Juris Doctor

Our California J.D. degree program thoroughly prepares graduates to sit for the California Bar Exam through a collaborative learning environment that emphasizes discussion and debate. Studying alongside a diverse cohort, students come away with the cultural competence that helps them confidently advocate for clients from all walks of life and strengthens the legal profession as a whole. Students pursuing their Juris Doctor degree study under working lawyers, judges, and elected officials, many of whom live and practice in the Santa Barbara and Ventura communities. Culminating with a pro bono internship under a practicing attorney or judge, the J.D. degree program equips students with the practical and theoretical skills that translate into a successful professional career.

Juris Doctor Program Overview

EVENING

PART-TIME

CREDITS

84

YEARS

3.5-4

Get a first-class law degree without the debt

Our affordable J.D. program reflects our commitment to high-quality, cost-effective education.

Finance Your Education

Learn from well-connected faculty

The J.D. faculty includes practicing judges, lawyers, and elected officials working within the local community. They bring real-world experience straight into the classroom.

Meet our Faculty

Benefit from a diverse student body

Our J.D. programs in California attract students from all walks of life, with a variety of backgrounds and perspectives that energize and diversify the classroom and the legal profession.

Spring 2020 Census

Join an engaged, vibrant community

J.D. students and graduates join a lively community of scholars, educators, practitioners, and the public. One that is always engaged in dialogue about the law and its intersection with daily life.

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Schedule

Juris Doctor degree classes are held during the following periods:

Fall and Spring Classes

Santa Barbara Campus   6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. / Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday

Ventura Campus   6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. / Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday

Summer Classes

6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. / Monday – Thursday and some Saturdays (depending on electives)

Study at, or graduation from, this law school may not qualify a student to take the bar examination or be licensed to practice law in jurisdictions other than California. A student who intends to seek licensure to practice law outside of California at any time during their career should contact the admitting authority for information regarding its education and licensure requirements prior to enrolling at this law school.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

California Juris Doctorate applicants are considered for admission in one of three categories defined by the State Bar of California—regular, special, and transfer. Requirements and application materials vary slightly depending on which admissions category applies.

REQUIREMENTS AT A GLANCE

Regular J.D. Students

  • A prospective student who will be considered for admission as a “regular student” includes those who have earned one of the following from an accredited college or university:
    • Bachelor’s degree
    • Associate’s degree with an academic major (applied associate’s degrees are not acceptable)
    • 60-semester units of academic college credits
    • Send an official transcript from all schools where college credits were earned, or a degree was awarded, electronically if possible.
      • Transcripts can also be mailed to the Santa Barbara Campus 20 E. Victoria Ave Santa Barbara, CA 93101
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
  • Work history
  • Personal statement
  • Letter of recommendation
  • Moral statement (if required)
  • ID verification
  • Students for whom English is the second language: TOEFL scores or English composition class transcripts (if proficiency is not otherwise demonstrated)

Special J.D. Students

In addition to the application materials required of all applicants, the following is required for those applying for admission as a “special student”:

  • Official transcripts from all accredited colleges or universities attended (if any)
  • One additional letter of recommendation (two in total)
  • CLEP test scores of 50 or higher
  • Personal interview with the dean of The Colleges of Law
  • Students for whom English is the second language: TOEFL scores or English composition class transcripts (if proficiency is not otherwise demonstrated)

Transfer J.D. Students

In addition to the application materials required of all applicants, the following is required for those applying for admission as a “transfer student”:

  • All admission materials required of either a regular or a special student
  • Certified transcripts from law school(s) previously attended
  • Letter of standing from the dean of law school(s) previously attended

