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.
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.
San Diego by the Numbers
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!
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.
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.
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.
Years of pro bono partnerships
Hours volunteered in 2024
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)
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.
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.
Latest Scholarship
Faculty in the Media
Nancy Marcus
Article: Nancy Marcus's “Teaching Around Generative AI Plagiarism Risks” was recognized as a Recent Top Paper by SSRN in March
William Aceves
Op-Ed: William Aceves writes on the Watts Treaty for the Los Angeles Times
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.
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.
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.
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 firms65%
-
Government18%
-
Business7%
-
Public interest7%
-
Clerkships (all levels)2%
-
Education1%
Data based on California Western Employment Survery, Class of 2023
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.