Juris Doctor (JD) Program
The JD program at California Western School of Law will give you the knowledge and skills you’ll need to serve as an effective advocate for justice.
Designed for Success
Because of our status as an independent law school, we can stay ahead of the latest legal trends so you can have the skills and experience that employers and clients seek.
JD Program Details
We carefully design our program beginning with the first year, to ensure that
you start with a foundational understanding of the law. You begin to build that foundation
as you develop skills and hands-on experience in your second year. What does this
look like exactly? Read more about our courses and what you can expect throughout
your time here:
Our trimester academic calendar allows interested students to study law year-round
and complete their legal education in two years. Additionally, we offer a part-time
program designed for students who are working or have other obligations while they
are attending law school. The part-time program is a day program only.
- Two-Year Program
- Part-Time Program
Program Highlights
The JD program at California Western School of Law gives you a strong foundation in legal theory and practices, as well as hands-on experiences with clients in the field. Find out more below.
Before you take your courses, you might want to know the details of all the courses that we offer. After a strong foundation in legal analysis, research, and writing, you’ll have the chance to explore more electives in years two and three.
In your second year, you’ll take our acclaimed STEPPS program. (Skills Training for Ethical Practice and Professional Satisfaction)
As a part of your studies, you can specialize in several areas of law, including:
- Business Law
- Criminal Justice Program
- International Law
- Labor and Employment Law
Along with our STEPPS Program we offer more than 40 simulation courses through the JD program at California Western School of Law. Some include:
- Advanced Negotiation
- Culture & the Criminal Justice System
- Law & Lawyers in Pandemic
- Trial Practice
In your third year, you can participate in the Clinical Externship Program, where you receive academic credit while working in an actual legal environment.
You may extern in any type of office or area of law. Students may use our pre-approved externship placements or self-initiate an externship in San Diego or anywhere in the world, adding a cultural experience to the hands-on learning opportunity.
Upon graduation, you can participate in the successful Bar Review Program, which provides additional preparation for the bar examination.
The program offers a complete review of all subjects tested on the California Bar Examination as well as essay workshops, multiple choice question workshops, performance exam workshops, several simulated exams, and group and individual tutoring.