phd in law california

Doctor of Science of Law (JSD)

The Doctor of the Science of Law (JSD) is the Law School’s most advanced law degree, and is considered a doctorate equivalent to a Ph.D.  It is designed for those interested in becoming scholars and teachers of law including interdisciplinary approaches to law.

Study toward the degree is open only to a small number of exceptionally well-qualified students who hold a JD or LL.B earned outside the United States.  Students in the program develop substantive expertise in one or more fields of law and have the opportunity to pursue substantive and methodological training in allied disciplines across the broader university, including but not limited to, the social sciences, humanities, and engineering.  The program culminates in the student producing a dissertation under the personal supervision of a Faculty committee comprised of law school professors as well as, where appropriate given the student’s interests, faculty from other departments of the university.

There are two different tracks for admission into the JSD program.  A minimum of two students will be admitted from among students who have completed the Stanford Program in International Legal Studies (SPILS)  at Stanford Law School.  In addition, students at Stanford and at other law schools in the United States who will have completed LLM degrees prior to the commencement of the JSD program are encouraged to apply for admission and will be seriously considered.  To be competitive, students applying from LLM programs must have completed (and must submit) a serious piece of independent, original research demonstrating their scholarly potential.

Admission to the JSD program is on a highly selective basis. Please note that admission to SPILS or to any Stanford LLM program does not imply a commitment by Stanford Law School to accept a student into the JSD program.

Some need-based funding, as well as funding to conduct research and attend conferences is available to admitted JSD students.

Questions concerning the JSD program should be directed to [email protected] .

HOW TO APPLY

JSD Candidates

Luis Bergolla

• JSD Candidate
• Teaching Fellow, LLM Program in International Economic Law, Business and Policy (IELBP)
• Lecturer in Law

Silindile Buthelezi

Rolando Garcia Miron

Yutang Hsiao

Tai-jan huang.

Takuma Iwasaki

Maria Palacio

Michael Thorburn

Having a jsd from stanford law school opens up countless career opportunities..

Teaching in US Academia

Teaching Outside the US

Working in the Public Interest Sector

Working in the Private Sector

Apply to the S.J.D. Program

The UCLA School of Law S.J.D. Program admits only the most highly qualified applicants who complete all elements of the application for admission, provide clear evidence of academic excellence, and demonstrate strong potential for completing a scholarly dissertation that constitutes a substantial contribution to knowledge.

Upon matriculation, applicants must have received a professional degree in law (such as a J.D. or LL.B.), as well as an LL.M. degree. Applications must include or be accompanied by, inter alia, a detailed statement of research purpose and a letter from a UCLA faculty member attesting to the importance of the applicant's proposed research and agreeing to assume full responsibility for supervising the program of study.

Application Process

Students interested in applying for admission to the S.J.D. Program must submit a Preliminary Application Inquiry Form. This form will be available between October 15 and January 15. The form will request the following information:

• What is your proposed dissertation title?
• What is your proposed area of research?
• Is there a UCLA School of Law faculty member with whom you are particularly interested in working?
• From which school did you receive your first law degree (i.e., J.D. or LL.B.)?
• What was your grade point average and/or class rank during your J.D./LL.B. studies?
• From which school did you receive your LL.M. degree?
• What was your grade point average and/or class rank during your LL.M. studies?
• Have you published any academic writing in print (i.e. in a law review, journal, or book)?

After you submit the form, the Graduate Studies Committee will review your responses and determine whether our small, competitive program is a good fit for you. We will inform you of the Committee's decision within 2-3 weeks.

If the Committee invites you to formally apply for admission to the S.J.D. Program, we will work with you to locate a UCLA faculty member who is willing to supervise your research. (Please do not contact faculty members without first being granted permission to do so.) Please feel free to review our list of UCLA Law faculty members , which can be sorted by Areas of Focus, to learn more about them. Bear in mind that only a tenure-track faculty member with a title such as "Professor" or "Acting Professor" may serve as an S.J.D. dissertation supervisor. Those with titles such as "Lecturer," "Adjunct Faculty," or "Director" are not eligible to supervise.

Students who are invited to apply for admission will receive instructions for submitting the application form and supporting documentation (résumé, personal statement, academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and TOEFL score (if necessary)).

UCLA School of Law will admit no more than two students in its S.J.D. class each year. As this suggests, the admissions process is highly competitive. The Graduate Studies Committee will admit only the most highly qualified applicants who complete all elements of the application for admission, provide clear evidence of academic excellence, and demonstrate high potential for completing a scholarly dissertation that constitutes a substantial contribution to knowledge.

Degree Requirements and Academic Standards

Students in the S.J.D. program must enter with an LL.M. degree, remain in residence for two semesters, and take a minimum of ten units of graded coursework each semester, which must be approved by the supervising faculty member and Graduate Studies Committee. The choice of courses will be from among those generally offered at the Law School and will depend on the particular subject matter and course of study approved for each S.J.D. student.

Applicants should bear in mind that, due to curriculum scheduling and faculty availability, not every class listed is taught each year. This is most often true in the case of specialized seminars. The final schedule of law classes will be available shortly before the enrollment process begins in July. The law school academic year begins in the middle of August with a fall semester of 15 weeks. After examinations and vacation in December, classes resume early in January for another 15-week semester that ends in mid-May.

Upon successful completion of the residency requirement and performance in courses at a level substantially above the quality expected of J.D. candidates, the Graduate Studies Committee, following its favorable review of the candidate's course work and of the developed research proposal, shall constitute a doctoral committee. It shall consist of three faculty members, including the student's supervisor and a member from a department outside the Law School. Upon the successful oral defense of the research proposal before the doctoral committee, the Graduate Studies Committee shall admit the student to full candidacy for the S.J.D. degree.

Within two years of the completion of the residency period, unless for exceptional circumstances an extension is granted by the Graduate Studies Committee, a candidate shall submit, and successfully defend in an oral examination, a dissertation in the form of a monograph or series of closely related essays suitable for publication and constituting a substantial contribution to knowledge in its field.

English Language Ability Requirements

Students in the S.J.D. Program must be able to read and discuss in class difficult technical material. S.J.D. students are examined and graded anonymously with the students in their classes. The work of daily class preparation is very demanding. Students with serious English language limitations will have difficulties coping with a new cultural, social, and academic environment, especially if they are enrolled in a discipline like law, which requires a very high level of English reading and writing proficiency. Only those students who feel confident of their English language ability should apply.

For this reason, the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is required of foreign applicants seeking admission to the program from nations in which English is not the primary language of instruction. A TOEFL score of 590 on the paper-based test, 243 on the computer-based test, or 96 on the Internet-based test is the minimum score accepted by the University's Graduate Division. The law school usually admits only applicants whose TOEFL scores are well above the minimum range required by the University. In general we expect a score of 600 on the paper-based test, 250 on the computer-based test, or 100 on the Internet-based test, although an outstanding applicant with a slightly lower test score will not be disqualified on this basis.

