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Areas of Concentration

Choose an area of concentration and gain hands-on experience in a unique area of law while networking with like-minded professionals.

Students must speak with the AOC Director of their chosen field before preparing or submitting the application form.

Areas of Concentration

Choose an area of concentration and gain hands-on experience in a unique area of law while networking with like-minded professionals.

Students must speak with the AOC Director of their chosen field before preparing or submitting the application form.

 

The Business Law concentration blends theory and practice for students interested in business, entrepreneurship, and transactional law. Features include internships, pro bono or paid work, classroom and practicum courses, and a rigorous writing requirement that puts new skills on full display for a prospective employer.

Candidates are encouraged to discuss their interest in the Area of Concentration with one of the Area of Concentration Directors early in the second year of their J.D. studies. The Directors are Prof. Catherine Hardee, Prof. Laura Padilla, and Prof. Niels Schaumann.

Requirements

If you are interested in the Business Area of Concentration, please review the requirements carefully.

Requirements for AOC in Business Law

Application Form

If you are interested in the Business Law Area of Concentration, please review the requirements carefully. Once you have reviewed the requirements, please contact Professors Niels Schaumann, Laura Padilla, or Catherine Hardee for further questions and the application.

 

The Criminal Prosecution and Defense Practice area of concentration gives students advanced training in trial advocacy skills and theory, as well as hands-on experience to hit the ground running as an advocate within the criminal justice system. This distinction can help students stand out to employers looking for practice-ready attorneys with litigation skills. Through this concentration, students can participate in hands-on experiences in the sessions of the National Trial Skills Academy or in special programs like the California Innocence Project.

Requirements

If you are interested in the Criminal Justice Area of Concentration, please review the requirements carefully.

Application Form

If you are interested in the Criminal Prosecution and Defense Practice Area of Concentration, please review the requirements carefully. Once you have reviewed the requirements, please contact Professor Erin Sheley for further questions and the application.

 

In today's global economy, lawyers increasingly encounter transnational issues in their practice. The ability to address this global environment requires a solid understanding of international law and an appreciation of political, cultural, and linguistic differences.

The Area of Concentration in International Law is designed to provide students with a thorough and rigorous overview of international and comparative law.  Students considering a career that may involve international or comparative law should consider this Area of Concentration. 

Candidates are encouraged to discuss their application with a member of the faculty early in the second year of their J.D. studies.  Faculty who specialize in international or comparative law include William Aceves, Emily Behzadi, Susan Bisom-Rapp, Jamie Cooper, Pooja Dadhania, and Richard Oppong. Professors Aceves and Cooper serve as the Co-Directors of the Area of Concentration.

At California Western, students interested in international law can pursue several unique opportunities. Students may be invited to join the International Law Journal, which is one of the oldest international law publications in the country. Students may apply to join the Jessup International Law Moot Court Team, which has competed successfully for many years. California Western has a vibrant International Law Society as well as other student organizations that address international and comparative issues. Finally, students may participate in an externship that focuses on international or comparative law in their third year.  

Requirements

If you are interested in the International Law Area of Concentration, please review the requirements carefully.

Requirements for AOC in International Law

Application Form

If you are interested in the International Law Area of Concentration, please review the requirements carefully. Once you have reviewed the requirements, please contact Professors William Aceves or Jamie Cooper for further questions and the application.

 

Employment law and labor law are high-demand areas of practice in the current legal market, offering students a wide range of professional opportunities:  From working in the private sector to the public sector, from representing private employers to working with labor unions, from representing employees to working with administrative or governmental entities, students specializing in this field will find themselves equipped for a broad range of careers.  

This concentration is designed to provide students with a rigorous introduction to labor and employment law.  The concentration will allow students to take the courses needed to prepare to practice in this highly specialized field and will represent to prospective employers that they have the knowledge, training and experience to hit the ground running in this area.

Candidates are required to discuss their application with a member of the Labor and Employment Area of Concentration faculty advisor group (Jessica Fink, Susan Bisom-Rapp or Paul Gudel).  

In order for a student to be eligible for the Area of Concentration, the application must be approved by one of the Area of Concentration faculty advisors before the any full time student registers for their fourth trimester or before any part time student registers for their sixth trimester.

This concentration is designed to provide students with a rigorous introduction to labor and employment law. The concentration will allow students to take the courses needed to prepare to practice in this highly specialized field, and it will demonstrate to prospective employers that graduates have the knowledge, training and experience to hit the ground running in this area.

Requirements


If you are interested in the Labor and Employment Law Area of Concentration, please review the requirements carefully.

Requirements for AOC in Labor and Employment Law

Application Form

If you are interested in the Labor and Employment Law concentration, contact Academic Achievement for a course planner worksheet. Contact Professor Jessica Fink with additional questions about this concentration and for the application.

The Social Justice Law concentration blends practical work and relevant coursework for students who are interested in public interest law positions following graduation. Features include internships, pro bono or paid work, classroom and practicum courses, and a rigorous writing requirement that demonstrate a dedication to a future career in the area of social justice.  

Requirements

If you are interested in the Social Justice Area of Concentration, please review the requirements carefully.

Requirements of AOC in Social Justice

Application Form


Candidates are encouraged to discuss their interest in the Area of Concentration with one of the Area of Concentration Directors early in the second year of their J.D. studies. The Directors are Prof. Dana Sisitsky and Prof. Pooja Dadhania.