisciplinary approach and impactful research, perfectly aligns with my goals. I am eager to engage with faculty members such as Professor [Faculty Name], whose work on environmental justice has been a constant source of inspiration for me.

Furthermore, the Public Interest Scholars Program is the embodiment of my career aspirations. It offers unparalleled resources and mentorship opportunities that will not only help me refine my legal skills but also empower me to make a meaningful difference in disadvantaged communities. The program's emphasis on experiential learning through clinics and community engagement resonates deeply with my commitment to public service.

The Berkeley Law community's dedication to diversity and activism is also a significant draw for me. Having been an advocate for social justice throughout my undergraduate years, I am excited about the prospect of contributing to Berkeley's legacy of activism and making a positive impact on pressing societal issues.

In conclusion, Berkeley Law's academic excellence, programmatic offerings, and unwavering commitment to social justice make it the perfect fit for my academic and career goals. I am enthusiastic about the prospect of joining the Berkeley Law community, where I can harness my passion for public interest law to effect change and promote justice for marginalized communities.”

This essay succeeds because it shows a strong match between the applicant's goals and Berkeley Law. They clearly express their interest in environmental justice and sustainable development and explain how Berkeley Law's programs align with these goals. 

The essay also mentions a specific faculty member who inspires them, demonstrating their genuine interest in the school. Additionally, the writer emphasizes their commitment to hands-on learning and public service, which fits well with Berkeley Law's offerings. 

Finally, they express their excitement about contributing to the school's diversity and activism, making a strong case for why they are a good fit for Berkeley Law.

Navigating the application process for Berkeley Law can be complex, but our FAQ section is here to provide you with clear and concise answers to your most pressing questions.

1. What Makes Berkeley Law School Unique?

Berkeley Law stands out for its commitment to academic excellence, social justice, and innovation. It offers a diverse range of courses, renowned faculty, and numerous clinics and centers focused on various legal fields.

2. What Is the Mission Statement of Berkeley Law?

Berkeley Law's mission is to educate leaders who will contribute to the development of law and society. They aim to promote diversity, inclusion, and equity while fostering a supportive and collaborative community.

3. What Is the Optional Essay for Berkeley Law?

Berkeley Law provides an optional essay prompt that allows applicants to address any aspects of their application they wish to clarify or expand upon. While it's not required, it can be a valuable opportunity to provide context if needed.

Writing the "Why Berkeley Law?" essay requires thoughtful reflection and a deep understanding of what makes Berkeley Law unique. By following the strategies outlined in this guide and studying successful examples, you can craft an essay that not only impresses the admissions committee but also conveys your genuine enthusiasm for joining the Berkeley Law community. 

Remember to be specific, passionate, and authentic in your writing, and best of luck with your application!

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How to Write a “Why X” Essay

There are three basic models for a “why school X” essay.

1. The Narrative Model

In a narrative “why school X” essay, you tell a story about your evolving enthusiasm for a school. You might start by saying what first piqued your interest—a comment from a friend, an interview you saw with a dean—and then explain how your interest grew as you did more research. Describe your visit to the school, if you made one, or your conversation with a student or alumnus, if you spoke to one. Conclude with the strongest possible statement of your interest.

Here’s an outline with example first sentences:

• I first became interested in school X when I came across a YouTube video with the dean/heard about a friend’s experience/visited campus for a rugby game.
• As I learned more, I imagined taking professor’s Y’s class/got excited about the specialization in Z.
• But it was my conversation with student Q that confirmed my belief that school X would be perfect for me/I was blown away by the helpfulness and friendliness of the students I met on my visit.
• I am beyond excited about the possibility of attending school X.

2. About Me, About You

In an “about me, about you” essay, you’ll begin by talking about an aspect of your background before explaining how the school will complement your experience and help you fulfill your ambition.

It might look something like this:

• I founded my first company in college. (Describe your history of social entrepreneurship.)
• Startup@BerkeleyLaw will help me bridge my experience with my new ambition for the future. (Describe how Berkeley Law will prepare you to advise startups or some such.)
• But Berkeley Law’s incomparable program in law, technology, and business is not the only reason I want to attend. (Describe what else draws you to Berkeley Law.)
• Given my background in technology and entrepreneurship, I’m convinced that Berkeley Law is the perfect school for me.

You can also put the “about me” me part after the “about you” part.

Note that you’re not writing a second personal statement. You’re just explaining why the school is a good fit for you, and why you’d be a good fit for the school.

3. The Straightforward Essay

The straightforward essay isn’t as sexy as the first two, but it gets the job done. It might look something like this:

• Paragraph about your interest in Texas Law’s Capital Punishment Clinic
• Paragraph about your interest in Texas Law’s Entrepreneurship Clinic.
• Paragraph about your interest in Texas Law’s mentoring program.

Strong Openers

Here are a few examples of openers that work:

When I began to consider studying law, I wrote a list of the qualities that I was seeking in a program.

In this narrative of evolving interest, the author explained how she became more and more convinced that school X had the qualities she most valued.

Four years ago, I found a dog tied to a street sign by a railroad.

In this “about me, about you” essay, the author went on to explain how she developed an interest in animal rights before describing her interest in school X’s animal law program.

In 1995, X Law invited the former president of Taiwan, Lee Teng-Hui, to deliver a public speech.

In this straightforward essay, the author went on to describe how X Law’s decision to invite Lee despite pressure from mainland China demonstrated its commitment to free speech.

Strong Closers

Telling a school you’ll enroll if they accept you is the single strongest move you can make:

X Law is my first choice, and if I’m admitted, I will withdraw my other applications immediately so I can attend.

If you can’t promise to marry them, you can still flirt:

I hope I’m given the opportunity to attend X Law.