If you possess a law degree from an institution at which the primary language of instruction is English, you are not required to submit a TOEFL score with your application. Please ensure that the academic transcripts you submit verify that your degree was obtained from an English-speaking institution.

The TOEFL is offered daily at test centers throughout the world. When you take the examination, it is important that you indicate School Code No. 4837, Dept. 03 , to ensure that your score is sent to UCLA School of Law. Information about the examination should be available at your own university, and can also be found on the TOEFL website , or by writing directly to:

TOEFL Services Educational Testing Service P.O. Box 6151 Princeton, NJ 08541-6151 USA

Contacts for Test Takers Phone: +1.609.771.7100 Fax: +1.609.290.8972

Tuition & Visa Information

2023-24 tuition fees for S.J.D. students who are not California residents and have not advanced to doctoral candidacy (typically during the first two years of attendance in the program) are $35,541.77. See below for an itemized breakdown of these fees and estimated living expense budget. 2023-24 tuition fees for S.J.D. students who are California residents and/or who have advanced to doctoral candidacy (after satisfying the residency requirement and completing the initial oral defense of their dissertation, typically after two years of attendance in the program) are $20,439.77. See below for an itemized breakdown of these fees and estimated living expense budget. These figures include health insurance fees, which are $5,571.32.* *Health insurance coverage is mandatory. Students who have health insurance coverage may apply for a waiver of UCLA's health insurance fees. The waiver application will be available in early July and due in early August. Before purchasing alternative insurance coverage, students should carefully review the university's waiver criteria . Fee Disclaimer: The tuition, fees, and charges posted to the student billing statement are estimates based on existing amounts. These figures may not be final. Actual tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change by the Regents of the University of California and could be affected by state funding reductions. Accordingly, final approved tuition and fee levels (and thus a student’s final balance due) may differ from the amounts shown.

2023-2024 S.J.D. fee breakdown for non-California residents who have not advanced to candidacy:

2023-2024 S.J.D. fee breakdown for non-California residents who have advanced to candidacy and California residents:

2023-2024 estimated living expense budget (for informational use only) :

If you are an international student and accept UCLA's offer of admission, you will be subject to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regulations prior to entering the United States. You will be required to comply with health insurance and health coverage clearance rules and must be found eligible for a U.S. student visa before being permitted to attend the S.J.D. Program. Most international students enter the U.S. on an F-1 student visa.

Admitted students will receive instructions for applying for the visa I-20 form. After receiving the I-20 form, you must make an appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence in order to apply for an F-1 student visa to travel to the United States. Please make an appointment well in advance of the date you intend to travel to the United States, as some embassies and consulates take several weeks (or even months) to process visa requests.

Financial Aid Information

When it comes to financing your education, there are a number of options to consider for securing funding. While this list is not exhaustive, it provides links to a variety of resources for learning more about scholarship, fellowship, grant, and loan opportunities through private, non-profit, and governmental sources. International students are encouraged to seek financial aid funds from additional sources in their home countries. Consider contacting the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country to inquire about sponsoring organizations and agencies.

Dean's Tuition Fellowship Awards

All applicants receive full consideration for our very limited number of Dean's Tuition Fellowship awards. No application is necessary; grantees will be notified by the S.J.D. Program after receiving their offer of admission. Awards are granted on both a need-based and merit-based basis. You are welcome supplement your S.J.D. Program application with any additional information that will assist the Graduate Studies Committee in making a determination regarding a financial aid award.

Law Library Research Assistant-ships

Research Assistants are occasionally hired to help law professors with their research needs. Students typically work 10 hours per week for a rate of approximately $17.00 per hour. Successful candidates must demonstrate academic excellence as well as research proficiency. The number of positions available in a given year is dependent on the needs of the faculty, and thus is highly variable. In some years, there may be no open positions. Openings for Research Assistant positions are posted with the Office of Career Services and/or the Law Library, and applications will be accepted after the start of the academic year in August.

Eugene V. Costa-Robles Fellowship Four-year fellowship program supporting PhD students interested in a career in college or university teaching and research. Only open to U.S. citizens.

Federal Student Aid Federal Student Aid provides a useful guide on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Resources include an aid and FAFSA checklist, how to apply, deadlines, other financial aid resources, and more.

FinAid FinAid provides detailed information about scholarships, grants, loans, military aid, and other funding opportunities and resources for U.S. students seeking financial assistance for graduate study.

NHFA Scholarship Offers scholarships for US citizens, who are of Hispanic heritage. Must be pursuing entertainment and/or media-related law fields.

Chiang Ching-kuo Foundation for International Scholarly Exchange (CCKF) Dissertation Fellowships for Republic of China (ROC) Students Abroad Offers fellowships to Chinese citizens to support research on topics related to Chinese culture and society, the development of the Republic of China, or Taiwan Studies.

UC MexUS The UC MEXUS-CONACYT doctoral fellowships provide up to five years of funding for Mexican students doing their doctoral studies at any one of the ten University of California campuses. Students may pursue doctoral studies in most of the academic disciplines, with the exception of the arts.

Conference, Professional Development, and Off-Campus Research Travel Grants UCLA doctoral students are eligible to request up to $1,000 to reimburse travel expenses for attending professional conferences, engaging in off-campus fieldwork or collaborative research, or taking advantage of off-campus professional development opportunities. Details are available on page 45 of the  Graduate Student Financial Support guide.

Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation Dissertation Fellowships Offers yearlong fellowships to students writing a dissertation surrounding issues of human violence and aggression. Preferred topics of interest to the Foundation include social change, intergroup conflict, war, terrorism, crime, and family relationships, among other subjects. Only appropriate for students approaching their final doctoral year.

Hiroshi Wagatsuma Memorial Fellowships The UCLA International Institute Asia Pacific Institute Hiroshi Wagatsuma Memorial Fellowship offers awards to UCLA graduate students working on a comparative or cross-cultural dissertation, preferably concerning Japan or another Asian country and North America.

MALDEF Law School Scholarship Program The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund offers scholarships to law students who are committed to advancing Latino civil rights in the U.S. throughout their careers. A merit and need-based scholarship open to any enrolled law student.

Mellon/ACLS Dissertation Completion Fellowships Offers fellowships for students in their final dissertation year to support research that is original and makes a significant contribution to knowledge in the proposed field of study.

Paula Stone Legal Research Fellowship   Offers fellowships for promising UCLA law students pursuing research focusing on women and the law, with preference towards topics surrounding women in the criminal/legal justice system.

Social Science Research Council (SSRC) International Dissertation Research Fellowship (IDRF) Program Funded by the Mellon Foundation, IDRF offers six to twelve months of support to graduate students in the humanities and humanistic social sciences who are enrolled in U.S.-based PhD programs. Dissertation research should cover Native American or non-US topics. Award amounts vary, but average around $23,000 per fellowship.

For further funding opportunities open to Doctoral students, please visit UCLA Graduate Education's Fellowships, Scholarships & Grants for Entering Students and its main funding resources page .

