JD Curriculum
An impactful, rewarding career begins with a deep education in the fundamentals of the legal system that is then applied to solving challenging problems. Explore the curriculum that will give you the foundation you need for your legal career.
Curriculum
We intentionally developed a program that gives you a foundational understanding of the law from your first semester. In your second year, you will build on that foundation while developing skills through hands-on experience. Then in your third year, you will get real-world experience by working in a law office, nonprofit, or organization as part of our Clinical Externship Program.
Areas of Concentration
California Western offers a diverse selection of courses to prepare students to address a wide range of legal issues, explore varied interests, and learn about specializations. Some of these courses include telecommunications law, health law, entertainment and sports law, and intellectual property. At California Western, specializations include:
- Business Law
- Criminal Justice Program
- International Law
- Labor and Employment Law
Completed specializations are formally recognized on your transcript.
Part-Time Evening Program
We offer a part-time evening program designed for students who are working or have other obligations while they are attending law school.
This program is an option if you need to work or have family obligations while attending law school. Part-time students take a reduced courseload per semester and an established sequence of courses in the first year. This is an evening program only. If you are a part-time student who would like to change to full-time, you must wait until you have completed your first three semesters.
Upon Graduation
The curriculum at California Western is designed to give you a solid foundation of the law, prepare you to pass the bar exam, and with several learning outcomes in mind. These outcomes are the identified skills, knowledge, and values California Western graduates should have when they complete their studies. We do not expect that a graduate will be proficient in every element. However, a California Western graduate will have had the opportunity to develop experience and competence in many of these, which we believe are necessary for the practice-ready attorney.
Bar Review Program
After completing your legal coursework comes the overwhelming task of preparing for the bar exam.
As a California Western graduate, you can participate in our Bar Review Program. The program provides additional preparation for the bar examination. It also offers a complete review of all subjects tested on the California Bar Examination as well as essay workshops, multiple-choice question workshops, performance exam workshops, several simulated exams, and group and individual tutoring.
JD Program
For more information about our JD Program feel free to contact the Admissions Office.
San Diego, CA 92101