Many strong essays close with a very short “about me” line:

In everything from my work with Amnesty to my current position at Xenon, I’ve done my best to support my peers. I hope I get a chance to do the same thing at X Law.

You can also reiterate the reasons you want to go:

I want to go to X Law so I can lie on the law quad and laugh with students like Elle and Vivian. I want to go to X Law so I can work with fellow advocates for asylum seekers. I want to go to X Law so I can learn from Professor Callahan and fight for the next Brooke Windham. Finally, I want to go to X Law so I can become a proud student ambassador, introducing the school to prospective students at home.

As you might have gathered from that last example, enthusiasm really shines through. The best “why school X” essays—the ones that might actually move the needle—feel organic and earnest.

Formatting and Length

If a school doesn’t specify, aim for about one double-spaced page, or roughly 250–350 words.

Format your “why school X” the same way you format your personal statement , but write “Interest in School X” in the header, unless the application refers to the essay differently (e.g. “Supplemental Essay One”).

Learn about our admissions consulting and editing services .

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How to Write a 'Why This Law School' Essay

Here's how to respond when a law school asks about your specific interest in them.

Writing a 'Why This Law School' Essay

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Law schools value applicants who show they have done their research about where they are applying, because the investment of time and energy shows genuine interest and because research is a core legal skill.

Strong law applicants tend to have carefully considered why they are applying to law school , and they understand that their application essays need to express their interest in a legal career.

However, many are stumped when law school applications ask them a narrower question: Why are you applying to this law school?

Most commonly, law schools may ask this question through a supplemental application essay , sometimes called a “Why X School” or “Why This School” essay.

For example, the University of Notre Dame Law School offers applicants an optional statement of no more than two double-spaced pages “to express a specific interest in Notre Dame Law School.” The School of Law at the University of California—Irvine has a mandatory essay of up to 750 words about why you are interested in their school.

Other schools may ask applicants to address this question within their personal statement with a short-answer prompt. It is also a common interview question.

By asking applicants about their specific interest in a school, admissions officers turn the table on applicants. After all, applicants take pains to distinguish themselves by showing that their grades and test scores don’t reveal other factors that set them apart. With a “Why This School” question, law schools say: We’re unique, too. Why are you choosing us?

Ironically, many applicants have given little thought to what separates one law school from another! As you can imagine, admissions offices are not thrilled about this. They certainly don’t see themselves as gatekeepers to a generic, interchangeable institution.  

Answering a “Why This School” essay can be frustrating. How do you articulate your interest without resorting to boilerplate flattery about a school’s prestigious faculty and beautiful campus?

Learn About a Law School Through an Event, Interview or Visit

Since many applicants apply to a wide range of law schools, they may not know much about each one.

One of the best ways to learn about a law school is at a law school forum or information session. Many schools host online events, which can be convenient for applicants unable to visit the law school in person.

Look for these things

If you have a chance to speak with an admissions officer, you can ask good questions to learn more about how the school sets itself apart from others.

You may also learn about a law school by talking to current or former students about their experience on campus. 

Research What a Law School Offers

Use search engines like Google News or LexisNexis to find any mentions of the school in the press. Did the law school recently open a new building or center, or announce a new policy that might affect your interest?

Most importantly, carefully review the law school’s website . Law school websites are one of the best ways to learn about a school: how it sees itself, what it offers and what’s going on. While law school websites might look unremarkable at first, close reading can reveal valuable details.

Compare multiple law school websites and notice the differences between them in style and content. Often, the words and images they use are meticulously crafted to present and promote a distinct identity. Without copying their phrasing word for word, reference these ideas in your essays to reflect an understanding of a school’s unique character while avoiding cliches and generalities. 

Find Areas of Overlap

Law schools differ in their size, geography , culture, curricula, special programs, campus activities and many other ways. These distinctions provide perspectives on how each law school stands out.

Based on your research, make a list of strengths for each of your target schools that are relevant to your interests as a candidate. For example, if your personal statement is about your dream of becoming a prosecutor, look for clinics, research centers, programs, professors or distinguished alumni in the criminal law field.

Focus on a Few Specific Points

When elaborating on the reason you are interested in a school, don’t try to “flood the zone.” Broad compliments may sound insincere.

In a “Why This School” essay or interview response, center your answer on a few concrete reasons.

Try to keep the reasons varied. For example, rather than mention three clinics you find interesting, think about other potential points of intersection, like a personal connection or a geographic interest.

Think realistically about your plans for law school and beyond . It would be more effective to thoughtfully explain why a professor’s research interests align with your own than to rattle off every relevant course in the catalog.

Ultimately, “why” questions are about connecting a law school to yourself. Answer with confidence by researching and identifying a few specific ways in which a school’s unique offerings match with what sets you apart.

Tips to Boost a Law School Application

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About Law Admissions Lowdown

Law Admissions Lowdown provides advice to prospective students about the law school application process, LSAT prep and potential career paths. Previously authored by contributors from Stratus Admissions Counseling, the blog is currently authored by Gabriel Kuris, founder of Top Law Coach , an admissions consultancy. Kuris is a graduate of Harvard Law School and has helped hundreds of applicants navigate the law school application process since 2003. Got a question? Email [email protected] .

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Written Statements

The written statements of an application consist of:

• Personal statement (2-4 pages double spaced)
• Optional supplemental essays such as the diversity statement
• Addendum (optional)

Personal Statements

This statement is a critical sample of your ability to write, as well as an opportunity to tell the admissions committee about yourself. Since most schools do not conduct interviews, the statement represents an opportunity for you to present yourself as more than just a GPA and an LSAT score. With so many applicants possessing identical qualifications, the statement can be the critical factor that distinguishes you from the applicant pool. What you say in your statement can also help you offset weaknesses in your application. So, take writing the statement very seriously.