J.D. APPLICATION CHECKLIST

  1. Online Application + $50 Application Fee
  2. Work History: for 10 years, or as far back as possible. Please include:
    • Names of business/Organization you worked for
    • Dates of employment
    • 3-4 Bullets of position responsibility
  3. Personal Statement: send to Admissions Counselor
    • The personal statement will be used to assess the applicant’s writing ability. It is also an opportunity for the applicant to inform the Admissions Committee about their motivation, experiences, and aptitude to pursue a law degree.
    • Prompts for the personal statement can be found here.
      • Typed in Word, PDF format, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins, a font no larger than 12 points, and should not exceed 1,000 words in total.
      • Be sure to include your name and date on the statement.
  4. Letter of Recommendation: We require—and will accept—only one letter of recommendation. This letter should provide a detailed, thoughtful assessment of your academic ability, work ethic, and potential for success in law school.
    • Letters of recommendation are sent directly from the writer to the Admissions Counselor or can be attached to the automated link that is sent once the applicant adds the individual email address into the application portal.
    • Select someone who knows your abilities well and can speak to your analytical skills, reading and writing ability, judgment, and perseverance. Appropriate recommenders include professors, supervisors, or professional mentors — not family members or friends.
    • Guidelines for recommender can be found here.
  5. All Official Transcripts from any conferred A.A., A.S., B.A., or B.S. degree and higher earned degrees. All official transcripts from any school attended where College credits were earned. Send all official transcripts to the COL admissions Counselor,
  6. Previous law school students must have a Letter of Standing and Official Transcripts sent directly from the school’s Registrar’s office to the Admissions Counselor’s email.
  7. Moral questions answered in “yes” on the application require a separate PDF statement. Send your statement directly to the Admissions Counselor.
    • Q1 or 2: Academic probation/dismissal or discipline (if identified on transcript): Write 3-4 paragraphs of detailed explanation, and taking accountability, describing the specific probation period, the issues you faced, and how they were resolved during that period or following.
    • Q3: Employer discipline: Write 2-3 paragraphs of detailed explanation describing the specific discipline by the employer, the issues you faced, and the outcome.
    • Q4: Arrests/Charges/Convictions (other than minor traffic violations): Requires completion of a moral character questionnaire along with a written statement of 2-4 paragraphs. Include detailed facts (date, location, charge, and conviction), outcome, resolution, and current status.
    • Q5: Bar admissions: If any issues might negatively affect your eligibility to be admitted to the Bar, please write a statement explaining the circumstance.

FINANCIAL AID CHECKLIST:

Complete once your application documents have been completed.

  1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) 2024/25. The Colleges of Law’s school code is 042501. Email the Financial Aid Office at [email protected] for any questions.
  2. If needed, provide documents requested by the Federal Student Aid Dept. Once they receive your FAFSA data and you have been admitted by the school, they will notify you of any documents needed before processing your award letter.
  3. Review and return the Estimated Award Letter to the Financial Aid Dept.
  4. Complete and e-sign Stafford Master Promissory Note at studentloans.gov.
  5. Complete Entrance Counseling at studentloans.gov.
  6. You will receive a completion e-mail from your financial aid advisor. Financial Aid will be posted to your account after the Add/Drop period of each semester.

*Once FAFSA has been updated with the COL school code, it takes 3-4 business days for financial aid to have access to your file. For more information, please contact Fin Aid at (888) 308-0446.

TRANSCRIPT REQUIREMENTS

All Juris Doctor degree program applicants must submit certified transcripts in a sealed envelope from the school(s) where coursework was attempted. Transcript requirements depend on where, and to what level, degrees have been taken:

Applicants with a bachelor’s degree: Submit a certified transcript from the school awarding the degree OR a current CAS report.

Applicants without a bachelor’s degree: Submit a certified transcript from each college or university attended.

Applicants educated outside the United States: Submit an evaluation from a Credential Evaluation Service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. This must be a detailed report providing a categorized listing of courses with individual grade equivalents and overall grade point averages.

Send ALL transcripts electronically if possible, and if not, all mailed transcripts should be mailed to the Santa Barbara Campus 20 E. Victoria Ave Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Unofficial transcripts can be used to make a preliminary evaluation of your qualifications until certified transcripts are submitted. If you have completed our education prerequisites, but need more time to obtain certified transcripts, contact the Admissions Office.

TEST SCORE REQUIREMENTS

Some applicants are required to submit scores from standardized tests during the admission process:

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Applicants for whom English is not the first language may be required to submit TOEFL scores if proficiency is not otherwise demonstrated. For further information, contact the Admissions Office.

LSAT (Law School Admission Test): For most J.D. program applicants, where the potential for success at the College is indicated by undergraduate record and work and life experiences, an LSAT score is not currently required for admission. In other instances, an applicant will be asked to submit an LSAT score before the Admissions Committee will give further consideration to an application. Regardless of requirements, all applicants may wish to take the LSAT with adequate planning and preparation, as there is a correlation between LSAT scores and law school grades.

CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) Tests: Applicants who have not completed enough undergraduate academic units to otherwise qualify for admission will be required to take CLEP Tests. Further information is available at the Admissions Office.