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Hear exclusive application tips from Assistant Dean Jason Fiske before the final application deadline on June 3, 2024

Law Schools in California

1-25 of 32 results

Stanford Law School

Stanford, CA •

Stanford University •

Graduate School

Stanford University ,

Graduate School ,

STANFORD, CA ,

Gould School of Law

Los Angeles, CA •

University of Southern California •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   1 review

Graduate Student: I liked the human rights clinical program. I liked the fact that I was able to develop strong and meaningful relationships with quite a lot of my professors, which I was neither expecting nor really going for. I like that the Trojan network is really real, SO many alumni have helped me in my job/internships searches and said to coffee when I emailed them without even knowing them. I like that I get to spend my last semester of law school abroad doing really cool, meaningful work. The law library was pretty meh though. ... Read 1 review

University of Southern California ,

LOS ANGELES, CA ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Graduate Student says I liked the human rights clinical program. I liked the fact that I was able to develop strong and meaningful relationships with quite a lot of my professors, which I was neither expecting nor really... .

Read 1 reviews.

UCLA School of Law

University of California - Los Angeles •

• • Rating 3.5 out of 5   4 reviews

Doctoral Student: I think law school in general always goes from bad to better over time. I started out really confused and anxious, and I don't think I really took advantage of what UCLA Law offered while I was a 1L. Instead, I spent too much time trying to figure out everything on my own, which didn't work out so great for my grades or for my mental health. I felt things really turn around when I was able to do experiential coursework as a 2L because I felt like I was really functioning as a law student. UCLA's experiential courses and options really made my law school experience so much better than it would've been if I just took doctrinal classes. ... Read 4 reviews

University of California - Los Angeles ,

4 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says I think law school in general always goes from bad to better over time. I started out really confused and anxious, and I don't think I really took advantage of what UCLA Law offered while I was a 1L.... .

Read 4 reviews.

San Francisco Bay University

Graduate School •

FREMONT, CA

• • Rating 3 out of 5   2

Southern California Institute of Architecture

LOS ANGELES, CA

• • Rating 4.56 out of 5   9

College of Business - University of La Verne

University of La Verne •

LA VERNE, CA

• • Rating 4.54 out of 5   13

Berkeley Law

Berkeley, CA •

University of California - Berkeley •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   2 reviews

Doctoral Student: Berkeley Law offers high quality legal education. Teachers are engaged and classes are stimulating. I am proud to be a Berkeley Law student ... Read 2 reviews

Blue checkmark.

University of California - Berkeley ,

BERKELEY, CA ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says Berkeley Law offers high quality legal education. Teachers are engaged and classes are stimulating. I am proud to be a Berkeley Law student .

Read 2 reviews.

Santa Clara University School of Law

Santa Clara, CA •

Santa Clara University •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   3 reviews

Doctoral Student: The classmates can be rude and mean but the professors are very nice. I feel like they have a lot of resources but you have to go out and seek the help yourself ... Read 3 reviews

Santa Clara University ,

SANTA CLARA, CA ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says The classmates can be rude and mean but the professors are very nice. I feel like they have a lot of resources but you have to go out and seek the help yourself .

Read 3 reviews.

UC Irvine School of Law

Irvine, CA •

University of California - Irvine •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   1 review

Doctoral Student: The J.D. program at the University of California, School of Law was an interdisciplinary, rigorous one. ... Read 1 review

University of California - Irvine ,

IRVINE, CA ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says The J.D. program at the University of California, School of Law was an interdisciplinary, rigorous one. .

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UC Davis School of Law

Davis, CA •

University of California - Davis •

University of California - Davis ,

DAVIS, CA ,

Pepperdine University School of Law

Malibu, CA •

Pepperdine University •

• • Rating 4.83 out of 5   6 reviews

Current Doctoral student: I really enjoy going to Pepperdine because the 2L and 3L students truly care about you and give you resources to help you become successful. They share their notes and even give you their old books. ... Read 6 reviews

Pepperdine University ,

MALIBU, CA ,

6 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Current Doctoral student says I really enjoy going to Pepperdine because the 2L and 3L students truly care about you and give you resources to help you become successful. They share their notes and even give you their old books. .

Read 6 reviews.

School of Law - University of San Diego

San Diego, CA •

University of San Diego •

• • Rating 4.25 out of 5   8 reviews

Doctoral Student: Currently, I am okay with my experience at USD Law. Though everyone has been friendly throughout, it has been a difficult first year. Some professors are helpful, some are not at all. I would say find study groups and be sure to connect with T.A.s, as they are very knowledgable on the subjects. Overall, I would say a 7/10. ... Read 8 reviews

University of San Diego ,

SAN DIEGO, CA ,

8 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says Currently, I am okay with my experience at USD Law. Though everyone has been friendly throughout, it has been a difficult first year. Some professors are helpful, some are not at all. I would say... .

Read 8 reviews.

Loyola Law School

Loyola Marymount University •

• • Rating 4.8 out of 5   5 reviews

Other: Loyola Law School is located in the legal, financial and media capital of Los Angeles. It is home to world-renowned faculty, and academic programs at the leading edge of the legal field. Our students want to change the world, and they’re doing it. ... Read 5 reviews

Loyola Marymount University ,

5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Other says Loyola Law School is located in the legal, financial and media capital of Los Angeles. It is home to world-renowned faculty, and academic programs at the leading edge of the legal field. Our students... .

Read 5 reviews.

Fowler School of Law

Orange, CA •

Chapman University •

• • Rating 3 out of 5   1 review

Chapman University ,

ORANGE, CA ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 3 stars.

University of San Francisco School of Law

San Francisco, CA •

University of San Francisco •

Doctoral Student: So far I have really enjoyed my experience at USF. Arguable, compared to my undergrad years, I have learned a great deal more in a much shorter amount of time. I have forged lifelong friendships, while having opportunities to make connections in the legal field that would have been difficult to make at any other school. ... Read 3 reviews

University of San Francisco ,

SAN FRANCISCO, CA ,

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says So far I have really enjoyed my experience at USF. Arguable, compared to my undergrad years, I have learned a great deal more in a much shorter amount of time. I have forged lifelong friendships,... .

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McGeorge School of Law

Sacramento, CA •

University of the Pacific •

• • Rating 4.86 out of 5   7 reviews

Master's Student: The program is very flexible and allows me to work full time. I think it has been very valuable and has prepared me for my career path. ... Read 7 reviews

University of the Pacific ,

SACRAMENTO, CA ,

7 Niche users give it an average review of 4.9 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The program is very flexible and allows me to work full time. I think it has been very valuable and has prepared me for my career path. .

Read 7 reviews.