Most schools are interested in why you are choosing to pursue a legal education now and learning about the unique qualities and experiences you will contribute to their incoming class. To get started, gather information about yourself including:

• Work, school and community experiences, such as positions you have held, volunteer opportunities, and projects you have participated in
• Extracurricular activities, such as clubs, sports teams, leadership positions
• Personal challenges and experiences, including travel, disabilities, goals you have accomplished
• Unique talents or interests

Personal statement resources and samples:

• Crafting a Strong Personal Statement Narrative 
• In Their Own Words: Admissions Essays That Worked – University of Chicago Law School
• The Law School Personal Statement: A Collection – Schar School of Policy and Government

General Tips

• Write a concise narrative with one or two points. Go for quality over quantity.
• Tell a story where you are the main character and you changed, grew, or shifted your perspective.
• Write about any activity that shows off your best qualities. Review your classroom, student organization, work, and personal life for material.
• Show, don’t tell: conclusions should be self-evident. Well written statements use stories that illustrate your good qualities. You should not have to explicitly state them.
• Keep the focus on YOU, not an ill relative, remarkable client, or inner workings of an organization where you worked.
• Write several drafts and ask for feedback on early drafts.

Challenges, such as a string of low grades or a low LSAT score should be addressed in an addendum. Be brief and honest while offering a sympathetic explanation. Generally 1-2 short paragraphs is sufficient.

Explaining Why You’re Applying to Their Law School (The "Why X" Essay)

Among the many optional essays law schools may ask you to write, one of the most common is the "Why X" essay—essentially, an essay in which you describe to the law school why you are interested in attending that school in particular.

On a cursory level, it may seem very easy to write this type of essay. You write one template, drop in the proper nouns related to the specific institutions, and you’re ready to submit. This method can produce a very generic essay, though, and one that likely won't help your chances of admission. If it feels like fluff, it most likely is a bit superficial, and admissions committees will quickly make the same determination—they have seen this all before.

What’s the best approach, then, to craft a “Why X” essay that truly makes a positive impact on your application and is distinct for each school?

The University of Pennsylvania Law School, for example, asks the “Why Penn” question in a unique manner that is designed to get you to a deeper level. Essentially, Penn asks you to identify how your interests, goals, and values connect to Penn Law’s core values. This concept is a great direction for any Why X Law School essay. Figure out what motivates you, find those opportunities at each law school that requires a “Why X” essay, and then highlight those activities in your essay. Don’t just list them—instead, connect them to what motivates you.

“I’m an EMT and a Health Science major, and I’ve seen America’s health crisis from both the academic and practical level on the ground. I want to get involved in Princeton Law School’s Rural Health Clinic because too many people do not know how to navigate the system.”

“I’m an engineer, and Dartmouth Law’s Journal of Science and Technology would be an ideal way for me to take a leadership role in researching and recommending federal and state regulations that are necessary for the safe and orderly institution of artificial intelligence technology.”

Both of these statements specifically connect the applicant's background and experience to one of the school’s opportunities, rather than just saying "I'm very interested in X clinic" or "Y Journal really appeals to me." By personalizing why the school’s opportunities have motivated you to apply, you will help the school better understand how you fit with their institution, and it may also convince them that you are more likely to enroll than the next applicant (the core goal of submitting a Why X).

"Why X" Essay Dos and Don'ts

• DO check to see if the school has any specific formatting or length requirements or guidelines in their instructions, before you start drafting. If not, we generally advise applicants keep their "Why X" essay to about one page, at 1’’ margins and 11- or 12-point font.
• DON'T write a "Why X" essay for every school you apply to. Some schools don’t want them. Some schools ask for them specifically, which is a clear indication that you should write one. Alternatively, at other schools, a “Why” essay is not requested but has still been shown to be strategically advantageous to submit. So, read the application instructions and do your research to figure out for which schools you should be writing this type of essay, and which schools do not welcome them.
• DO lead with the personal . Start with a personal connection if you can. Have you ever visited the school? Do you know someone who attends and have you heard good things from that perspective? What was your introduction to the school? These are often the strongest and most differentiating components of a “Why X” essay, if they apply to you.
• DON'T rely on templates. Some templating is natural for "Why X" essays, but spend time personalizing the essay to the school beyond just dropping in relevant info. And be incredibly careful to avoid leaving in references that do not apply to a specific school (e.g. “I like the feel of a college town” when the school is in a big city).
• DO research. The ideal "Why X" essay doesn't start and end with information that can be found on the law school's website, but you should still spend some time there. In addition to learning about the school's areas of strength, clinics, professors, journals, etc., check out the news/updates sections of the website or watch a student video; perhaps there will be something that resonates and relates to your interests and goals, and you can comment on it in your statement. Outside of the law school's substantive offerings, you can also mention things like class size, location, and atmosphere (but make sure that you give a reason “why” that also tells the reader about yourself).
• DON'T make it all about them. The "Why X" essay should tell the school more about you than it does about themselves. They already know about their programs and the information provided on their website, so it's not about listing the programs or courses and saying that you would be interested in them—it's more about why you are interested in them and how that relates to your goals, interests, learning styles, and preferences.
• DO incorporate the law school's "brand" into your essay, if applicable. Reviewing the law school's website, if it is well-executed, will teach you how the law school likes to talk about itself. Do they focus on “breadth and depth” or “an intimate seminar-style environment” or “close attention from faculty”? These can be useful concepts to use in a "Why X" essay, especially if you can connect them to your personal background, values, and goals.
• DON'T write anything that conflicts with your other application components. Your "Why X" essay, like every other component of your application, will not be read or evaluated in a vacuum. If you write your whole personal statement about your background working in public service and how you want to be a public interest lawyer, your "Why X" essay shouldn't center on the school's corporate law offerings. The more cohesive your "Why X" essay is with the rest of your application, the more authentic it will read. For example, talking about your focus on health law and how you are interested in a school’s Health Law Clinic is more powerful if you can back it up with extracurriculars, jobs, and/or other experiences in the healthcare system that show up in other components of your application.
• DO visit the law school, attend a recruiting event, or otherwise personally engage with the admissions office if you can. A well-written "Why X" essay can pack even more of a punch if it's backed up by records of real engagement with that law school, whether through a visit to campus, stopping by their table at an LSAC forum, or even attending a webinar from the admissions office. Then talk about your experience and what you learned in your "Why X" essay! Be sure to give specifics.

