UCLA School of Law has received the largest gift in its 76-year history, a planned gift from alumnus Ken Ziffren ’65 that will expand student training and career opportunities in media, entertainment, technology and sports law.
Ziffren, a leading entertainment lawyer and co-founder of Ziffren Brittenham, previously helped establish the Ziffren Institute for Media, Entertainment, Technology and Sports Law. Now in its 10th year, the institute is widely recognized for its industry-driven curriculum, experiential learning and strong alumni network.
The new gift, the amount of which was not publicly disclosed, will allow UCLA Law to further strengthen hands-on coursework, mentorship and professional connections that prepare students for careers in rapidly evolving legal fields tied to entertainment, digital media and technology.
Through the Ziffren Institute, students take courses taught by industry veterans in areas such as motion picture and television distribution, the streaming business, music law, entertainment guilds, artificial intelligence law and digital media. The institute also produces the annual UCLA Entertainment Symposium, now in its 49th year, and recently partnered with UCLA Athletics on a program focused on the legal landscape of college sports.
Beyond the classroom, students benefit from mentorship programs and direct access to alumni and employers across the entertainment and sports industries, with the institute actively supporting job placement through events and introductions.
“A true legend in the profession, Ken Ziffren’s contributions have defined the field of entertainment law and made meaningful impacts on countless students, clients, and professionals,” said Michael Waterstone, dean of UCLA Law. “We are deeply grateful for Ken’s transformative gift to our school and value his service as a teacher, mentor, and leader, both at UCLA Law and throughout the Los Angeles legal community. This gift is a testament to his enduring legacy and will enable excellence for generations to come.”
Ziffren, a former editor-in-chief of the UCLA Law Review, clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren and has taught at UCLA Law for more than two decades. His seminars in Motion Picture Distribution and Television Special Issues are among the school’s most popular offerings.
“My law school experience was a joy, and it feels only natural that I would want today’s students to share in that same experience,” Ziffren said. “This gift is both a way of giving back and an opportunity to provide students with meaningful exposure to media, entertainment, technology and sports law.”
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source nationaljurist.com ’