College of Law and Public Service - University of La Verne

Ontario, CA •

• • Rating 4.67 out of 5   6 reviews

Doctoral Student: Embarking on my law school journey at the University of La Verne College of Law has been one of the most transformative and enriching experiences of my life. From the outset, the institution promised a rigorous academic challenge, and it delivered on that promise, providing a robust curriculum that thoroughly prepared me for a career in law. But what set my experience apart was not just the academic rigor, but the holistic approach to legal education that the school fostered. The faculty at the University of La Verne College of Law is comprised of distinguished professionals who are not only experts in their respective fields but are also genuinely committed to student success. Their approach to teaching went beyond traditional lectures, emphasizing critical thinking, practical skills, and ethical considerations. This dynamic interaction with the faculty has been invaluable, providing me with mentorship and guidance that shaped my professional ethos and aspirations. ... Read 6 reviews

University of La Verne ,

ONTARIO, CA ,

6 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says Embarking on my law school journey at the University of La Verne College of Law has been one of the most transformative and enriching experiences of my life. From the outset, the institution promised... The faculty at the University of La Verne College of Law is comprised of distinguished professionals who are not only experts in their respective fields but are also genuinely committed to student... .

Whittier College

Whittier, CA •

• • Rating 4.33 out of 5   3 reviews

Alum: The academics here are great. I have been able to pursue my Carew and thanks to the great professors I have been able to learn and excel in my career! ... Read 3 reviews

WHITTIER, CA ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says The academics here are great. I have been able to pursue my Carew and thanks to the great professors I have been able to learn and excel in my career! .

Humphreys University - Stockton and Modesto Campuses

Stockton, CA •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   10 reviews

Doctoral Student: The best experience I've had with this academic program is the experience that I've gained with all the hands-on activities. ... Read 10 reviews

STOCKTON, CA ,

10 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says The best experience I've had with this academic program is the experience that I've gained with all the hands-on activities. .

Read 10 reviews.

Empire College School of Law

Santa Rosa, CA •

Niche User: My overall experience at Empire College was great. I really liked the diversity of students that attended Empire College as well as the diversity of programs and courses the college had to offer. I also really liked that we were able to become certified in certain programs and classes that Empire had to offer. What I also really liked about Empire College were the class sizes and how the teachers were able to attend to each student individually when needed to help with any problem or issues that were taking place at that time. I also liked the environment that was at Empire College pertaining to the students and teachers. Overall I really loved my time at Empire College and liked that I was able to get in and out quickly with an Associate's Degree and that the school is/was very resourceful while attending and after I graduated. ... Read 2 reviews

SANTA ROSA, CA ,

Featured Review: Niche User says My overall experience at Empire College was great. I really liked the diversity of students that attended Empire College as well as the diversity of programs and courses the college had to offer. I... .

University of California, Hastings College of the Law

• • Rating 3.55 out of 5   33 reviews

Current Doctoral student: The program is quite comprehensive for the number of students attending. Staff members are attentive and make themselves available to students. ... Read 33 reviews

33 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.

Featured Review: Current Doctoral student says The program is quite comprehensive for the number of students attending. Staff members are attentive and make themselves available to students. .

Read 33 reviews.

California Western School of Law

• • Rating 4.13 out of 5   8 reviews

Current Doctoral student: The accelerated program offered by Cal Western School of Law allows me to focus intensely on my studies in order to complete my JD as soon as possible. The course selection offered includes specific niche areas, such as Spanish for Lawyers, that allow me to develop the real skills I look forward to utilizing during my law practice post graduation. ... Read 8 reviews

8 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.

Featured Review: Current Doctoral student says The accelerated program offered by Cal Western School of Law allows me to focus intensely on my studies in order to complete my JD as soon as possible. The course selection offered includes specific... .

School of Law - Golden Gate University

Golden Gate University •

• • Rating 4.67 out of 5   3 reviews

Current Doctoral student: As a 1L, the academic program has recently started a new system. With a smaller class size this year, students are able to get more one on one time with the professors to go over topics discussed in class and midterm exams or final exams from the previous semester. Overall, the faculty and staff work very hard to ensure your success. There are also classes if you didn't do well the first semester that have helped me better understand how to take exams and write better essays. ... Read 3 reviews

Golden Gate University ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.

Featured Review: Current Doctoral student says As a 1L, the academic program has recently started a new system. With a smaller class size this year, students are able to get more one on one time with the professors to go over topics discussed in... .

Southwestern Law School

• • Rating 4 out of 5   25 reviews

Doctoral Student: Best parts of my experience include my classmates, great and caring professors, and supportive administration (career and financial aid dept.) The worst parts of my experience include class offerings due to scheduling issues, high tuition costs, and my commute in traffic. ... Read 25 reviews

25 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says Best parts of my experience include my classmates, great and caring professors, and supportive administration (career and financial aid dept.) The worst parts of my experience include class offerings due to scheduling issues, high tuition costs, and my commute in traffic. .

Read 25 reviews.

Thomas Jefferson School of Law

• • Rating 4.33 out of 5   6 reviews

Current Doctoral student: The academic program has gotten better since losing ABA. Specific professors were brought in to return school back to glory. ... Read 6 reviews

6 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Current Doctoral student says The academic program has gotten better since losing ABA. Specific professors were brought in to return school back to glory. .

University of West Los Angeles

Inglewood, CA •

Doctoral Student: I have had one semester with them so far and they have been excellent. Everyone is alway available via email and responds promptly. Classes have all been online because of COVID-19 but they have responded quite well to this entire situation. I do wish that the classes were a little smaller so that the professor has more time with each student. ... Read 2 reviews

INGLEWOOD, CA ,

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says I have had one semester with them so far and they have been excellent. Everyone is alway available via email and responds promptly. Classes have all been online because of COVID-19 but they have... .

Trinity Law School

Santa Ana, CA •

• • Rating 4.25 out of 5   32 reviews

Doctoral Student: My favorite part about Trinity is how accessible the professors are. I have had a great experience getting help from professors both in class as well as meetings outside of class. It is evident that the professors at Trinity genuinely care about each student and want to do what they can to help each student succeed. The smaller class sizes also contribute to this, which I really appreciate. However, the small class sizes also create a more challenging experience due to the strict curve which has been the most stressful part of my experience. ... Read 32 reviews

SANTA ANA, CA ,

32 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says My favorite part about Trinity is how accessible the professors are. I have had a great experience getting help from professors both in class as well as meetings outside of class. It is evident that... .

Read 32 reviews.

Lincoln Law School of Sacramento

Doctoral Student: Lincoln Law School appreciates the importance of creating an environment which recognizes each person’s unique life experience and the benefit it brings to the School. The faculty and students are diverse in not only age, gender identity, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion and disability, but also in cultural backgrounds, perspectives and viewpoints. By fostering an atmosphere of inclusion and respect for all people and their ideas, Lincoln strives to create an environment where people may achieve their personal and professional goals. ... Read 1 review

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says Lincoln Law School appreciates the importance of creating an environment which recognizes each person’s unique life experience and the benefit it brings to the School. The faculty and students are... .

