Many California Western School of Law students plan to enter solo or small firm practice after graduation. In 2012,
we became the first law school on the west coast to launch an incubator program to help graduates follow that career
path.
ABOUT ALI
The Access to Law Initiative (ALI) is a law practice incubator program created exclusively for graduates of
California Western School of Law who intend to pursue solo or small firm practice.
The mission of ALI is to provide tools and training to empower entrepreneurial and public service minded California
Western School of Law alumni to make a living while making a difference. While serving the community’s legal
needs, ALI provides members with critical training and post-graduate education.
The goals of ALI are two-fold: 1) assist new solo attorneys with launching successful legal businesses; and 2)
provide pro bono and affordable legal services to underserved populations within the greater San Diego community.
HOW DOES ALI WORK?
ALI attorneys work together in two different downtown office locations. Each attorney owns and operates an
independent law practice. Currently, there are 14 active ALI members and more than 25 ALI alumni. The program is 18
months in duration with 12 months spent in residence at one of the office locations and six months of maintenance
support.
ALI offers assistance in the form of practical training on subjects vital to a successful business like marketing,
advertising, networking, practice management, business planning, finances, and technology. Other benefits of ALI
include affordable office space, a community of other solo attorneys, and vendor resources like research and case
management software.
In exchange for membership in ALI, member attorneys agrees to provide 100 hours of pro bono publico service
each year by volunteering with legal service organizations, community clinics, and other nonprofits.
To be considered for the program, you must:
- Demonstrate a strong interest in solo practice and commitment to public service and access to law
- Possess an entrepreneurial spirit and be flexible and adaptable to change
- Work well in intimate settings with a diverse group of individuals
- Be a member of The State Bar of California in good standing at the start of the program (those who have taken
the CA bar exam and are awaiting exam results may apply; acceptance into the program will be conditioned on
passing the bar exam and being admitted to practice)
- Have graduated from California Western School of Law within the last five years (the program is intended for new
attorneys; however, exceptions will be considered on a case by case basis)
- Be willing to commit 18-months to membership in ALI
Applications for the next ALI Cohort are available. Email
Matthew A. Lab, director of ALI, to have your name placed on the ALI interest list.
CLINICS
Neighborhood Legal Clinics
As part of its mission to increase access to legal services for low and moderate income people and entities in our
community, ALI hosts four free legal clinics per month at which its attorneys provide legal consultations on a wide
range of legal matters.
Neighborhood General Legal Clinic
Clinic Location: The LGBT Center – 3909 Centre Street, San Diego, CA 92103
Clinic Hours: 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month (excluding holidays) from
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Neighborhood Business Law Clinic
Clinic Location: The San Diego Law Library – 1105 Front Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Clinic Hours: 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month (excluding holidays) from
10:00 a.m. - noon. (By appointment only, call 619-515-1511)
CONTACT US
If you are interested in applying or learning more about the Access to Law Initative, please email Matthew A. Lab, director of ALI, or call (619)
515-1511.
Disclaimer: Each of the attorneys in ALI maintains an independent law practice, which is separate from each of
the other lawyers and law practices in the program and from California Western School of Law. Retention of one
attorney is not retention of any of the other attorneys, nor of the school.
Matthew A. Lab, Esq.
Director, Access to Law Initiative (ALI)
e: mlab@cwsl.edu
p: (619) 515-1511
