The College of Law teaches the practice of law in an innovative, collaborative environment while preparing students to promote access to legal services and justice in the community. Few professions have the capability to produce change for individuals, municipalities, and entire regions so decisively as law. At La Verne Law, we prepare graduates to make a difference for their clients.
Our Mission
La Verne Law faculty are committed to guiding our students in the discovery of the law and self. Through a curriculum emphasizing experiential learning, you will develop the knowledge and real-world skills relevant to launching a career in the legal profession. Our graduates find success in private practice, public service, business, government, and on the bench.
Our student body and faculty reflect the rich diversity of Southern California and represent different perspectives that lead to robust and engaging study, debate, and discussion. Today, La Verne Law ranks in the top 5% of law schools for female enrollment and was named one of the “Best Schools for African Americans” and “Best Schools for Hispanics” by preLaw magazine.
Our Juris Doctor Program
Students attending La Verne Law understand their calling: to learn the law and serve their communities through its practice. The College of Law’s Juris Doctor (JD) program helps you work toward this goal through a practice-based curriculum integrating experiential learning and bar preparation and emphasizing the importance of diversity, inclusivity, and community engagement.
Reflecting these values, the College of Law offers full- and part-time structures. Our full-time JD program takes three years to complete. The part-time program covers the same material but is spaced over four years, allowing students to continue working a full-time day job while broadening their knowledge and skill set with a legal education.
La Verne Law acknowledges that each student has their own personal and career goals. Particularly if you envision yourself utilizing your legal knowledge to influence the business world or government, our dual-degree programs let you earn your JD along with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Public Administration (MPA) from La Verne’s College of Business and Public Management.
Accredited by the State Bar of California
On November 18, 2019, the Board of Trustees of the University of La Verne directed that the University of La Verne’s College of Law shall discontinue its American Bar Association (ABA)–accredited program of legal education and instructed administration to transition to a high-quality program of legal education approved and accredited by the State Bar of California. The College of Law is currently enrolling new students for our State Bar of California approved JD programs.
Develop Connections to Launch Your Legal Career
Our 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio means more opportunities for interaction with your professors in class, on assignments, and through academic and career advising. You will find that La Verne Law’s professors practice a true open-door policy, taking a personal interest in your success. Learn more about studying law at La Verne.
We have long pioneered professional skills training, ensuring our JD students are ready to practice law and provide service to the local community as they acquire the necessary competencies. Through externships and clinics, you will work on actual cases under the guidance of our faculty and practicing lawyers. This opportunity lets students conduct research, write legal documents, and improve their oral advocacy skills while providing pro bono legal services to individuals in need.
Co-curricular activities further reinforce what you learn in the classroom. Strengthen your advocacy techniques on the mock trial team, or refine your mediation and arbitration skills through the Alternative Dispute Resolution Team. Students can also participate in moot court, have an article published in the University of La Verne Law Review, or take advantage of study abroad opportunities.
As the final step toward your future, the Center for Academic and Bar Readiness intertwines the importance of developing strong study habits from day one, helping all JD students transform into self-regulated learners and focusing on test- and exam-taking strategies during the program’s third year.
Fall and Spring Admissions
JD candidates may start in the fall semester as a full- or part-time student. La Verne Law opens the spring semester to part-time students. After completing the spring semester and following summer session, part-time spring admits can transition into full-time JD students for the fall semester after petitioning the College of Law. Learn more about our admissions process.