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Criminology, Law and Society Ph.D. program

​​ The Ph.D. program in Criminology, Law and Society is ranked #2 in the US News and World Reports rankings. The program focuses on the causes, manifestations, and consequences of crime; the impacts of crime on society; social regulation; the civil justice system; the social and cultural contexts of law; and the interactive effects of law and society. With high-caliber faculty and an interdisciplinary perspective, the program aims to develop students’ theoretical and methodological sophistication to prepare them for faculty positions at major universities and colleges or for research, training, and administrative work in the justice system.   

Program Overview

In this doctoral program, students must pass nine (9) required courses and four (4) electives, all with a grade of B or higher. For a description of the following courses and others, please visit the UCI Course Catalogue .

Students are also required to complete a Second Year Project, pass comprehensive examinations (comps), prepare & defend a dissertation proposal, and prepare & defend a dissertation.

Second Year Project/Master's Thesis

Beginning in their first year, students initiate independent research projects under faculty supervision. Approaches to research vary widely and may include questionnaire and survey analysis, systematic field observation, computer simulation, archival searches, ethnographies, oral histories, and legal analysis. This project is further expanded on and completed during the second year. This Second Year Project is designed to introduce students to developing their own research projects and writing for an academic audience. The report of the Second Year Project should be comparable in scope and format to articles that appear in leading journals within the field of criminology, law and society. Each project is evaluated and approved by the advisor and one other faculty member.

Students may submit the written report of their Second Year Project as a Master's Thesis for an M.A. in Social Ecology. For the Ph.D. degree, however, an M.A. is not required, and most students move directly to the completion of the doctoral requirements.

Comprehensive Exams

The comprehensive examination (comps) is an untimed take-home written exam consisting of two essays, to be completed in the third year of graduate study. The goal of comps is to allow graduate students to demonstrate mastery of major theoretical, substantive, and methodological issues in both criminology and law & society. The examination consists of two sections – criminology, and law & society. Beginning in 2021, students must complete the exam by the first day of classes in the Winter Quarter of their third year (adjusted for any Leaves of Absence), and must pass all sections of the exam by the last day of classes in Winter Quarter of their third year (adjusted for any Leaves of Absence). Students who do not pass one or both sections on the first attempt will retake the failed section(s) in the subsequent quarter. Students are allowed to take the exam twice, but must pass all sections according to this timeline.

Dissertation

During the fourth year of study, students draft and defend a proposal for dissertation research. The proposal is developed under the guidance of a faculty advisor, and clearly presents the research questions, theories, and methods which will inform the doctoral dissertation project. Once students complete the proposal, they must defend the proposal to a committee comprised of the faculty advisor and four other faculty members. Upon approval of the defense, the student will advance to candidacy for the Ph.D. Students generally complete the proposal defense by the end of the fourth year.

Once students have advanced to candidacy, they spend their remaining time at UCI completing data collection and analysis for their dissertation. Following the completion of the written dissertation, students must orally defend their project to a committee comprised of the faculty advisor and two other faculty members. The dissertation defense usually occurs in the fifth or sixth year. Upon passage of the oral defense and approval of the committee, the student has completed all of the requirements of the Ph.D. program.

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Program Learning Outcomes

Graduate Student Emphases

UCI offers graduate students the opportunity to earn emphases in several substantive areas. Many of our students earn one or more of these emphases, and several of our faculty are associated with the emphases-granting departments.

Asian American Studies

This graduate emphasis is a formal component of graduate studies at the University of California, Irvine, in addition to the fulfillment of requirements towards the Ph.D. or M.F.A. degree in an array of fields in the Schools of Humanities, Social Sciences, Social Ecology, and the Arts. Designed to complement existing graduate degree-granting programs by providing interdisciplinary training in Asian American Studies, this particular specialty is comprised of four courses: two foundation courses introducing theories, methods, and historical and contemporary special topics in Asian American Studies; one elective course in Asian American Studies; and one related elective course in a student’s specific discipline or area of study. Learn more...

Critical Theory Emphasis

The Critical Theory Emphasis (CTE) graduate specialty is the curricular arm of UCI's Critical Theory Institute (CTI). Scholars of Critical Theory explore and develop theoretical models to analyze and critique cultural forms from literature and art to more general systems of information, social relations, and symbolic categories of race, gender and ethnic identity. The goal of the CTE is to promote the study of shared assumptions, problems and commitments of the various discourses in the arts, humanities and social sciences. Learn more...

Graduate Feminist Emphasis

The Department of Gender and Sexuality Studies at UCI offers a graduate emphasis in Feminist Studies for students pursuing Ph.D. or Master's programs across the campus. Participating in the GFE provides students with advanced interdisciplinary training in Feminist Studies, and offers them an opportunity to become part a network of feminist scholars at UCI and beyond. GFE students are subscribed in our email listserv , which features current job openings, fellowship information, and important news about our upcoming events. Learn more...

Law, Society and Culture Emphasis

The Center for Law, Society and Culture sponsors the LSC Emphasis. This concentration is designed a) to instill an intellectual ethic on inter -disciplinarity among participating students early in their training and b) to create trans -disciplinary communities of emerging socio-legal scholars whose intellectual development is enhanced by formal and informal exchange across diverse fields. In the spring of each year, students in their first through third years of graduate study are invited to apply to the Emphasis, which is composed of 4 inter-connected components: 1) a year-long theory and research seminar, with each quarter taught by one faculty member from a different school at UCI; (2) cross-disciplinary mentorship and advising; (3) ongoing professionalization opportunities and responsibilities; and (4) a culminating intellectual project.  Each student is assigned a faculty mentor outside of his or her home department and will meet with that mentor on a monthly basis to discuss the student's ongoing research. Learn more...

Race and Justice Studies Emphasis

Students from any UCI state-supported graduate or professional program, including J.D., Master’s and M.F.A. students, are eligible to apply to the Emphasis in Race and Justice Studies (RJS), housed in the Department of Criminology, Law and Society (CLS). The Race and Justice Studies Emphasis is comprised of four requirements that promote inclusive excellence in graduate training at UCI: (1) A first-year mentorship proseminar offered over three quarters by faculty from across campus whose research and teaching foster inclusive excellence; (2) one RJS-approved course offered under the supervision of the Emphasis; (3) a writing seminar in which a paper developed through the Emphasis will be workshopped and revised toward publication; and (4) a public presentation which translates the student’s RJS-influenced research for an interdisciplinary audience. Learn more...

Visual Studies

The Emphasis in Visual Studies offers a focus on Visual Studies available to Ph.D. and M.F.A. students in all departments at UCI. Satisfactory completion of this concentration is certified by the Graduate Advisor in Visual Studies and is noted in the student's dossier. Learn more...

Research Centers

Students in the Ph.D. program often work with various Research Centers, including the Center for Evidence-Based Corrections , the Center in Law, Society and Culture , the Center for Psychology and Law , the Newkirk Center , the Irvine Lab for the Study of Space and Crime , and the Metropolitan Futures Initiative .