These are just a few suggestions that can help you write a strong "Why X" essay, but we also recommend having someone else read your essay before you submit. It is essential to make sure that the essay comes across as well-written and sincere (and the more personal connections you can make to the school, the more genuine you will seem).

Home — Application Essay — Law School — Why Berkeley Law: Social Justice, and Global Impact

Why Berkeley Law: Social Justice, and Global Impact

• University: University of California, Berkeley

About this sample

Words: 793 |

Published: Feb 15, 2024

Words: 793 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

I have spent countless hours pondering the path that my future will take. I have questioned what it means to pursue a career that aligns with my passions, allows me to make a meaningful impact on society, and challenges me to continuously grow and learn. It is with this introspection that I am drawn to Berkeley Law, a place where innovation, social justice, and intellectual curiosity intersect in a distinctive and powerful way.

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Berkeley Law's reputation as a top-tier institution is well-established, but what truly sets it apart is its unyielding commitment to service and its progressive approach to legal education. The school's rich history of activism and its history of producing influential change-makers resonate deeply with me. I am inspired by the legacy of Berkeley Law graduates who have fearlessly championed causes ranging from civil rights to environmental justice.

One aspect of Berkeley Law that particularly excites me is its interdisciplinary approach to legal education. The school recognizes that the complex challenges we face in the world today require a multifaceted understanding that goes beyond traditional legal knowledge. By encouraging students to explore other disciplines and offering joint-degree programs, Berkeley Law creates an environment that fosters innovative thinking and prepares graduates to tackle the multifaceted issues of the modern legal landscape.

Berkeley Law's emphasis on experiential learning and hands-on opportunities is also a crucial factor in my attraction to the program. The school's robust clinical program, where students have the opportunity to work with real clients and engage in direct legal advocacy, aligns perfectly with my desire to actively contribute to positive change. I firmly believe that learning happens most effectively through practical application, and Berkeley Law's commitment to providing students with meaningful real-world experiences is unparalleled.

Additionally, Berkeley Law's vibrant and diverse community resonates with my own values and experiences. I am drawn to the opportunities for collaboration, dialogue, and growth that come from being surrounded by individuals from various backgrounds and perspectives. The chance to engage in thoughtful conversations and challenge my own beliefs while respecting the viewpoints of others is an invaluable aspect of a transformative education. I believe that Berkeley Law's commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity is not just a box to check, but a core value that permeates every aspect of the school.

Furthermore, Berkeley Law's global reach and impact provide students with the chance to engage with legal issues on an international scale. I am eager to take part in the school's numerous international programs and immerse myself in different legal systems and cultures. The ability to gain a global perspective and develop cross-cultural competency is crucial in today's interconnected world, and Berkeley Law's commitment to global engagement aligns perfectly with my own aspirations.

Beyond the academic and programmatic offerings, I am particularly drawn to Berkeley Law's strong sense of community. The school's commitment to cultivating an environment of support, collaboration, and mentorship creates a space where students can thrive both personally and professionally. The opportunity to learn from and alongside esteemed faculty members and engage with a passionate and diverse student body is one that I eagerly anticipate.

Ultimately, my decision to pursue law at Berkeley Law stems from a deep-seated desire to merge my passions for justice, advocacy, and critical thinking into a career that allows me to make a tangible difference in the lives of others. Berkeley Law provides the perfect platform for me to embark on this journey, offering a unique blend of academic excellence, social responsibility, and innovative thinking.

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In conclusion, the distinctive attributes of Berkeley Law make it an ideal fit for my aspirations. From its legacy of social activism to its commitment to interdisciplinary education, experiential learning, inclusivity, global engagement, and community, Berkeley Law embodies the values and qualities that I hold dear. Through my experiences and dedication, I am confident that I will not only contribute to the legacy of Berkeley Law but also be transformed by the rich opportunities it offers. I eagerly anticipate the prospect of joining the vibrant Berkeley Law community and embarking on this transformative journey of passion, purpose, and service.

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Why Berkeley Essay? Forum

Why Berkeley Essay?

Post by ttunsehc » Sun Aug 14, 2011 11:45 pm

Re: Why Berkeley Essay?

Post by rinkrat19 » Sun Aug 14, 2011 11:54 pm

Post by AffordablePrep » Sun Aug 14, 2011 11:56 pm

Post by Ernert » Mon Aug 15, 2011 12:07 am

rinkrat19 wrote: 1. Don't put your full real name on an internet forum. Yeesh. 2. --LinkRemoved-- No, Boalt does not require a 'Why Boalt' essay. 3. With the exception of places like Liberty and Pepperdine, most law schools are at least somewhat progressive. You could mention you like the progressive nature of the Bay Area, but not just as a one-sentence throwaway. Make sure you can speak intelligently and convincingly about the city if you're going to talk about it. 4. Make sure you have someone edit your personal statement for grammar.