If you have taken a test but need additional time to obtain your score, contact the Admissions Office.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR SPECIAL STUDENTS

CLEP Test Requirements

Special students must take the following CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) tests:

The College Composition test or the College Composition and Modular test, plus one of the following options:

Two additional tests, each designed to correspond to full-year courses (six semester hours each), or

Four additional tests, each designed to correspond to semester courses (three semester hours each), selected from at least two of the following subjects:

  • Composition and Literature (Humanities Examination only)
  • Science & Mathematics
  • Business
  • History & Social Sciences
  • Foreign Language

First-Year Law Students’ Examination

After completing the first-year curriculum, special students are required to take the state bar’s First-Year Law Students’ Examination (FYLSX). Under state bar rules, a special student who does not pass the examination may continue law studies if otherwise in good academic standing, but failure to pass by the third consecutive administration of the test after becoming eligible will result in loss of academic credit and dismissal from law studies.

Additional information about attending law school as a special student is available from the state bar.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS

Transfer Student Criteria

To be considered as a transfer student, no more than two years will have elapsed since the applicant was enrolled at the prior school. If more than two years have elapsed, you may apply for admission as a beginning student without transfer credit.

Transfer Credit

An applicant from an accredited law school may be admitted with transfer credit for courses completed at the prior law school, up to a maximum of 30-semester units. An applicant from an unaccredited law school or correspondence law school may be admitted with transfer credit only if the applicant received a score of 580 or higher on the state bar’s First-Year Law Students’ Examination (FYLSX) and for courses tested on the FYLSX (Torts, Contracts, Criminal Law).

Enrollment Periods

Due to the cyclical nature of course offerings at The Colleges of Law, a transfer student admitted with advanced standing will be allowed to enroll only during a summer session or fall semester.

Admission After Prior Law School Disqualification

An applicant previously disqualified from, or without good standing at, a prior law school will rarely be admitted. However, the Academic Standards and Admissions Committee will consider such applicant’s admission on essentially the same basis applied to former students of The Colleges of Law who apply for readmission after academic exclusion, as follows:

An application for immediate readmission (when less than two years have elapsed since academic disqualification) will be considered only if the applicant can substantiate that the exclusion was caused by exigent circumstances of an extreme, unavoidable, immediate, and personal nature.

An application for delayed readmission (when more than two years have elapsed since academic exclusion) must document that, during the period since exclusion, the applicant has engaged in work, study, or other activity that provides a compelling reason to conclude that there now exists a materially greater potential for success in a Juris Doctor degree program.

Academic Calendar

FALL SPRING SUMMER
J.D. students admitted J.D. students admitted
15 weeks 15 weeks 10 weeks (required)
Download the Academic Calendar

J.D. CURRICULUM

Students of our Juris Doctor degree program benefit from rigorous, engaging courses that interweave fundamental legal principles with the practical skills needed for a successful career in law. Class sessions emphasize thoughtful analysis and lively discussion that bring the law to life. Each student also receives experiential legal learning through a pro bono internship under the supervision of a practicing attorney or judge.

REQUIRED COURSES

Contracts I and II (6 units) A basic study of the fundamental principles that govern the creation, interpretation, enforcement, and termination of agreements. Course coverage includes the Statute of Frauds, assignment and delegation of contracts, express and implied contracts, and remedies available for breach of contract. 

Criminal Law (3 units) This course analyzes the purposes of criminal law, the development of common law crimes, and the elements of major crimes against persons and property. Defenses, including the insanity defense, are analyzed.

Introduction to Law (1 unit) The primary objective of this course is to ground students in the essential knowledge and skills they need to be successful in the study of law. The course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of the American legal system, legal education, and legal profession. It also explores basic strategies for reading and “briefing” court opinions, taking useful class notes, outlining law courses, performing sound legal analysis, and answering essay and multiple-choice exam questions. 

Legal Analysis (2 units) This course is designed to develop expertise in legal analysis, the process by which lawyers determine how a legal problem should be resolved. To perform competent legal analysis, a law student must identify the legal issues raised by the problem, select and explain applicable rules needed to resolve those issues, link elements of the rules to legally significant facts, and predict a legal outcome. Students will have multiple opportunities to practice legal analysis by completing written exercises in which they resolve hypothetical legal problems based on the law of Torts and Contracts. Because students are concurrently enrolled in these courses, Legal Analysis will serve to reinforce their understanding of how to study for, and succeed on, Torts and Contracts exams. 

