Dr. David Zapolsky

Instructor

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Biography

David Zapolsky is a Lecturer at UC Berkeley Law, with a rich background in legal practice. He joined Amazon in 1999 and has since been an advocate for pro bono work in the legal profession, founding the Amazon Justice League, which mobilizes Amazon attorneys to contribute thousands of hours to pro bono legal services. Prior to his tenure at Amazon, Zapolsky was a litigation partner in the Seattle offices of Dorsey & Whitney and Bogle & Gates, and served as an Assistant District Attorney for the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, where he focused on prosecuting sex crimes, child abuse, and domestic violence cases. He also has experience in securities litigation and white-collar defense from his time at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz. Zapolsky is actively involved in various civic and educational organizations aimed at promoting diversity and supporting legal initiatives. He has held leadership positions, including President of the King County Bar Foundation and corporate advisory member to the National Legal Aid & Defender Association. He earned his A.B. from Columbia College in 1985 and his J.D. from Berkeley Law in 1988.

Research Interests

Courses

Legal Ethics Civil Rights Law

Requirements for University of California, Berkeley

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
GRE Subject
Overall Score
Required:500
Overall
Required:500
TOEFL
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or recognized equivalent Preparation comparable to undergraduate major at Berkeley in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics 2 full years lower-division work (Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Multivariable Calculus) 8 one-semester upper-division courses (Real Analysis, Complex Analysis, Abstract Algebra, Linear Algebra)
Application Checklist
  • Graduate Application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Personal History Statement
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Unofficial Transcripts
  • C.V./Resume
  • Course and Textbook List
Specialization Notes

The Mathematics Subject GRE is required for the Fall 2026 admissions cycle. General GRE is optional.