Post by ttunsehc » Mon Aug 15, 2011 12:31 am

Post by AffordablePrep » Mon Aug 15, 2011 12:32 am

ttunsehc wrote: So do you think a little line in my PS about Berkeley would make a difference?

Post by IzziesGal » Mon Aug 15, 2011 12:34 am

ttunsehc wrote: Does Berkeley need this type of essay? There pretty far upon the list. If so, do you think it would be smart to mention that I like Berkeley because it's known to be a progressive school?

Post by rinkrat19 » Mon Aug 15, 2011 12:36 am

Post by AffordablePrep » Mon Aug 15, 2011 12:38 am

IzziesGal wrote: ttunsehc wrote: Does Berkeley need this type of essay? There pretty far upon the list. If so, do you think it would be smart to mention that I like Berkeley because it's known to be a progressive school?

Post by AffordablePrep » Mon Aug 15, 2011 12:39 am

rinkrat19 wrote: ttunsehc wrote: So do you think a little line in my PS about Berkeley would make a difference?

Post by rinkrat19 » Mon Aug 15, 2011 12:41 am

AffordablePrep wrote: you didn't think it made for a good why berkley essay? i found it moving.....

Post by shoeshine » Mon Aug 15, 2011 12:50 am

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Dear Supreme Court, Affirmative Action Deserved Better

“Why was I rejected?” is the most common question students have after receiving a college rejection, and it’s a fair one. Even with high SAT scores, GPAs, and plentiful extracurriculars, the upper echelons of higher education can remain out of reach for many students like Calvin Yang. Yang was a plaintiff in “Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard,” the case where the Supreme Court made the unprecedented decision to overturn affirmative action. He was also a former BPR writer who penned an article in 2022 explaining his opposition to affirmative action. In the past few decades, affirmative action has been an easy target for scorned Asian and white applicants who believe they were unfairly rejected in favor of “less qualified,” racially diverse applicants. This is a direct response to his article from a fellow Asian American. 

In Yang’s article , one of his central arguments was that affirmative action weakened American egalitarianism by focusing on immutable factors like race rather than a student’s merit and credentials. Yet the very purpose of the policy is to rectify institutional failures to properly evaluate the worthiness of applicants. 

It is extremely difficult to evaluate merit and what one has endured to achieve their successes. While credentials like awards and honors are widely considered the best ways to quantify merit, external and fixed factors of a person’s life can unfairly influence the way they are awarded. For example, many high school students hope to receive recognition for their intellect and hard work through awards and scholarships. While it is undoubtedly important to highlight deserving individuals across all ages, many of these awards are subject to implicit or explicit biases. In 1994, the College Board was sued for designing the PSAT in a way that illegally discriminated against females, decreasing their chances of receiving the coveted National Merit Scholar designation. A multiple choice ‘Writing Skills’ section was introduced to settle the case. Unsurprisingly, the gender gap in qualifying test scores of the subsequent year narrowed by 40% . Racial gaps exist as well — almost 70% of private scholarship recipients are white, though they compose only 61% of the undergraduate student population. 

Another aspect of college applications that offers different students different opportunities is sports. Some like volleyball and skiing require significant investments of time and money for students to reach collegiate-level skill. Barring a few exceptions, this means elite athletic achievement is only accessible to those from well-resourced families. Additionally, some high schools have a “pay to play” system for sports that force students to pay a fee for sports participation. In a meritocracy, everyone would have an equal opportunity to receive recognition for their work or reach the pinnacle of athletic achievement. This is simply an impossible goal.

Yet another source of inequality is legacy admissions, which are still in place in many prestigious universities including Harvard. Harvard has explicitly stated that they give preference to legacy students and relatives of donors and faculty, defending the practice in a 1980s federal investigation into alleged discrimination against Asian American applicants in favor of whites. The university justified legacy admissions on two counts. First, they strengthened alumni connections to the university and encouraged them to give back. Second, legacy applicants were often very qualified. Regardless of the validity of the arguments, both legacy status and race are inalterable aspects of a student’s life. To allow one policy to stand while the other falls is senseless. 

All of these various factors converge around one truth: that the college admissions process is not fair and never will be. Many of the top institutions lack transparency regarding the true meaning of a ‘holistic review’, and applicants are left wondering every year on what exactly they are being judged. Different essay readers, admission councils, and interviewers can monumentally impact a person’s application in a frustratingly random way. 

In light of this, it is important to control for what factors we can. Affirmative action strengthened American egalitarianism by promoting equality of opportunity. Judging solely by credentials and merit would be fair in a perfect world, where everyone had the same access to the same resources and the same opportunities for success. The world we live in is far different, and systematic inequalities tangibly impact peoples’ daily lives. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson summarized this point well in her dissent to the affirmative action ruling: “deeming race irrelevant in law does not make it so in life”. 

Another argument in Calvin Yang’s article was that students like him were denied because “less qualified,” more racially diverse applicants were admitted instead. Yet collectively calling underrepresented applicants less qualified is part of a problematic societal perception that these students are undeserving of admission. “Implicit and overt forms of racial discrimination” were found to be a primary obstacle for Black college students in a recent study exploring why their demographic had lower college completion rates than other ethnic groups. These students were also more likely to indicate they felt physically or emotionally unsafe on campus. By frequently facing unfair perceptions of their worth and abilities, underrepresented students often struggle to feel like they belong in college. In worst-case situations, they internalize feelings of inadequacy, falling into the trap of a self-fulfilling prophecy. This identity and perception-based discrimination is exactly why policies like affirmative action are so critical. This issue is not the sole responsibility of colleges to fix; bottom-up, societal work must be pursued. However, a multi-faceted solution is often the best way to solve complex issues, and few issues are as complex as this confluence of race, diversity, and equality.

