Three students studying in the library

Why California Western

California Western School of Law is not your typical law school. For more than 100 years, California Western has provided students with the fundamental knowledge, skills, and experience to thrive in a rapidly evolving legal landscape. Students at California Western do not simply learn the law — they graduate ready to practice.

1.

Live and Learn in a Dynamic City

California Western’s three academic buildings form a vibrant urban campus in the heart of downtown San Diego. We are just a 10-minute walk to San Diego’s state and federal courts — one of a few regional law schools with that kind of legal access.

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Streetview of California Western School of Law
Are you ready to begin your journey at California Western?

San Diego by the Numbers

8th
Largest city in the U.S.
71°
Average daily temperature
267
Days of sunshine per year on average
Downtown San Diego and water

San Diego is the fourth largest economy in California, thanks to a mix of industries including defense, tourism, biotechnology, and biopharmaceutical. Big brands like Qualcomm and elite institutions like the Salk Institute are headquartered in San Diego, and it’s also known as a top location for startups. Come see what makes us one-of-a-kind and schedule a visit!

Flowers in front of California Western School of Law

We are within minutes of Pacific Ocean beaches, Petco Park, the downtown waterfront and Navy presence, and the United States–Mexico border. We are also less than a mile from Balboa Park, a cultural oasis that includes gardens, 17 museums, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Learn more about student life in San Diego.

2.

Learn the Art and Science of Lawyering

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.

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An empty courtroom
Our innovative Juris Doctor (JD) program prepares you for the future of law. You will acquire an essential legal writing foundation, skills-based training through externships and clinics, and crucial preparation for passing the bar and finding employment after graduation.

A key differentiator of the California Western law school experience is our clinics and programs that serve the San Diego community and give students the opportunity to gain real-world experience working with real clients.

Pro Bono and Public Service Honors Programs

Students in the Pro Bono Program receive hands-on legal experience while helping address the unmet legal needs of disadvantaged or historically excluded individuals.

30+

Years of pro bono partnerships

11,500+

Hours volunteered in 2024

 

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Award-Winning Competitors

Our three advocacy teams — trial, appellate, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) — compete in prestigious local and national competitions throughout the academic year. CWSL teams consistently advance, place, and win, building a strong reputation for excellence in advocacy.

California Western’s Competitive Advocacy Program (CAP)

3.

Engage with Thought Leaders

At California Western, you will learn from accomplished scholars, advocates and reformers, pioneers and innovators. Our courses, clinics, and programs are led by faculty whose real-world experience makes them uniquely qualified to help you become practice-ready.

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Professor Emerita Susan A. Channick ‘80 speaking to a class
California Western faculty are leading scholars and teachers. Their work often appears in the nation's top law journals, and they are trusted media experts for local and national stories.

Learn from experts

California Western is known for its close-knit learning community, which starts with a deeply committed faculty invested in the success of its students.

Faculty directory

Faculty in the Media

Nancy Marcus

Nancy Marcus

Article: Nancy Marcus's “Teaching Around Generative AI Plagiarism Risks” was recognized as a Recent Top Paper by SSRN in March

Publication

Proceedings

William Aceves with Aqeela Sherrills

William Aceves

Op-Ed: William Aceves writes on the Watts Treaty for the Los Angeles Times

Publication

LA Times

Joanna Sax radio interview

Joanna Sax

Radio Interview: Joanna Sax on the Aftermath of Roe

Publication

KCBS

4.

Immerse Yourself in a Law School that Represents Society

At California Western, you’ll find an inclusive and diverse community that welcomes and accepts people for who they are. We view diversity in the broadest meaning of the word and understand that our strengths come from our differences. We foster a welcoming community for all students, regardless of background or current situation.

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Two students studying in the library with a book at a desk

We offer students a number of opportunities to create a sense of community. Outside the classroom, student organizations offer a great opportunity for students to connect with others who share similar legal interests, ambitions, and lived experiences.

We not only give you all the resources you need to be an excellent law student, we also help you thrive while doing so. California Western is known for its unique environment that fosters personal growth and a healthy work-life balance. We get to know our students as people — in and out of the classroom. From the minute you step onto campus for orientation through bar exam preparation, California Western is committed to helping you fulfill your goals and aspirations.

Veteran Friendly Law School

With nine military bases in San Diego, California Western is a natural choice for service members pursuing a legal education. The California Western JD program is approved for the training of veterans and eligible persons under the provisions of Title 38 of the United States Code and the GI Bill. 

Military Applicants

Students smiling while talking at Balboa Park
5.

Graduate Ready to Practice

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.

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Students listening to a professor during a lecture

Your connection to California Western School of Law lasts a lifetime. The Career and Professional Development Office (CPDO) is here to assist you whether you are trying to secure your first job, preparing for the bar examination or you have years of experience and are looking for resources to advance your career.

Where Our Alumni Work

  • Law firms
    65%
  • Government
    18%
  • Business
    7%
  • Public interest
    7%
  • Clerkships (all levels)
    2%
  • Education
    1%
Employment statistic pie chart

Data based on California Western Employment Survery, Class of 2023

Elliott Jung, Partner

CWSL has produced the best interns and externs that our office has seen. Our firm has consistently worked with CWSL interns, who were then offered positions as post-bar law clerks, and then offered a position as an associate when positions were available. The caliber of law students from CWSL has been exceptional.

Elliott Jung, Partner HHJ Trial Attorneys