The University of La Verne College of Law and Public Service guides our students in the discovery of law and the self, helping them prepare for a legal career. Our Southern California location has developed a reputation for innovative, collaborative learning environments offering small class sizes, multiple experience-building opportunities, and a strong emphasis on social justice.
A Diverse Community Driven Toward Success
The College of Law and Public Service bases our foundation on the University of La Verne’s core values: lifelong learning, ethical reasoning and decision making, diversity, and inclusivity. Whatever your background, we want you to make a difference.
The College of Law and Public Service strives to make a legal education accessible to a range of students. Our part-time program allows working adults to take courses in the evenings, around existing obligations. As a State Bar of California–accredited school, we further understand many individuals want to give back to their communities. In turn, we don’t require a completed bachelor’s degree for admission, and LSAT scores are optional. Review all admission requirements.
Our student body’s diversity brings multiple perspectives into the classroom and the discussions and debates that follow. The College of Law and Public Service regularly ranks among top law schools for the largest percentage of female student enrollment, and preLaw Magazine has named La Verne both one of the “Best Schools for African Americans” and one of the “Best Schools for Hispanics.”
In setting up students for success, we have created an environment built on achievement, connections, and gaining real-world skills before you graduate:
- Small Class Sizes: The College of Law and Public Service has a 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ideal for interacting with professors and fellow classmates.
- Student Success Center: This one-of-a-kind organization helps College of Law and Public Service students refine their academic and legal skills to pass the bar exam. The Student Success Center sets expectations during Student Orientation workshops, where first-year candidates are introduced to essential skills for doing well in law school. Beyond bar exam preparation, the Student Success Center offers resources for improving study, time management, self-regulation, and test-taking skills. Learn more about the Student Success Center.
Career Readiness
Career paths begin with education and experience. The College of Law and Public Service assists our students in building their resumes with relevant legal skills, so they’re prepared to enter the workforce in their chosen profession following graduation:
Co-Curricular Activities
Apply the knowledge learned in the classroom while strengthening skills needed to succeed in a legal career. The College of Law and Public Service’s co-curricular activities give you multiple opportunities to grow as a lawyer:
- write for or be on the staff of the entirely student-run University of La Verne Law Review;
- improve advocacy techniques and debating skills at moot court and mock trial competitions; and
- practice mediation and arbitration through the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) competition team.
Learn more about our co-curricular opportunities.
Professional Skills Training
Professional skills are woven into the College of Law and Public Service’s culture as one of a handful of law schools located in the Inland Empire. Not only do our students learn to practice law, but they do so while helping residents of the surrounding cities and towns. Under the guidance of our faculty and practicing lawyers, law students continue to improve research, legal writing, and oral advocacy while participating in actual cases.
Among the opportunities available are externships, in which law students are placed with government agencies, public interest organizations, or nonprofits to observe and assist in the legal process. Three clinics further present the chance to work directly with and represent clients:
- Disability Rights Legal Center Clinic: College of Law and Public Service students represent low-income and minority families navigating disability civil rights litigation and special education issues, including appropriate educational accommodations, access to health care, and disparities in foster care and the juvenile justice system.
- Justice and Immigration Clinic: Our students provide pro bono legal assistance to immigrants seeking asylum in the United States, often in response to persecution. This setting requires students to interview clients, draft and file briefs and direct examinations, prepare witnesses, and represent clients in court.
- Misdemeanor Appellate Advocacy Clinic: In conjunction with the San Bernardino Judicial System, College of Law and Public Service students represent clients seeking to appeal their cases in the San Bernardino Superior Courts.
Learn more about our legal clinics and professional skills training.
The Resources of a University
The College of Law and Public Service is the only State Bar of California–accredited school that is part of a private, not-for-profit Western Association of Schools and Colleges-accredited university. This arrangement blends the specificity and quality of a law school education with the services and resources a large university has to offer:
- Live on Campus: Law school students can live on the University of La Verne’s main campus, a 20-minute drive from the College of Law and Public Service’s facilities in Ontario. Explore housing options.
- New Dining Facilities: The University of La Verne opens its dining facilities to on-campus and commuter students, emphasizing wellness and sustainability and factoring in dietary restrictions, food allergies, and sensitivities with the menu. Find out more about dining on campus.
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): Also available to on-campus and commuters, CAPS provides a full range of counseling and health services to assist students with anxiety and stress management and encourage personal growth and psychological well being. Learn more about CAPS.
- Financial Aid and Scholarships: The College of Law and Public Service strives to meet students’ financial needs through loan programs, grants, work-study assignments, and scholarships, which are available to help pay for tuition and expenses as you prepare to take the bar exam. Review all internal and external scholarship opportunities.
- Dual-Degree Programs: Certain individuals may have a specific career path in mind, and through our partnership with the College of Business, the College of Law and Public Service offers two dual-degree programs: J.D./Master of Business Administration (MBA) and J.D./Master of Public Administration (MPA). Because of overlaps through electives, dual-degrees take less time than back-to-back programs, and students leave La Verne with two valuable, career-enhancing credentials. Read more about our dual law degree programs.
Learn More About Studying Law at La Verne
Have any questions about the College of Law and Public Service’s admissions, application process, services, or coursework? Reach out to the College of Law and Public Service’s Office of Admissions by email or by phone at (877) 858-4529 today.