Torts I and II (6 units) This course considers the nature and extent of the legal protection afforded against interference by others with the security of one’s person, property, or intangible interests. The course covers civil liability for intentional and unintentional behavior, the law of negligence, strict liability, vicarious liability, various forms of immunity, damages and other remedies.

Civil Procedure I and II (6 units) This course covers the procedural rules governing civil lawsuits, primarily in federal courts. Topics include the proper court in which to file a lawsuit, joinder of parties and causes of action, discovery, pretrial motions, conduct of a trial, and conflict between state and federal judicial systems. 

Community Property (3 units) A survey of the laws relating to community property in California, the fundamentals of that property system, and how it affects virtually every other area of law. Separate and community property, liability for debts and torts, control and management of assets, fiduciary duties between spouses, and the distribution of property on dissolution or death are analyzed in this course. 

Real Property I and II (6 units) An analysis of basic property concepts, including the definition, acquisition and transfer of real property. Principal areas covered include the history of land transactions, landlord/tenant relations, land development, public and private control of land use, non-possessory rights in land, covenants and restrictions on the land, and recordation and title searches. 

Wills and Trusts (3 units) A study of the law of wills, intestate succession, and trusts. Topics covered include methods of disposing of property during and after an individual’s life, contest of wills, gifts to charity, trust administration, fiduciary obligations, future interests, and probate.

Business Associations (3 units) This course provides an introduction to the modern business entities. Among the issues covered are partnerships, limited liability corporations, and the formation, operation, financing, and control of closely held and public corporations. 

Constitutional Law I and II (6 units) An examination of the United States Constitution, principles of constitutional law, and the concept of judicial review. Course coverage includes the protection of individual rights, freedom of speech and religion, due process, equal protection, and limitations on the exercise of government powers. 

Evidence I and II (4 units) A study of the rules and standards which govern the use of evidence in a legal proceeding. Primary emphasis is on the basic concept of relevance, hearsay, cross-examination, impeachment of witnesses, privileged communications, presumptions, and burdens of proof. 

Professional Responsibility (2 units) An overview of the role of an attorney in society, the attorney-client relationship, ethical standards, and the responsibility of an attorney to the client, court, and public. 

Remedies (3 units) This course examines the availability and limitations of equitable and legal remedies, focusing on injunctions, specific performance, rescission, restitution, and other remedies in civil lawsuits.

Fall semester: Students who have otherwise met graduation requirements and wish to take a minimum course load of six units in their final semester of Fourth Year are required only to take Bar Studies and Constitutional Criminal Procedure. 

Spring semester: Courses offered in the Spring semester of Fourth Year are optional (except for newly-enrolled students, who must take six units). 

Bar Studies (3 units) Emphasizes the analytical, writing, time-management and organizational skills necessary to prepare for the California General Bar Exam. Students will become familiar with the subjects tested and the exam item formats, including essay, multiple choice and performance test. Study and exam-taking strategies will be examined in the context of several bar-tested subjects. 

Constitutional Criminal Procedure (3 units) An exploration of the basic constitutional issues underlying the criminal justice system and the limitations placed on government in its attempt to enforce the criminal law. Specifically covered are the exclusionary rules, arrest, search and seizure, identification of suspects, bail, the right to counsel, and the right to a jury trial. 

Statutory Interpretation (3 units) Considers the legislative process and basic techniques of statutory interpretation (the process by which courts determine the meaning of statutes). Students will study basic canons of statutory interpretation, approaches to legislative history, and other issues arising in the interpretation and application of statutes. 

Trial Evidence (3 units) This course helps students develop proficiency in the practical application of the rules of evidence in both federal and California state trial courts. Using hypothetical problems and in-class role-playing, students will apply evidentiary rules and trial procedures in various contexts to move for or oppose the introduction of evidence. 

Trial Practice (3 units) Actual hands-on experience in a variety of simulated trial situations involving criminal litigation. Students handle a wide range of matters, such as pleadings, pre-trial discovery, motions, and evidentiary issues. They also have opportunities to prepare and argue motions, make opening and closing statements, introduce and object to evidence, and examine and cross-examine witnesses. The course may conclude with a mock trial held before a jury in a Ventura Hall of Justice or Santa Barbara Superior Court courtroom.

