Why Study Law in Inland Southern California?

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Population growth and a booming need for lawyers makes the Inland Empire, a vast region in Inland Southern California, a great place to study law, work and play.

The Inland Empire is home to more than 4 million people, including 2,260 lawyers, according to the most recent Census Bureau and Employment Development Department data. That means the two-county region is dramatically under served by attorneys.

A recent analysis of current EDD data places the resident-to-attorney ratio of the Inland Empire at approximately 1,781:1, which means the area is in need of qualified legal practitioners. At the University of La Verne College of Law, filling that need is a goal.

“The growth drew us here; the Inland Empire is one of the most rapidly growing areas in the U.S.,” said Ken Held, Dean Emeritus and Professor of Law at La Verne Law. “When the University of La Verne decided to establish a law school, San Bernardino County was at the top of the list because of the area’s need for an ABA-approved school and lawyers.”

Resident-to-Attorney Ratio by Region:
Los Angeles County 444:1
San Diego County 481:1
Orange County 506:1
Inland Empire 1,781:1

The Inland Empire, which is comprised of San Bernardino and Riverside counties, is home to two international airports and a brand new, 225,000-square-foot arena; Citizen’s Business Bank Arena.

Graduates of local universities have a plethora of opportunities and a wide range of companies and industries to choose from; grocer, Stater Bros.; geographic software and technology firm ESRI; active game technology developer, QMotions; pharmaceutical company, Amphastar Pharmaceuticals; and recreational vehicle manufacturer, Fleetwood Enterprises are just a few of the big name businesses headquartered in the Inland Empire.

And some of California’s oldest and most respected law firms, such as Best Best & Krieger, make their home here.

Students can enter specialty fields of law and support the Inland Empire’s growing need for public service, real estate, water rights and tribal law attorneys.

  • Inland courts are in dire need of lawyers who can help clear the backlog of cases crowding the court system. According to recent news reports, Riverside County alone is short 60 prosecutors.
  • The Inland Empire is home to several gaming tribes including the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.
  • Water rights are also a hot topic in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Inland Empire cities and counties import water, participate in the State Water Project and manage groundwater storage within their respective boundaries.

“The area has so much potential and so much need,” Held said.

So what does all this mean for you? Graduates of La Verne Law, the only ABA-approved law school in Inland Southern California, are highly sought after by regional government and local firms.

Play Hard

Attending law school in Southern California means you get to play as hard as you study. You’re within an hour drive to beaches, deserts and mountains. La Verne Law is close to:

  • A variety of cultural opportunities including the California Theatre of the Performing Arts, the Riverside Philharmonic, museums and art galleries and festivals.
  • The new 9,500-seat, 225,000-square-foot Citizen’s Business Bank Arena. Located in Ontario, the arena offers concerts, sporting events and shows.
  • Joshua Tree National Park which offers rock climbing, hiking and more.
  • Temecula Wine Country offers more than 20 wineries.
  • Skiing and snowboarding in the San Bernardino Mountains and fishing, boating and sailing at local spots including Diamond Valley Lake, Lake Elsinore and Big Bear Lake.
  • Centrally located shopping outlets like Ontario Mills Mall, Cabazon Outlets and Victoria Gardens.
  • NASCAR action at the California Speedway in Fontana.

La Verne Law is just a few miles away from all these activities and is centrally located near Ontario International Airport. With such easy access to travel, entertainment and education, going to school couldn’t be simpler.

La Verne Law offers full-time and part-time programs and students have the advantage of studying in a small classroom environment. Students can also gain valuable hands-on experience through extraordinary externship opportunities in government agencies, public interest groups, non-profit legal agencies, and legal service offices and through two on-site legal clinics: the Disability Rights Legal Center and the Justice and Immigration Clinic.

Uniquely, La Verne Law offers a dual degree program; J.D. degree with an M.B.A. and a J.D. degree with an M.P.A. The law school also offers a network of alumni that support and encourage students.

The Brief:

  • Inland Southern California needs lawyers; there is only one lawyer for every 1,781 people.
  • La Verne Law offers small class sizes, a dual degree program, full-time and part-time programs and a dynamic faculty focused on your personal success.
  • The Inland Empire is an ideal place to work and live; it’s centrally located and only an hour drive from beaches, mountains and downtown Los Angeles.

Important Reminders