Financial Support

Students in the Ph.D. program have a variety of financial support options. The most common sources of support are Teaching Assistantships and Research Assistantships.

Research Assistantship. Many students work with faculty on research projects funded by external grants or university monies. As with Teaching Assistants, RAs generally work for up to 20 hours per week and are involved in a wide variety of research activities (e.g., data collection and analysis, article preparation, etc.). Compensation for RAs is roughly equivalent to that for a Teaching Assistant, and covers fees and tuition.

Teaching Assistantship. Ph.D. students in CLS are eligible for 12 quarters of support as a Teaching Assistant (TA), making this the most common means of financial support. TAs work up to 20 hours a week, are responsible for assisting the professor with many common classroom tasks (e.g., creating exams, grading papers, etc.), assist students understand course material and meet course requirements, and experience the opportunity to practice the art of teaching (usually through discussion sections and/or guest lecturing). To maintain their eligibility, students must be in good academic standing and must have a satisfactory record as a Teaching Assistant . Some students may even receive a TAship after this 12-quarter period (subject to CLS and Graduate Divivsion approval). A Teaching Assistantship is not only an important means of financial support (a monthly salary plus fees and tuition coverage), but the work also serves a vital role in training Ph.D. candidates, particularly those who intend to pursue academic careers.

Additional funding is available through student loans, departmental and university fellowships, and outside funding sources. In addition to support during the academic year, students are often able to secure research grants from the Department for the summer. These grants are allotted on the basis of academic standing and financial need.

Award Opportunities

Listed below are the CLS Department awards current students have the opportunitiy to be nominated or apply for.

• Arnold Binder Award
• Dickman Award
• Gil Geis Award
• Kitty Calavita Award
• Michelle Smith-Pontell Award
• Peer Mentoring Award

Graduate Student Housing

A number of housing alternatives are available for graduate students at UCI. Two apartment complexes and a residence hall are available exclusively for graduate students and those with families who wish to live on campus. In addition, there are many off-campus options, including apartments/houses at the beach or apartment complexes just across the street from the university. Due to their affordability and convenience, more than half of our graduate students choose to live on campus.

Among the on-campus options are Verano Place Apartments, Palo Verde Apartments, and Vista del Campo/VdC Norte. Verano Place includes 862 units which are one-, two-, or three-bedroom unfurnished apartments. Palo Verde is designed solely for graduate students and post-doctoral students, and consists of 204 apartments that range from studio to three-bedroom apartments. Vista del Campo is a privately owned and managed apartment community located on the UCI campus, offering furnished apartments to single students who are sophomores, juniors, seniors, or graduate students. For information on all of these housing options, please visit the UCI Housing website .

For more information, please contact:

Irice Castro Assistant Director of Graduate Student Services [email protected] 949-824-1874

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Doctor of Juridical Science Program

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Thank you for your interest in the JSD program at LMU Loyola Law School. The program is not accepting new applications at this moment.

The degree of Juridicae Scientiae Doctor (Doctor of Juridical Science- JSD) is the highest degree offered by Loyola Law School, Los Angeles. It is designed for graduates, both American and foreign, who are interested in becoming law professors, scholars, jurists or public intellectuals, or in deepening their scholarship to continue in these fields. Students must spend a minimum of three years, of which two are in residence, and a maximum of five years in the program to complete the degree. During the first year in residence, students mostly take a series of specialized, dedicated JSD classes to learn the skills necessary to successfully complete the degree (theory of law, methodology or doctoral research and writing, and seminars). During the second year, they start shifting their focus to writing the dissertation. The dissertation can be either a single manuscript, or a collection of three articles suitable for law journal publication. JSD students write their dissertation under the direct supervision of a full-time member of the law school’s doctrinal faculty. Through the dissertation, students are expected to make a substantial contribution to legal scholarship by raising, expanding upon or answering important questions and exercising independent critical ability in making the argument.

Graduate Programs in Legal Studies

Consider more than Law School for Advanced Studies:

Are you interested in further studies to advance your careers?

Consider graduate programs, particularly those featured below and what they offer for future careers in research, public policy and the academy.

Obviously, the faculty of Legal Studies encourages your attention to the Jurisprudence and Social Policy (JSP) Program, the academic home of most of your GSIs and the leading interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary PhD that pushes the frontiers of research on law and legal institutions. But each of the programs below have features that may interest you and a couple enable you to pursue both an academic degree (MA/PhD) and a professional JD degree.

And, should you gain admission to one of the featured programs below, you may not need to take out any more loans or seek the financial support of your families while advancing your careers. Consult your professors and GSIs, or make an appointment to see Professor Jonathan Marshall, Director of Legal Studies, by emailing him:  [email protected]

Jurisprudence & Social Policy Program, UC Berkeley Northwestern University JD/PhD

UC Irvine PhD Criminology, Law & Society

UC Irvine Mater of Criminology, Law & Society UC Irvine Master of Public Policy UC Irvine Concurrent Degree Program

Yale Law School PhD in Law

Arizona State University PhD in Justice Studies

San Jose State University Master’s Program in Justice Studies

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2023-24 edition, criminology, law and society, ph.d..

The study of crime, institutional responses to illegal behavior, and the interaction of law and society are the foci of the doctoral program in Criminology, Law and Society. Students examine issues related to the etiology of crime, the process of changing criminal behavior, social regulation, the civil justice system, and the social and cultural context of law.

Students gain familiarity with a number of subjects including sentencing; crime rates; modes of modifying criminal behavior; police behavior; policies against hate crimes; race and social inequality; behavior of courts, juries, and regulatory agencies; immigration lawmaking and application; and the interaction among law, culture, and identity. In general, students are introduced to the leading classical and contemporary issues in criminology, law and society and to ways of understanding them through interdisciplinary research. The program aims to develop theoretical sophistication and to prepare the graduate student for faculty positions at major universities; and for research and administrative work in institutions in the legal system, the criminal justice system, and related organizations.

Requirements

(NOTE: An initial faculty advisor for each new Criminology, Law and Society student is assigned by the Criminology, Law and Society Associate Director. Students, however, are free to change their faculty advisor during their first year of study (or later) based on research interests. Students must notify the Criminology, Law and Society Faculty Graduate Director and the Departmental Graduate Coordinator of any changes in advisors.)

Students become involved in research activities from the earliest stages of their training and complete an independent, supervised research project during the second year of graduate study.

Advancement and Completion

Students complete a written comprehensive examination during year three, which requires them to demonstrate mastery of major issues in criminology, and law and society. The normative time for advancement to candidacy is four years (three years for students who entered with a master’s degree). Students are required to advance to candidacy by the end of fall quarter of their fifth year of study, adjusted for any approved leaves of absence. The fourth and, possibly, fifth years of study are devoted to developing and defending a dissertation proposal and completing dissertation research. The normative time for completion of the Ph.D. is six years, and the maximum time permitted is seven years. (For students who have waived two required courses and the second-year project based upon master’s-level work completed at another institution, the time to degree is five years, with a maximum of six years.) All Ph.D. students in the Criminology, Law and Society program are required to pass a final oral defense of the dissertation.

