High Tech Highlights

Latest Updates, Insights & Stories from the Datta Center for High Tech Law

We are also proud to announce the addition of a new NEW AI Specialization within our already established High Tech Law Certificate Program. This new specialization is designed to equip students with the legal, ethical, and regulatory knowledge needed to navigate an increasingly AI-driven world.

With the school year coming to a close, we celebrate the engagement and support of our students, alumni, and community, and we look forward to carrying this momentum into the year ahead.

AI News

Santa Clara Law Expands High Tech Law Certificate with New AI Law Specialization, beginning Fall 2026

Santa Clara University School of Law is proud to announce the addition of a new Artificial Intelligence Law Specialization within its already established High Tech Law Certificate Program. This new specialization is designed to equip students with the legal, ethical, and regulatory knowledge needed to navigate an increasingly AI-driven world.

With flexible course options and strong ties to Silicon Valley, the High Tech Law Certificate gives students the opportunity to develop their expertise and prepares them for careers at the forefront of law and technology. Santa Clara Law has offered this program for many years, providing a practice-oriented curriculum that covers areas such as intellectual property, privacy, cybersecurity, technology transactions, and the broader legal landscape of Silicon Valley. The High Tech Law Certificate already offers additional specializations, including Intellectual Property, Corporate, and International Law.

Building on this foundation, the new Artificial Intelligence Law Specialization offers students a focused pathway into the legal, ethical, and regulatory dimensions of AI, while remaining anchored in the full High Tech Law curriculum.

New and Expanded AI-Focused Courses

As part of this initiative, Santa Clara Law has already expanded its course offerings to ensure students gain timely, practical exposure to AI-related legal issues. New and recently added courses include:

AI Governance 

This course, taught by Professor Linsey Krolik and Professor Lydia de La Torre introduces law students to the emerging field of AI Governance, which encompasses the laws, policies, frameworks, and practices that guide how organizations, governments, and international bodies oversee artificial intelligence. Students will explore how AI can be developed and deployed responsibly by addressing risk management, bias, privacy, ethics, and misuse, with the goal of mitigating harm while fostering innovation and public trust in AI technologies.

Contemporary Issues with AI

Taught by Professor Ed Lee, Contemporary Issues with AI explores the emerging legal challenges posed by artificial intelligence, examining its impact on the practice of law and helping students develop practical skills to address these complex, evolving issues. The course also surveys how AI is raising novel questions across multiple areas of law, preparing students to think critically about the ethical, regulatory, and policy implications of this rapidly advancing technology.

These courses complement existing offerings within the High Tech Law Certificate, creating a more comprehensive and forward-looking curriculum.

Santa Clara Law offers AI Training with Hotshot 

Santa Clara Law has partnered with Hotshot, a leading legal learning platform, to launch a six-class generative AI curriculum for students, faculty, and staff. Covering topics like large language models, effective prompting, and professional responsibility, the program will be integrated into the “Critical Lawyering Skills” course. This initiative shows the law school’s commitment to helping its community understand and use AI effectively.

Spring Event Recaps

From Santa Clara Law to Success — High‑Tech Law Alumni Panel + Networking Recap

On February 24, 2026, the Datta Center for High Tech Law hosted an inspiring High‑Tech Law Alumni Panel in Charney Hall. 

Distinguished alumni Alyssa Aguilar, JD ’23 (Staff Attorney at Carta), Doug Loi, JD ’22 (Associate Counsel, Omnissa), Kevin Rogan, JD ’12 (Partner at Acceleron Law Group), and Rick Weber, JD ’03 (Managing Counsel at Oracle) shared their journeys from law school to thriving careers in technology‑focused legal practice, offering practical advice on career paths, early‑career decisions, and building professional credibility.

A networking session after the panel gave students one‑on‑one time with alumni, leading to connections and personalized guidance. The evening was full of laughter, energy, and insight, leaving students motivated and better prepared for careers in high‑tech law. 

Intellectual Property Law: How it Started, How it's Going

On January 30th, the Datta Center for High Tech Law hosted the “Intellectual Property Law: How It Started, How It’s Going” Conference, which celebrated 50 years of the Copyright Act of 1976 alongside other key milestones in U.S. intellectual property law. The day brought together IP law enthusiasts, practitioners, students, and faculty from across the country and featured a fireside chat with Judge William. H. Alsup. Read the full conference recap.

Faculty Highlights

High Tech Law Goes Global: Spring Break Abroad in Germany with Prof. Ochoa

High Tech Law Professor Tyler Ochoa is now leading one of Santa Clara Law’s first spring break abroad programs. This one-week, credit-earning experience in Munich, Germany, was inspired by students who may not have the opportunity to participate in a full summer abroad but still want an international experience with an IP focus. Students gain firsthand insight into European intellectual property systems through visits to the European Patent Office and the Unified Patent Court. The program blends practical legal site visits with cultural activities, from historical sites to local landmarks, offering a unique opportunity to explore international IP law and global legal practice.

Save the Date!

Kick off Grand Reunion weekend and join us for the 2026 High Tech Law Alumni Happy Hour!

Reconnect with fellow alumni, build new relationships, and celebrate SCU’s High Tech and IP law community. Whether you're a recent grad or seasoned practitioner, this event is the perfect chance to catch up, share experiences, and explore emerging trends in tech law.

📅 Date: October 9, 2026 (During Grand Reunion)
 🕔 Time: 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
📍 Venue: Charney Hall, Santa Clara Law

What to Expect:

Reconnect with classmates, colleagues, and professors. Network with alumni from a wide range of graduation years and career paths. Enjoy complimentary drinks and delicious appetizers on the Dean's Terrace, Charney Hall. Mingle in a welcoming and festive atmosphere during Grand Reunion weekend

Register Online Now!