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Access to Law Initiative

The Access to Law Initiative (ALI) is California Western School of Law’s groundbreaking post-graduate program that trains and empowers our graduates to launch successful solo or small firm practices.

By the Numbers

Attorneys per annual cohort

Training areas

Months of structured, online training, support, and mentorship

Launchpad to Solo and Small Firm Success

Are you ready to start your own law practice after law school? The Access to Law Initiative (ALI) is California Western School of Law’s groundbreaking post-graduate program that trains and empowers our graduates to launch successful solo or small firm practices — while making a meaningful impact in the community by providing improved access to legal services for underserved populations. As an ALI member:

Gain hands-on business and practice management training
Join a supportive ALI alumni network of over 150 solo practitioners
Access exclusive ALI vendor discounts and law practice resources
Assist in the delivery of pro bono and/or low bono legal services to communities in need across San Diego

Build Smart

Each year, the Access to Law Initiative offers approximately 20 California Western alumni the chance to launch your firm with confidence — and make a difference from day one. The program includes 18 months of structured, online training, support, and mentorship across five training areas:

Marketing & Branding
Networking & Client Development
Business Planning
Financial Systems & Planning
Case & Practice Management

Give Back

We ask ALI attorneys to commit to providing access to affordable legal services for underserved populations. As such, members provide at least 100 pro bono or low bono (discounted rate) hours per year, generally through ALI Clinics or our legal service partners.

Who Should Apply?

We’re looking for driven, entrepreneurial-minded recent grads who want to make their mark. Ideal ALI candidates:

Have a strong interest in solo practice and providing access to justice
Thrive in diverse, collaborative environments
Are flexible, self-motivated, and ready to grow
Are members of the State Bar of California (or awaiting bar results*)
Graduated from California Western School of Law within the past 5 years**

Students and recent graduates interested in applying or learning more about the Access to Law Initiative, contact ALI Director, Matthew A. Lab.

*Applicants awaiting bar results can apply. Admission is conditional upon passing.
**Exceptions for more experienced California Western alumni considered on a case-by-case basis.

Scott Thomas, Esq. ALI Attorney Participant

In alignment with our mission to increase access to legal services in underserved communities, ALI hosts four free legal clinics per month. Member attorneys provide legal consultations on a wide range of legal matters at these clinics.

Neighborhood General Legal Clinic

In-Person Hours: The 2nd Thursday of each month (excluding holidays)

Location: The LGBT Center – 3909 Centre Street, San Diego, CA 92103

Remote Hours: 4th Thursday of each month (excluding holidays). Currently by appointment only (Call 619-515-1511 or email JavaScript Required)

Neighborhood Business Law Clinic

Location: Virtual

Remote Hours: The 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month (excluding holidays). Currently by appointment only (Call 619-515-1511 or email JavaScript Required)

Disclaimer: Each of the attorneys in ALI maintains an independent law practice, which is separate from each of the other lawyers and law practices in the program and from California Western School of Law. Retention of one attorney is not retention of any of the other attorneys, nor of the school.