These required courses are taught annually at both campuses during Summer session, except that students may complete the Legal Internship requirement at any time after becoming an advanced student. 

Advanced Legal Writing (2 Units) This course covers advanced writing techniques, particularly those needed to write persuasive documents clearly, accurately and consistently. Students will practice these techniques by examining, researching, and drafting a variety of legal documents, such as legal memoranda, pleadings, opinion letters, and briefs. 

Legal Internship (Units vary) All students participate in Legal Internship by earning at least one unit of academic credit by working as interns for practicing attorneys or judges. Up to eight (one required and seven elective) units of academic credit may be earned. 

Legal Research (2 units) An introduction to the tools and methods of legal research in primary and secondary sources. Emphasis is placed on federal and California materials, including constitutions, statutes, cases, and regulations, in both print and electronic media. 

Legal Writing (2 units) This course focuses on the essential skills needed to write predictive legal memorandum, including techniques of legal analysis, organization, citation, drafting, and revision.

Listed below are examples of elective courses; new electives are added as needed to enhance the curriculum. Elective course subjects are dependent on student demand and other factors and may not always be the same from year to year. 

Accounting for Lawyers (2 units) An overview of principles of financial accounting and business finance, including “time value of money” calculations; “financial shenanigans;” asset and liability issues; financial statement analysis; and valuation techniques. 

Advanced Criminal Law: Homicide (1 unit) An overview of the multiple facets of criminal homicide cases, including analysis and discussion of investigation, motion practice, trial preparation and the trial phases of homicide cases. 

Advanced Torts (3 units) An examination of the laws of personal relationships, including family relationships, economic relationships, intangible assets, privacy and publicity, defamation, and judicial and governmental processes. 

Administrative Law (2 units) An examination of the purpose and function of state and federal administrative agencies, including the procedures and practices of administrative agencies, their adjudicative and investigative powers, rulemaking, and judicial review of administrative decisions. 

Agency (2 units) A study of business organization types, and the creation, implications, and termination of agency relationships. There will be a special focus on partnership agency issues, the rights and duties of principals and agents, and fiduciary responsibilities. 

Alternative Dispute Resolution (2 units) A survey course on alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. Topics include negotiation, mediation, arbitration and other trial substitutes. 

Attorney Fees (1 unit) An examination of attorney fee issues and philosophy, including fee arrangements and agreements, fee shifting under contractual, statutory, and common law theories, practice and procedure for attorney fee motions, client fee disputes and dispute resolution, and the ethical issues arising from each of these subjects. 

Bankruptcy Law (2 units) An exploration of state law governing debtor-creditor relations and an introduction to federal bankruptcy law. Topics discussed include priorities and validities of liens, enforcement of money judgments, fraudulent and bulk transfers, the benefits of bankruptcy, eligibility for bankruptcy, jurisdiction and venue, and the powers of the bankruptcy trustee. 

Business Planning (2 units) A study of the issues raised by the formation of a new business, including choice of entity, formation of a partnership or corporation, liability concerns, and purchase and sale of a business. 

Civil Law and Motion Practice (2 units) An overview of civil law and motion practice in California state courts. Topics covered include notice requirements, structure of points and authorities, declarations and other supporting papers, demurrers, motions for summary judgment, and discovery motions. Special emphasis is given to local rules of practice and policies in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. 

Civil Rights Litigation (2 units) A study of “constitutional tort actions” arising under 42 U.S.C. §1983, the primary vehicle for redressing federal constitutional violations by state and local officials. Among the topics addressed are Fourth Amendment standards and police misconduct, Eighth Amendment standards and care of prisoners, and Fourteenth Amendment equal protection issues. 

Client Interview/Counseling (1 unit) Effective lawyering requires knowing how to elicit necessary information from clients and communicating effectively to ascertain and advance client interests. This course explores effective techniques and strategies for interviewing and counseling clients facing the stresses and conflicts inherent in the legal arena. 

Collaborative Law (1 unit) Addresses the innovative approaches to client representation, including “unbundled” legal services, therapeutic and restorative justice, mediation, and partnering with community and social programs to provide comprehensive assistance. 