Program in Law and Graduate Studies (J.D./Ph.D.)

Highly qualified students interested in combining the study of law and graduate qualifications in Criminology, Law and Society are invited to undertake concurrent degree study under the auspices of UC Irvine’s Program in Law and Graduate Studies (PLGS). Students in this program pursue a coordinated curriculum leading to a J.D. degree from the School of Law in conjunction with a Ph.D. degree in Criminology, Law and Society. Additional information is available from the PLGS Director’s office, 949-824-4158, or by email at [email protected] . A full description of the program, with links to all relevant application information, can be found at the School of Law Concurrent Degree Programs website .

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JD/PhD Program

Highly qualified students interested in combining the study of law with graduate research and/or professional qualifications in cognate disciplines are invited to undertake concurrent degree study under the auspices of UC Irvine’s Program in Law and Graduate Studies (PLGS).

Students approved for this concurrent degree program may pursue a coordinated curriculum leading to a J.D. degree from the School of Law in conjunction with a Masters or Ph.D. degree from any of the graduate professional or research degree programs at UCI participating in the program.

The objective of the program is to promote interdisciplinary study of law while also enabling students to obtain both a J.D. and a graduate degree in less time than would be required to acquire both degrees separately. The normative time for completion of the program is four (4) years for J.D./Masters and J.D./M.B.A. and seven (7) years for J.D./Ph.D. combinations.

UC Irvine’s PLGS program is well suited to students interested in professional or academic careers focused on the interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary study of law and legal institutions, policy analysis, and/or applied research in law-related fields (for example, criminal justice and criminology, urban planning and environmental issues, discrimination, human rights, urban planning, environmental protection, and intellectual property).

Applicants must submit separate applications for admission to the School of Law (admission requirements are listed at http://www.law.uci.edu/admission/apply/ ) and to the graduate program of their choice (for example, admission requirements for graduate study in Psychological Science can be found at https://ps.soceco.uci.edu/pages/graduate-program ). Once admitted for study into both components of their program, concurrent degree students will work with the PLGS director and the director of their graduate program to develop a program of study that will permit efficient pursuit of both degrees. Ordinarily, students will commence their studies in their chosen graduate program and begin their first year of law instruction after one or more years of graduate program study. However, in some individual cases it might be advantageous to begin at the law school.

Upon completion of the first year of law instruction, students will pursue a coordinated curriculum of upper-level law study and graduate program study and research. Concurrent degree students’ law enrollments will include a required 1-unit “Graduate Legal Studies” colloquium and a 3-unit “Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Law” course.

Concurrent degree students will be eligible for financial support through their chosen graduate program while pursuing graduate degree studies, and through the law school while pursuing law studies.

Additional information is available from the PLGS Program Director’s Office (949)824-9214, or by email to [email protected].

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Among the nation’s top law programs, the juris doctor degree at the USC Gould School of Law trains tomorrow's leaders and innovators in legal practice, public service, government, and the business and nonprofit sectors. Students in our JD program develop a strong grasp of the foundations of law and prepare for a seamless transition into careers that fit your passions.

USC Gould offers a wide range of distinguished graduate and international programs for students interested in gaining expertise in the law and U.S. legal system.

Our on-campus LLM degree is offered completely in residence at our USC University Park campus in Los Angles. 

Format: Full-Time | On Campus Eligibility: JD, LLB or equivalent Start: Fall | Spring 

Spend one year learning about the U.S. legal system and mastering legal English prior to enrolling in the one-year comprehensive LLM curriculum.

Format: Full-Time | On Campus Eligibility: JD, LLB or equivalent Start: Fall

Our LLM in ADR is designed for law graduates interested in building strength as an advocate in ADR processes, including as a mediator or arbitrator.

Format: Full-Time | Part-Time | On Campus Eligibility: JD, LLB or equivalent Start: Fall | Spring 

The Master of Laws in Business Law (LLM in Business Law) is designed for legal professionals who are interested in learning about the diverse legal, business, and negotiating skills required to succeed in business law.  

Format:  Full-Time | On Campus Eligibility:  JD, LLB or equivalent Start:  Fall | Spring 

Our LLM in IBEL degree focuses on the relevant laws, policies and business best practices that shape international commerce and trade.

Format: Full-Time | On Campus Eligibility: JD, LLB or equivalent Start: Fall | Spring

Our LLM in MEL degree is designed for legal professionals who seek to develop or advance their legal skills and training in film, television, music, sports, and other creative industries.

Our Master of Laws (LLM) in Privacy Law and Cybersecurity educates students on the integral laws, policies and best practices that shape privacy law and cybersecurity.

USC Gould's Online LLM degree is taught in a 100% digital format that combines self-paced (asynchronous) and real-time (synchronous) components.

Format: Part-Time | Online Eligibility: JD, LLB or equivalent Start: Fall | Spring | Summer

Our MCL degree is ideal for international students that have already earned their LLM degree and want to continue their studies of U.S. and comparative laws.

Format: Full-Time | On Campus Eligibility: LLM Start: Fall | Spring 

Our MSL degree educates professionals outside of the legal field to be familiar with the numerous ways that law and policy influence business. Note: Graduates will not be licensed to practice law.

Format: Full-Time | Part-Time | Online | On-Campus Eligibility: Bachelor’s Degree Start: Fall | Spring | Summer

The MDR degree immerses students in immediately applicable legal approaches to dispute resolution, including negotiation, mediation and arbitration.

Format: Full-Time | Part-Time | On-Campus Eligibility: Bachelor’s Degree Start: Fall | Spring

Offered by USC Dornsife Department of Economics jointly with USC Gould, the MIELR degree equips graduates with skills to address the complexities of big data, Al and machine learning innovations through a legal lens.

Format: Full-Time | On-Campus Eligibility: Bachelor’s Degree Start: Fall

Offered by USC Gould jointly with USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences Department of Economics, the MITLE degree provides students with the knowledge and skills relevant to the laws, policies, and business practices that shape international trade and economics.

Format: Full-Time | On-Campus Eligibility: Bachelor’s Degree Start: Fall | Spring

USC Gould offers on-campus undergraduate programs including a major in legal studies for students interested in learning about the U.S. legal system and its impact on society.

The USC Gould Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies (BS Legal Studies) prepares undergraduate students with an in-depth understanding of the legal system including the infrastructure, the reasoning process and the substantive commitments that the legal system has made.

For professionals and students who are interested in supplementing, or strengthening, their skills and career opportunities, USC Gould offers a variety of educational pathways.

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JFK School of Law at National University

Accredited juris doctor program, designed for the whole learner.