Some people argue that the stigma against marginalized students is due to the prominence of affirmative action in admissions and will decrease with the overturning of the policy. However, diversity will never stop being a point of contention, and the discourse in this college cycle is already shifting to other aspects of the process like student essays. 

Without affirmative action, more pressure than ever is now being placed on students. Those from marginalized communities struggle to encapsulate the intensity of their struggles in small 500-600 word essays, while other students feel disadvantaged for not having experienced trauma. The recent linking of privilege with disadvantage is a strange phenomenon, and one that will be exacerbated in the absence of affirmative action. As the number of applicants continues to rise—and acceptance rates continue to fall—students are becoming increasingly desperate for factors they can use to differentiate themselves. Unfortunately, for more and more students this means searching through their memories “for a trauma they think they can sell” and scrutinizing fellow students on the basis of a form of trauma Olympics. This fosters a hyper-competitive, callous high school environment while also destroying the value of the personal essay. Rather than an illustrative peek into a student’s life and unique perspective of the world, essays are now just desperate attempts to describe an applicant’s worst moments to move essay readers. This newly warped focus on ‘selling’ personal trauma precisely displays the issue with many attitudes toward diversity and the college admissions process. Trauma and pain alone do not equal diversity, and essays should not be the only way an applicant expresses their identity-based struggles. Students who have not experienced trauma are not unfairly disadvantaged just as students not from under-represented communities are not unfairly disadvantaged by affirmative action. 

Am I saying affirmative action was perfect? Like every other aspect of the college application process, absolutely not. But the justifications for which it was overturned — to adhere to a “colorblind Constitution” that has never existed, protect minority students from stigmas they will continue to endure, all while wielding the Asian American community as a weapon against other minorities — continue to corrode the merit of the decision. Together, they reveal how the verdict was more of a symbolic statement in our current divisive political landscape than a genuine attempt to rectify the many issues plaguing higher education.

Thankfully, hope is far from lost. The Supreme Court recently refused to hear a case against class-based policies at a Virginia high school, which is a positive sign for the future of diversity in education. Class-based policies are more popular with the general public, though they may struggle to replicate the same levels of racial diversity that affirmative action supported. Additionally, elite universities like Harvard have much smaller student bodies than most public universities. Some of the largest higher education systems — like the California State University and the University of California — have had race-neutral policies since 1996 , and are constantly seeking new ways to improve the diversity of their student bodies.

The college education system is flawed and riddled with issues that perpetuate inequality. However, affirmative action and other minority students are not to blame for these issues — nor are they to blame for your rejection from a school. Instead, public perceptions around ‘merit’ and equality must change, and affirmative action must be replaced with a stronger, more equity-conscious system.

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U.C. Berkeley Parents Hired Private Security to Patrol Near Campus

The parents were worried about crime, but the university said that the move raised concerns about training and experience, and that security was better left to its own police force.

By Lola Fadulu

Some parents of students at the University of California, Berkeley, hired private security workers to patrol near the campus, something the school says should be left up to the campus police.

The group, called SafeBears , says it represents more than 1,300 parents of students at the university. It said it decided to hire the security guards after several crimes involving students last year, including a carjacking near a fraternity house and another one near campus.

The university, which has about 45,000 students, said in a statement that the hiring raised concerns about training and experience, and that “university funds are better spent hiring more” campus police officers.

Jonathan Simon, a professor of criminal justice law at U.C. Berkeley, said in a statement that he understood why parents were concerned about safety, but that there was no evidence that the risk at the university was exceptional.

“I just don’t see how this stunt can do anything to significantly alter those risks and instead reflects the relative privilege of the parents involved,” he said.

It would be better to keep the gym open 24 hours a day and have well-lit running and jogging paths to have more space for students to stay on campus in the evening, he added.

Parents have been on edge after a few high-profile crimes on university campuses. In February, the body of a 22-year-old Augusta University nursing student was found in a wooded area at the campus of the University of Georgia in Athens, Ga.

SafeBears — the name is a nod to the U.C. Berkeley mascot — spent more than $40,000 to hire the security officers through a contractor. From March 6 to 23, six “safety ambassadors” in bright yellow jackets patrolled areas near the school, but not on campus, from 6:30 p.m. until 3:30 a.m. The areas were chosen because of recent crime reports, according to the parents.

“I have heard from a lot of students who have expressed gratitude and relief when they say that they saw our security agents patrolling around campus,” said Sagar Jethani, the president of SafeBears, whose twin sons are sophomores at the university.

All the people SafeBears hired underwent a criminal-background check, according to a statement from the group.

They also received at least 32 hours of security officer training. They did not carry pepper spray, batons, handcuffs or other “defensive equipment,” the statement said.

Lola Fadulu reports on the New York City region for The Times. More about Lola Fadulu

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Essay: The U.N. Security Council’s Default Is Deadlock

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The U.N. Security Council’s Default Is Deadlock

Countries have used the body’s impasse over conflicts in gaza and ukraine to advance their own interests..

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In May 1954, less than a decade after the founding of the United Nations, then-Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjold concluded an address to the University of California, Berkeley by asserting that the organization “was not created in order to bring us to heaven but in order to save us from hell.” His words now seem a clear-eyed description of both the world body’s raison d’être and its limitations: The U.N. cannot necessarily prevent wars, but it may be able to disincentivize their worst excesses.

