Yearly Highlights
Learning from Leading Professionals
Annual conferences, lectures and speaker series at the USD School of Law promote legal innovation and thought leadership. These events welcome some of the nation’s leading legal scholars and practitioners to San Diego with the belief that the intersection of ideas and a diversity of perspectives are at the core of a holistic legal education.
Tax Speaker Series and the Pugh Lecture
Our annual Tax Speaker Series and the Pugh Lecture offer expert insight from some of the nation’s leading tax scholars. With informative analysis on current trends and emerging U.S. and international tax law policies, this powerful series engages local tax lawyers, students and professors while honoring the legacy of our distinguished Professor of Law Emeritus, Richard Crawford Pugh.
Endowed Lectures
The USD School of Law endowed lectures include the Nathaniel L. Nathanson Memorial Lecture, the Joan E. Bowes – James Madison Distinguished Speaker Series, and the Jane Ellen Bergman Memorial Lecture Series on Women, Children and Human Rights. These annual lectures welcome prominent speakers from various fields within law, diplomacy, government and politics to explore issues of national significance.
Evolving Doctrine Lecture Series
The Evolving Doctrine Lecture Series was established in 2023 to give modern perspectives on doctrinal lectures. This series aims to provide social and historical context to 1L doctrinal courses and give students a better understanding of past and present impacts of doctrinal law on society, with a focus on marginalized groups.
Conferences & Symposia
The USD School of Law’s conferences and symposia offer unique opportunities to engage in enriching discussions with leading experts in diverse fields. Conferences include the annual Patent Law Conference, the Hugh and Hazel Darling Foundation Originalism Works-in-Progress Conference, and more.
Faculty Colloquia
The Faculty Colloquia Series invites scholars from the USD School of Law and other premier law schools to share their expertise and knowledge as they lead discussions on an array of current issues, works-in-progress and pertinent aspects of the law. These important sessions unite diverse perspectives and deliver relevant information in an engaging and informative setting.
Special Education Law and Advocacy Series (SELAS)
This specialized program not only educates participants about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and other related laws and includes an in-depth look at Regional Center services, it also offers practical tips for special education advocacy.
Media
Our Year in Pictures
Revisit the memorable moments of the USD School of Law's annual events, illuminating our vibrant community, impactful initiatives and inspiring leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions
The USD School of Law is honored to unite many of the nation’s top legal minds through dynamic events designed to optimize the intellectual potential of every attendee. The level of commitment, professionalism and knowledge offered by esteemed judges, attorneys, scholars and industry leaders from the region, aids in upholding our exemplary reputation as a purveyor of high-quality legal scholarship and education in Southern California. The expertise highlighted in these events underscores the rigorous intellectual dialogue and professional growth fostered by the USD School of Law. Our distinguished participants' influence and insight are precisely aligned with our dedication to advancing legal understanding, fostering meaningful discussions and nurturing an environment of courage and conviction.
Each USD Law event is designed to enrich by enhancing legal knowledge, sparking insightful discussions and advancing career aspirations. With an array of dynamic experiences led by distinguished professionals, each event is designed with a specific audience in mind. Individuals may view event listings and details to determine their eligibility for attendance and ascertain which events align with their aspirations.
Each event strives to optimize the intellectual potential of every attendee while valuing an audience with diversified perspectives. The costs to attend are unique to each event, with some being offered at no cost and the cost of others dependent upon one’s affiliation with the USD School of Law.
The USD School of Law’s annual events offer an enriched experience that advances legal knowledge, initiates problem-solving and inspires a desire to transform the world. Since attendance at these events is coveted by students, alumni and those in our community, many require advance registration. Specific instructions and deadlines are located on each event’s individual page.
While attending any of our annual events delivers an enriching and educational experience, academic credit is not available. Some events may offer MCLE credit for legal professionals.
The USD School of Law is honored to host many of the nation’s most formidable legal professionals. Each event is led by distinguished subject matter experts who offer profound insight, masterful knowledge and dissemination of the latest legal research and trends. We are proud to unite incredible legal authorities such as Kimberly Clausing from the UCLA School of Law, Eric M. Zolt, Chair in Tax Law and Policy, Maurice Foley, Chief Judge of the U.S. Tax Court, Joan E. Bowes, influential civil activist, Greg Lukianoff, President and CEO of the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, Tomiko Brown-Nagin, author of Civil Rights Queen and many more. While the list of esteemed presenters varies from year to year, each event is precisely aligned with topics that aid attendees in being on the forefront of cutting-edge issues and making an impact in the legal world.
Our annual events offer a range of legal themes encompassing social, economic and financial topics designed to enhance the common good and advance legal knowledge. Each event is delivered by premier legal experts whose insight and knowledge are invaluable to attendees. While the themes vary from year to year, we cover essential topics such as issues of national significance, works-in-progress, advancements in U.S. and international tax law, current trends in the fields of law, diplomacy, government and politics, legal issues concerning women, children and human rights and DEI considerations. As an anchor institution, we are committed to weaving environmentally, economically and socially responsible guidance into each event.
Embracing the spirit of collaboration, the USD School of Law reveres the unique perspectives of each student and provides opportunities to invite participation in events when appropriate. Student involvement occurs on a case-by-case basis as determined by the event team.
Contact Us
Students, alumni or community members interested in learning more about our events may reach out to us by calling (619) 260-4208 or emailing usdlawevent@sandiego.edu.