Mission & Vision

Our Mission

The mission of the Colleges is to provide high-quality legal education through a part-time evening program, leading to the award of a Juris Doctor degree and eligibility to sit for the California State Bar Examination. Founded to provide an opportunity for men and women of all ages, backgrounds, and life experiences to enter the legal profession, the Colleges seek to develop graduates who will be competent practitioners and who recognize and adhere to the high level of ethics, professional responsibility, and civic duty our society expects of lawyers.

Our Unique Advantage

Quality
Our faculty members are among the most accomplished judges and attorneys in the tri-counties area of Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo. As skilled advocates who are also inspired teachers, they breathe life into the theory and practice of law. Our students benefit from the breadth of our faculty's professional experiences, as major players on the bench, in the courtroom, or around the deal-makers' table.

Convenience
Our California State Bar-accredited program is offered in Santa Barbara and Ventura. Classes are held three nights a week (four, and occasionally on Saturday during summer session) and the J.D. program can be completed in 3-1/2 to 4 years.

Affordability
Our J.D. program is less than half the cost of programs offered at traditional private law schools.

Practice-Ready Preparation
Our curriculum blends traditional legal instruction with hands-on training in research, writing, negotiation, and oral advocacy. Each student completes a 65-hour pro bono internship under the supervision of a judge or attorney. Graduates are academically eligible to sit for the California State Bar and prepared to contribute immediately—in law offices, businesses, nonprofit agencies, or government entities.

Within YOUR Reach
In addition to graduates of four-year and two-year colleges, exceptionally well-qualified individuals without college credentials may be accepted, as "special students."