Criminal Procedure: Selected Topics (1 or 2 units) Emphasizes the practical aspects of criminal procedures prior to trial. Included are topics relating to the lawyer’s responsibility in a criminal case, arrest, booking, and bail procedures, an examination of the accusatory pleading, the grand jury, and pretrial procedures, including preliminary hearings, pretrial discovery, and tactical considerations. Also covered are the types and consequences of pleas and sentencing considerations. 

Death Penalty (1 unit) An analysis of federal and state constitutional, statutory and case law relating to Capital Punishment in California. In addition, the course will focus on mitigation and aggravation. 

Directed Research (1 or 2 units) Students research and prepare a paper on a topic of special interest, under direct faculty supervision. This course is ordinarily available only with the Dean’s approval to students with unique needs for additional units to complete graduation requirements. Students must develop a project acceptable to the Dean and obtain consent of a faculty member to supervise the required research and paper. 

Employment Law (2 units) A study of the legal rules surrounding the hiring, treatment, and termination of employees, including Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other federal and state laws concerning employment discrimination and wrongful discharge. 

Entertainment Law (2 units) Considers issues arising in the entertainment industries-film, television, theater, music, literary and related businesses-and applicable legal principles, which come largely from the areas of contract, torts, governmental regulation, remedies, and intellectual property. 

Environmental Law (2 units) An introduction to the public policy behind the setting of environmental standards, and to major environmental laws such as the Clean Air and Water Acts, the National Environmental Protection Act, and the California Planning and Zoning Law. 

Estate Planning (2 units) Covers the basic principles of estate planning, including an overview of applicable taxation rules, inter vivos gifts, living trusts, wills, and testamentary trusts, life insurance and annuities, charitable gifts, business interests, employee benefits, and post-mortem tax planning. 

Family Law (2 units) Focuses on the dissolution proceeding, including mediation, resolution of custody and visitation disputes, child and spousal support, property division, and attorney fees. Emphasis is on local court practices and forms. Prerequisite course: Community Property. 

Immigration (1 unit) An overview of immigration law and practice. 

Insurance Law (2 units) Focuses on basic aspects of insurance law, including the insurer’s duty to defend and indemnify, third-party liability, problems of insurance contracts, bad faith litigation, and current judicial and legislative trends in insurance law. 

Intellectual Property (2 units) A general introduction to the law of copyright, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets. Areas covered include which law applies to particular types of property; the legal rights of authors, designers, inventors and owners of such property and the competing rights of others to use their ideas; and an overview of intellectual property litigation. 

International Law (2 units) An introduction to public and private international law, covering such topics as sovereign immunity, the “act of state” doctrine, the law of treaties, transnational business regulation, international trade, and enforcement of judgments. 

Introduction to Law (1 unit) An introduction to the American legal system, examining basic concepts of jurisprudence, the lawmaking roles of the legislative, judicial, and executive branches, and the process of criminal and civil litigation. Required course for Spring beginning students. 

Juvenile Law (2 or 3 units) Covers the juvenile court system, including the jurisdiction of the juvenile court, detention and disposition of minors who are involved in juvenile proceedings, and other rights and responsibilities of minors, with specific emphasis on California law and procedure. Required course for Spring beginning students. 

Land Use and Planning Law (2 units) A survey of land use principles, with emphasis on California law, in the areas of planning, zoning, subdivision, redevelopment, agricultural, and environmental regulations. 

Law, Language & Culture (1 unit) A practical and theoretical analysis of language and cultural issues confronted in law practice, particularly when court interpreters and translators are used. Also addresses ways to eliminate bias when culturally-diverse participants have contact in the courtroom setting. 

Law Practice Management (2 units) A survey of fundamental aspects of law practice management, including basic principles of bookkeeping and accounting, fee agreements and client trust accounts, document control, legal technology, and support staff management 

Legal Internship (Units vary) All J.D. students participate in Legal Internship by earning at least one unit of academic credit by working as interns for practicing attorneys or judges. Up to eight units of academic credit may be earned (one required and seven elective). 

Legal Issues in Cyberspace (1 unit) Addresses general concepts and emerging issues in the areas of copyright, including the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, trademark (including the Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act), privacy rights, and electronic commerce and contracting. 

Legal Malpractice (1 unit) An overview of California legal malpractice law, addressing general concepts of legal malpractice in civil and criminal cases including identification of high risk areas of practice, most frequent areas of errors or omissions, correlation between malpractice claims and ethical violations, calendaring and file management, client communications, legal malpractice insurance protection and claims reporting. 