The collegiate audience would have understood “hell” as referring to the horrors of World War II. Hammarskjold also spoke just one year after the end of the Korean War, the first conflict in which the U.N. took a side, supporting South Korea. The Korean armistice created the Demilitarized Zone, freeing those south of the line from the invading communists but trapping those north under a despotic regime. The decision was seen as preferable to allowing the entire Korean Peninsula to fall.

Today, the Security Council, the U.N. organ with primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, finds itself at an impasse. Council members are often unable to agree on when to make demands of member states, and when the council does make demands, they are seldom implemented. This institutional paralysis harms U.N. credibility and affects the conflicts currently dominating headlines—in Gaza and Ukraine—and those raging just offscreen, such as in Haiti and Sudan.

Some world powers, chief among them Russia, are using the deadlock on the Security Council to deflect from their own actions—distractions that can quickly reverberate around the world. Both Israel and the Palestinians have recently used the platform to hone their messaging on the war in Gaza. Palestine’s permanent observer to the U.N. has accused Israel of exaggerating some details of Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack, when militants killed around 1,200 people in southern Israel and abducted 253 others. Israel has invited diplomats, politicians, and journalists (including this reporter) to view footage from the attack.

Nearly six months into the war, the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry estimates that some 32,000 Palestinians have been killed, many of them women and children, and many more have been seriously injured. Israel says at least 134 hostages remain in Gaza, and some are presumed dead. On March 25, after months of back and forth, the Security Council adopted a resolution, drafted by the 10 elected members of the body, demanding an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and the unconditional release of all hostages.

The United States abstained, allowing the resolution to go through—days after Russia and China vetoed a U.S.-drafted resolution also calling for a cease-fire. (A Security Council resolution requires nine votes in favor, with no vetoes from the five permanent members.) The United States used its own veto to stop three previous Gaza cease-fire resolutions. In those cases, it cited Israel’s right to self-defense, ongoing negotiations in the Middle East, or the council’s failure to condemn the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, which Washington and other capitals consider a terrorist organization.

The competing Gaza resolutions show how, in the 70 years since Hammarskjold’s speech, the body politic that makes up the U.N. has grown further apart. This polarization disturbs the heading of the organization’s moral compass. Increasingly, the needle swings according to the interest of the dominant faction during a given crisis, which has proved useful to parties seeking to reframe public perceptions—and to nudge this needle in the direction of their choosing.

From left: U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield looks down as Algerian Ambassador Amar Bendjama and Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jun raise their hands for a “yes” vote on a resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza during a Security Council meeting in New York on March 25. Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images

In the clash of wills over Gaza on the Security Council, Russia’s U.N. ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, accused the 11 council members that voted for the recent U.S.-drafted resolution of “cover[ing] themselves in disgrace.” He then stated, without irony, that Russia understood its role as a founding member of the U.N. and recognized the “historical global responsibility we shoulder for the maintenance of international peace and security.” When both Russia and China vetoed the U.S. draft, it was a bit of déjà vu: Last October, the two powers vetoed a humanitarian-focused resolution on Gaza submitted by the United States.

Of course, the latest round of Security Council ping-pong has played out while Russia has a particular incentive to distract from its ongoing war in Ukraine. For her part, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield said Russia and China vetoed the U.S.-drafted resolution for two cynical reasons: first, she speculated, because they could not bring themselves to “condemn Hamas’s terrorist attacks on Oct. 7,” and second, because Russia and China simply didn’t want to vote for a draft written by the United States, because they “would rather see us fail than to see this council succeed.”

Meanwhile, Israel has continued its own lobbying. As months dragged on without the Security Council condemning the Oct. 7 attack, Israel’s U.N. envoy began calling on the U.N. secretary-general to resign and addressing Security Council meetings wearing a yellow Star of David. Two weeks before the council considered the latest cease-fire resolutions, Israel’s foreign minister came to New York—accompanied by family members of hostages—to speak to a Security Council meeting about a U.N. report detailing sexual violence on Oct. 7 and to demand that the council designate Hamas as a terrorist organization and impose sanctions.

Israel’s messaging has made some impact. Some countries have paused their financial support for UNRWA, the U.N. aid agency for Palestinian refugees, over Israeli accusations that it employs Hamas members, including some involved in the Oct. 7 attack. The U.N. created a working group chaired by Catherine Colonna, who was until recently France’s foreign minister, to restore confidence in the agency; she is due to release a report in April with recommendations on how to strengthen its neutrality.

People walk past the damaged Gaza City headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees on Feb. 15. AFP via Getty Images

Until recently, the fiercest tug of war on the Security Council was over Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Kyiv has now shifted its diplomatic strategy away from the U.N., two years after Moscow’s veto power blocked the Security Council from condemning the invasion. In February 2022 and 2023, the 193-member General Assembly twice voted overwhelmingly to demand Russia’s withdrawal from Ukraine—votes that are nonbinding but are widely seen as reflecting global opinion. However, by the time of the second anniversary of the invasion, the mood had darkened.

The General Assembly did not hold another symbolic vote, but if it had, diplomats say some Middle Eastern countries that once supported Ukraine may have abstained because Kyiv abstained on resolutions calling for a cease-fire in Gaza.

When Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba emerged from the session marking the second anniversary in February, asked what he expected from the U.N. General Assembly, he told reporters , “My main audience today was our fellow colleagues from Asia, from Africa, from Latin America.” His priority was to explain Ukraine’s peace formula and the peace summit the country was planning with Switzerland, he said: “We want them to understand this initiative. We want them to understand that Ukraine wants peace more than anyone else.”

Kuleba’s answer was telling. He has clearly grasped the need to shore up Ukraine’s support in the global south, where Russia has made headway, and Kyiv is venturing further afield of the Security Council. At the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, last year, G-7 leaders declared their intention to work on a series of bilateral security arrangements with Ukraine. Today, more than 30 countries are in bilateral negotiations to help shore up Ukraine’s defenses.

