San Diego's OldestLawSchool
Shape the Conversation
Rebecca Slaughter, former Federal Trade Commissioner, was appointed in 2018 and removed by President Trump in March 2025. She challenged her termination, citing Supreme Court precedent protecting the independence of certain federal agencies. In June 2026, the Supreme Court ruled against Slaughter, holding that the president has broad authority to remove leaders of independent agencies exercising executive power. Slaughter will join students, faculty, staff, and alumni for an open discussion about Slaughter v. Trump and the importance of agency independence.
As California Western's 2026 Galinson Solomon Scholar-in-Residence, Professor Vinay Harpalani delivered a thought-provoking lecture examining Asian American discrimination, the evolution of the "model minority" stereotype, and the legal debates shaping admissions policies in higher education.
California Western School of Law welcomed Dr. Karen Korematsu, founder of the Fred T. Korematsu Institute and daughter of civil rights icon Fred Korematsu, for a powerful discussion on civil liberties, constitutional rights, and the enduring impact of one of the nation's most significant legal cases.
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Our Programs
Earning a law degree from California Western means mastering legal theory and fundamentals, honing critical-thinking skills, and gaining the ability to apply the law in dynamic settings. For more than 100 years, California Western has succeeded in helping law students gain the skills and experience that employers and clients seek.
CWSL entering 1L’s took the Oath of Professionalism at the James M. Carter and Judith N. Keep U.S. Courthouse.
Connect Legal Theory and Practice
Learn more about our faculty, including their scholarly activity and media appearances.
California Western Weekly
Faculty at California Western School of Law (CWSL) continue to produce groundbreaking work and present it across the country and around the globe.
Issue 44 - November 6, 2026
Constitutional Law Faculty Preview Upcoming Supreme Court Term at Annual First Monday Program
California Western constitutional law faculty provided an overview of the U.S. Supreme Court’s upcoming term during the annual First Monday program, highlighting major cases and legal issues to watch.
Drive Change
At CWSL, we have cultivated more than just legal minds; we have fostered a vibrant community where solidarity and support reign. As President of CWSL’s Black Law Student Association, I have witnessed firsthand the power of unity in overcoming challenges and championing diversity. Together, we have excelled academically and forged lasting bonds that transcend the confines of our campus.
Student Scholars Take the Spotlight at Annual Fall Symposium
Six California Western law students presented their original legal scholarship at the 2026 Fall Symposium, sharing research on topics ranging from artificial intelligence and immigration to international law and criminal justice. Hosted by the California Western Law Review and International Law Journal, the event showcased the depth and impact of student scholarship before a record audience of more than 150 attendees.
California Western Alumna Maria Diaz Appointed San Diego County Superior Court Judge
California Western School of Law proudly celebrates alumna Maria Diaz '09 on her appointment
to the San Diego County Superior Court. A dedicated advocate for children and families,
Diaz brings years of leadership and legal experience to the bench, including her current
role as Managing Attorney at Children’s Legal Services of San Diego.
Live and Learn in a Dynamic City
I would choose CWSL a thousand times over. Everyone I have met, including faculty, staff, and students, has been very welcoming ... Everyone wants each other to succeed, and that is clear in the interactions they share.