Legislative Process (2 units) A survey of the lawmaking process, with emphasis on the federal model. Topics include considerations in the introduction and amendment of legislation, the use of committees, avenues for public input, and the implementation of new laws. 

Medical Malpractice (1 unit) An overview of California medical malpractice law from the Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act of 1975 (MICRA) to the present, including informed consent, agency liability, immunities, standard of care, expert witnesses, general and punitive damages, attorney fees, periodic payments, collateral source rule, and arbitration and mediation. 

Misdemeanor Criminal Practice (2 units) Covers the practices and procedures necessary to prosecute or defend common misdemeanor charges including DUI, theft, drug, assault and domestic violence allegations. Topics include pre-filing procedures and negotiations, arraignments, common motions, investigation and discovery, diversion and treatment options, trial and sentencing. 

Moot Court (2 units) Under the guidance of a seasoned faculty member with extensive experience in criminal law practice, teams of students research and write appellate briefs and argue them in the Richard Abbe Moot Court Competition, an intermural event held at the Court of Appeal for the Second Appellate District, Division Six. Three justices from Division Six preside over the competition, designating as “best advocate” one counselor from each side of the case. Prerequisite courses: Legal Research, Legal Writing, and Advanced Legal Writing. 

Municipal Law (2 units) A survey of common issues in public entity law, including city and county organization, preemption and relationships with State and Federal Government, judicial review of local entity decisions, drafting of ordinances and legislation, public employment law, public tort and civil rights liability, open meeting laws (Brown Act), conflicts of interest and other public sector ethical issues. Relevant constitutional principles are also considered. 

Psychology for Lawyers (1 unit) Outlines civil, criminal, probate and family law cases where psychological or psychiatric evidence is presented and reviews the common principles and concepts necessary to understand, offer and challenge this evidence. 

Street Law (1 unit) A nationally-recognized and supported program designed to educate teenagers about their legal rights and responsibilities. Areas covered include contracts, housing law, and criminal law as it affects the youth in our community. 

Taxation (2 units) An overview of general principles of income and estate/gift taxation, with particular focus on the application of such principles to areas commonly encountered by practitioners (for example, divorce, bankruptcy, personal injury settlements, and various business transactions). 

Therapeutic Jurisprudence (1 unit) An examination of the newly-developing phenomenon of “specialty” courts that focus on providing solutions to social problems frequently encountered by criminal courts, including substance abuse, domestic violence, and mental illness. In addition to the history of the Therapeutic Jurisprudence movement, this course addresses a number of other issues, including those relating to evidence and evidentiary privileges, legal ethics, defendant contracts, and treatment alternatives. 

Uniform Commercial Code (1 unit) Focuses on the law of sales through selected portions of Articles I and II of the Uniform Commercial Code. Successful completion of Contracts I and II is a prerequisite. 

Water Law (2 units) Beginning with an introduction to water-resource issues including terminology, this course covers different kinds of water rights including riparian, appropriative, hybrid rights along with groundwater and public rights in water. It also touches on various water institutions in the state, regional water sources and water quality issues. 

Workers’ Compensation (2 units)A survey of the law related to workers’ compensation legislation, including covered employees, accidents and occupational diseases, and the relationship between tort law and workers’ compensation law. 

Writs and Appeals (2 units) An overview of California writ and appellate procedure, from the filing of writs and notices of appeal to final determination by the reviewing court. Topics covered include: writs, appealable orders and judgments, scope of appellate review, assembling the record on appeal, ethical limitations, briefs, right to present oral argument, and discretionary review.

CALIFORNIA BAR EXAM

Students who complete our J.D. programs in California are academically eligible to sit for California’s General Bar Exam. It’s no secret that this two-day exam is one of the toughest in the nation, with a pass rate that typically hovers around fifty percent. For students juggling law studies with work and family responsibilities, the exam can pose a significant challenge. Faculty and staff at the Colleges of Law share a strong commitment to helping students succeed on the exam.

Our required curriculum covers every bar-tested subject and includes Bar Studies, a course designed to help students meet the exam’s intellectual and time-management challenges. We also offer presentations, panel discussions, and workshops on Bar Exam preparation.

More information about the Bar Exam, as well as information about additional prerequisites for practicing law in California, can be found on the State Bar of California website.