And when it comes to pursuing peace, the center of gravity has also shifted away from the U.N. headquarters in New York—to Switzerland for Ukrainians and to Qatar or Egypt for Palestinians. “I think that everyone quietly understands that the political deals necessary to end the Hamas-Israel war and the Russia-Ukraine war will not come out of the U.N.,” said Richard Gowan, the International Crisis Group’s U.N. director. “Instead, the U.N. is a platform for governments to vent and cast symbolic votes. It’s a venue for public messaging in these cases, not real diplomacy.”

The United Nations Completely Failed in Lebanon

How a U.N. peacekeeping mission may have inadvertently produced Israel’s next war.

On Gaza, the U.N. Struggles for Relevance

As on Ukraine and other critical issues, the multilateral body is trapped in political theater.

Is the United Nations Worth the Price?

The world body isn’t perfect—but you get what you pay for.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (left) greets U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres before a meeting at the U.N. headquarters in New York on Jan. 23. Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov turned up in New York for a series of meetings on Gaza in January, a week after the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland—where Russian officials and oligarchs have not been welcome for two years. An old hand at the U.N., Lavrov swept through the U.N. headquarters as if it were his own Davos. He convened a side meeting of envoys of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and held bilateral meetings with the Palestinian permanent observer to the U.N. and with foreign ministers from a swath of Middle Eastern countries, including NATO member Turkey , current Security Council member Algeria , and Iran , which financially backs Hamas.

At the time, Russia’s hard-fought battle to capture Avdiivka, a city in eastern Ukraine, was reaching its climax—and Moscow was arguing vociferously in the Security Council for a cease-fire in Gaza. This strategy has distracted from some of Russia’s other actions, including making North Korea a key supplier for ammunition, artillery, and missiles in violation of Security Council resolutions. Last week, Russia used its veto power to shield North Korea from a long-running U.N. monitoring program to enforce these sanctions after April. (China abstained, and the 13 other council members voted in favor.)

In February, South Korea and Japan, two current Security Council members, both expressed concern that Russian weapons transfers could end up aiding North Korea’s ballistic missile or nuclear weapons program—another global security threat.

There are benefits to dialogue between adversaries at the U.N. The closed-door meetings of the Security Council, where resolutions are hashed out in advance of a public meeting, provide rare opportunities for U.S. and Russian diplomats to interact. “I heard Americans saying that they appreciate talking to Russians at the closed meetings, even if they fight, but that’s the only place where they can actually interact with the Russians,” a diplomat recently said, speaking anonymously under diplomatic rules.

German soldiers stand in line after leaving a transport plane on return to Wunstorf, Germany, from Mali on Dec. 15, 2023, following the termination of the U.N. peacekeeping mission in the African country. Alexander Koerner/Getty Images

But when the Security Council approves resolutions, there can be little to show for it on the ground. Last October, the council authorized a peacekeeping force manned by Kenyan security personnel to grapple with the breakdown in public order in Haiti, but the deployment has been delayed amid spiraling violence. In Mali, where Russia’s Wagner Group forces have sealed a protection deal with the country’s military leaders, the junta forced out U.N. peacekeepers in December. The Security Council recently called for a Ramadan cease-fire in Sudan; three weeks into the Muslim holy month, the guns have not been silenced .

The Black Sea Grain Initiative that followed Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine was one of the bright spots of U.N. diplomacy—until it wasn’t. The U.N. and Turkey brokered a deal to permit Russian and Ukrainian food and fertilizer shipments through the Black Sea. When the Kremlin withdrew from the arrangement last summer, the U.N. warned that the end of this deal might result in sharply higher global food prices and even famine in vulnerable countries.

In the end, the worst didn’t come to pass, in large part because Ukraine called Russia’s bluff that it would sink commercial vessels and kept the sea lanes open by sinking Russian military vessels in a series of sea drone and missile strikes. It wasn’t the United Nations’ moral compass that averted catastrophe—it was warfare.

The Security Council votes on whether South Korea should gain entry to the United Nations in 1955. All hands are raised in favor of the vote, except that of Soviet delegate A.A. Sobolev (third from right), who later vetoed the entry of South Korea. Bettmann Archive/Getty Images

Some analysts have unfavorably compared today’s U.N. to its predecessor, the League of Nations, which failed to prevent World War II. Others have suggested that it should be condemned to the dustbin of history. Things have changed since Hammarskjold’s 1954 speech. The Security Council’s commitment to support South Korea would not happen today; at the time, the Soviet Union was boycotting the council, and China was represented at the U.N. not by the Chinese Communist Party, which had just seized power, but by the Republic of China, the government that had fled to Taiwan.

But the challenges that the U.N. faces now are not new. The most significant change to the body in the last eight decades was the composition of the Security Council, and there have long been calls for reform to better reflect today’s world. The council expanded from 11 to 15 members in 1965, but there is no consensus on how to fairly add more. And more to the point, increasing the number of council members with veto power might enhance equity while further impairing the body’s effectiveness. Focusing on reforming procedures, including the veto power, may be more productive.

None of this accounts for the fact that the U.N. has become more polarized over the last decade because the world has too—both between countries and within them. But in the end, it would be a mistake to write off the U.N., which still ultimately aims toward Hammarskjold’s vision. The international community must hope against hope that these good intentions push the needle back in the right direction.

J. Alex Tarquinio is a resident correspondent at the United Nations in New York, a recipient of a German Marshall Fund journalism fellowship, and a past national president of the Society of Professional Journalists. Twitter:  @alextarquinio

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