UC Berkeley clock tower in multiple colors

Newsbrief

Wednesday August 20, 2025

08.20.25Carlos Aguilar

Good Evening. You can now watch recordings of Legal Writing 101 and Second Trauma webinars and download instructor slides and resources.

Meet the Berkeley Law students who proved the White House isn’t deporting “worst of the worst”

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UC Berkeley clock tower in multiple colors

2025 has been a dark year, as masked agents grab workers, parents, and entire families—all under the promise that only the “worst of the worst” are being targeted.

The students at Berkeley Law’s Deportation Data Project are a source of light and transparency. They proved the White House is lying about who is being targeted, and in the process have become the go-to source for accurate deportation data.

Now, the students and their data are being cited in hundreds of news stories by outlets such as CNN, NY Times, and LA Times.

The “little guys” who jumped into the fight when Big Law retreated

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Person holding a sign that says due process for all

The executive orders targeting big law firms had a chilling effect, leading to reluctance to take on pro bono cases the administration dislikes.

Enter an army of solo practitioners, small firms, and former government litigators who stepped up to fill the void—and challenge the administration.

“Everywhere there’s a courthouse, there’s a lawyer…We’re small and mighty in numbers, and willing to cause discomfort if necessary.”

The slavery lawsuits they didn’t teach you in school

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Decades before abolition, enslaved people sued for their freedom—and won. Here are some of their stories.