Juris Doctor Career Diversity

Graduates of The Colleges of Law Juris Doctor degree program can pursue becoming a lawyer by completing the necessary steps and passing their state’s Bar Exam. However, not every J.D. graduate wishes to become a lawyer; several other career paths are available to those wanting to work in a legal-related profession. For example, Juris Doctor graduates may pursue criminal justice and law enforcement jobs or as compliance managers or officers. There are opportunities to work as legislators, regulatory affairs managers, or specialists or as paralegals, legal assistants, and judicial law clerks. Each legal-related career path may require additional training or certifications and will experience various projected job growth and demand for more professionals unique to its field. 

J.D. students can explore potential specializations or areas of legal practice that revolve around technology, business, employment law, or corporate law with business-to-business operations such as acquisitions and mergers. Graduates may benefit from learning the five highest-paid types of lawyers and the various types of law when deciding on a career path. 

Emerging legal specializations for lawyers include subfields such as contract law, commercial litigation, employment discrimination, labor relations, corporate finance, and securities law. With a Juris Doctor degree, students have endless opportunities to discover and establish their niche in the legal profession.

Find the career path right for you.

How to Become a Lawyer in California

The career pathway to becoming a lawyer varies by state. Here is how to become a lawyer in California:

  1. Obtain an undergraduate degree.
  2. Prepare and take the LSAT (Law School Admission Test).
  3. Apply to and enroll in law school*.
  4. Graduate from law school.
  5. Pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam.
  6. Pass the California Bar Exam.
  7. Maintain licensure.

Once you complete these seven steps, you must apply to law firms. To help our graduates succeed, we have outlined a few tips on how to apply to entry-level positions for lawyers in law firms. 

* The Colleges of Law does not require LSAT scores as part of their application process.

The Colleges of Law prepares you to make an impact in a variety of high-demand careers. Below, you will find possible career options and salaries associated with this degree.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics annual data update

Data is pulled by a third-party tool called Lightcast, which includes data from sources including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. Census Bureau, online job postings, and other government databases. The information below represents a regional and national career outlook related to this degree program*. The Colleges of Law is dedicated to assisting you in achieving your career goals.

*Many degree programs are intended to fulfill licensure requirements in specific states. The data shown here may not represent the state where you currently reside. For more information on how this program is applicable to the requirements of your state, please speak with your admissions counselor.

What is a Juris Doctorate?

A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree is the degree that leads to becoming a practicing lawyer. A J.D. is a graduate-level degree that prepares students to take the bar exam and practice law. The Colleges of Law part-time J.D. program is located in California, which qualifies students to take the California Bar Exam.

Is The Colleges of Law Juris Doctorate offered part-time or full-time?

The Colleges of Law’s law school programs, both the Juris Doctorate and Hybrid Juris Doctorate, are available only in a part-time format.

How long does it take to complete a J.D. program in California?

The Colleges of Law part-time J.D. program can be completed in three-and-a-half to four years. After the coursework is completed, students are eligible to sit for the California Bar Exam.

How much money does a lawyer make?

After receiving a Juris Doctorate and passing the California Bar Exam, lawyers in California make, on average, $213,860, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. There are many different types of lawyers, so learn more about the highest-paid types of lawyers. 

View the J.D. degree career outcomes for more potential careers and national averages.

What can you do with a Juris Doctor degree?

A Juris Doctor degree qualifies students to sit for the California Bar Exam; the graduate who passes may become a practicing lawyer in select states. However, there are other lucrative career opportunities in the business and legal fields for those who choose not to pursue this path. Read “Jobs for J.D.s That Don’t Require the Bar Exam” to learn more.

Can you get a Juris Doctorate online?

While we don’t offer a fully online JD program, we are the first law school in California to launch a Hybrid J.D. program. This program revolutionizes traditional legal education by combining online learning with intensive residencies while focusing on legal skills that prepare you to make immediate contributions to the legal community upon graduation.

Applicants applying to the Hybrid J.D. program from outside of California must submit a separate statement (1) acknowledging their understanding of the limitation on the ability to practice law outside of California and (2) explaining their plans to use their legal education and potential California bar membership in California, in their home state, or elsewhere.

What makes The Colleges of Law J.D. program unique?

Our part-time law school program offers small class sizes, accessible faculty with experience in the legal industry, and a flexible course schedule for working professionals. With evening classes and the option for a hybrid J.D. program, students receive a comprehensive legal education in California while balancing work and personal commitments.

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