Accessible – 100% Online & Affordable | Flexible – Coursework that Balances Busy Lives | Proven -Continuously Accredited since 1981

A Juris Doctor degree from the JFK School of Law at National University prepares students to become not only forward-thinking lawyers and legal professionals but also principled and dedicated public servants. Through innovative and rigorous online study, our students are ready to serve their communities and advocate for justice. We value the flexibility that distance learning provides and understand the importance of faculty-to-student mentorship and student-to-student interaction.

We provide law students the opportunity to enroll in courses that blend both synchronous and asynchronous learning – allowing you to work toward a law degree on your time and from a place that is convenient for you. We invite you to experience the NU difference.

Juris Doctor Degree Program

Flexible & accessible online jd program.

The Juris Doctor degree at the JFK School of Law at National University has been continually accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners for the State Bar of California since 1981. Our program emphasizes the practical application of theory, preparing students to successfully sit for the CA Bar Examination and enter the legal profession as highly skilled, ethical, and passionate legal experts.

We provide students with the academic support needed to succeed, including faculty mentorship, tutoring, bar coaching from the beginning of the program through preparation for the CA Bar Examination, and access to an extensive law library. All coursework is online, blending both synchronous and asynchronous sessions, while hands-on training is offered through internship and clinical programs, travel abroad opportunities, and MOOT Court and trial advocacy courses.

Service To Community

The JFK School of Law at National University is dedicated to serving local communities in the delivery of low and no-cost legal services. All law students will have the opportunity to participate in valuable and rewarding public interest internships. This work provides practical learning experiences and enriches the communities in which our students live.

“The best investment I ever made, was in myself .”

— Nadia L., Class of 2020

Whole Human Education

How We Support Our Students

We understand that you have work and family obligations. That’s why the JFK School of Law at National University provides a holistic approach to student success and well-being called Whole Human Education™. It offers the academic, financial, career, family, and emotional support our students need to excel professionally, personally, and academically.

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To speak to a dedicated enrollment advisor, please call or text 310-662-2010.

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Starting with a focus on intellectual property, Berkeley Law’s law and technology program has expanded over the years to develop an equally deep expertise on privacy. Our activities now encompass the full range of technology law, including cybercrime and cybersecurity, biotech, entertainment law, telecommunications regulation, and many other areas of constitutional, regulatory, and business law.

Intellectual Property

Over the years, Berkeley Law’s pioneering intellectual property program has provided not only an unmatched classroom education for our students, but also a multitude of conferences and other events where scholars, attorneys, and policymakers meet to consider the complex and dynamic issues arising in the field of intellectual property.

The Berkeley Law faculty includes leading privacy experts with concentrations spanning international and comparative privacy law, consumer privacy, cybercrime, and the law of government surveillance. In addition to teaching, research, and writing, faculty work with corporations and organizations and testify before legislative hearings and other government bodies .

Digital Entertainment

Berkeley Law is exploring the challenges raised as sports and entertainment law converges with digital technology. Significant conferences and networking opportunities as well as innovative courses such as seminars on music law and video game law provide students an introduction to this diverse and rapidly changing field.

A Global Perspective

In today’s interconnected world, technology law issues are global in scope. Recognizing this, Berkeley Law collaborates with international scholars, lawyers, and public officials to compare the IP and regulatory regimes of various countries and to confront issues surrounding the international development of technology law. Our Berkeley Center for Law and Technology has strong working relationships with universities around the world, including Tel Aviv University, Israel; Renmin University, Beijing; Peking University, Beijing; and the Institute for Information Law, University of Amsterdam.

Berkeley Center for Law and Technology Much of what happens at Berkeley Law in the areas of law and technology occurs under the umbrella of the Berkeley Center for Law and Technology (BCLT) . BCLT’s program extends beyond the classroom, providing students diverse opportunities to immerse themselves in the ever-expanding field of technology and the law. From informative networking events to career fairs and more, BCLT supports a number of co-curricular and extracurricular activities to enrich the law school experience.

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Attending an Unaccredited Law School: the Pros and Cons

Law schools not approved by the American Bar Association offer savings and convenience, but limited job prospects.

Pros, Cons of Unaccredited Law Schools

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More than 30 law schools in the U.S. and a few more international law schools overseas provide a legal education without ABA accreditation.

When people talk about law school , they generally mean one of the nearly 200 law schools accredited by the American Bar Association, which is the national organization of the legal profession. Any graduate of one of these law schools who has met the eligibility requirements may sit for the bar examination in any state.

To be accredited, law schools must comply with ABA standards, which cover everything from curriculum and faculty to facilities and services. The ABA frequently reevaluates and updates these standards.

For example, the ABA is currently debating whether to standardize law school curricula, allow law schools to take more students without the LSAT or GRE , and expand options for online J.D. programs .

To stay accredited, law schools file annual reports that contain data useful to applicants about factors like selectivity, diversity, bar passage and career outcomes. New law schools must meet these standards to gain accreditation, and law schools that don’t are placed on provisional status or ultimately de-accredited.

It is possible for law schools to operate without ABA accreditation, however. More than 30 law schools in the U.S. and a few more international law schools overseas provide a legal education without ABA accreditation . Most are based in California, where graduates of nonaccredited law schools can take the bar exam and qualify as lawyers.

A few other states, such as Alabama, also permit graduates of certain unaccredited law schools to take the bar.

Why Attend an Unaccredited Law School?

Unaccredited law schools tends to be much easier to get into than ABA-approved schools, making them the best option for applicants whose low grades or LSAT scores bar them from admission elsewhere.

Unaccredited law schools also tend to be cheaper and more convenient than accredited schools. Many unaccredited law schools offer flexible, part-time and online options that appeal to older applicants working full time.

Applicants may also choose unaccredited schools because of their location or other distinctions like their high levels of diversity. Some unaccredited schools have a religious bent or unconventional pedagogy that may appeal to like-minded students. 

The Pitfalls of Unaccredited Law Schools

Even if graduates of unaccredited law schools save money in the short term, their postgraduate career prospects may suffer. Their overall rates of bar passage and postgraduate employment are significantly lower than for their peers from low-ranked but accredited law schools.

For example, a report by the State Bar of California found that 67% of graduates of ABA-accredited law schools passed the state bar in 2022, while state-accredited law schools had a bar passage rate of 21% and unaccredited law schools had a 9% bar passage rate. The report also found that students of unaccredited law schools are far more likely to drop out of law school.

Furthermore, there are few states that allow graduates of unaccredited law schools to take the bar and practice law. While California is a vast state with an outsize legal market, its bar exam is notoriously hard, with the lowest passage rate in the U.S. Its major legal markets are also highly competitive, attracting lawyers nationwide, putting graduates of unaccredited law schools at a disadvantage.

It is also worth noting that California is one of four states – along with Virginia, Vermont and Washington – that allow individuals to skip law school altogether and qualify for the bar exam after a traditional legal apprenticeship.

Weighing the Evidence

To be sure, graduates of unaccredited law schools who pass the bar exam can succeed in the legal field, and as practicing lawyers their legal education will fade from relevance. Many states even allow lawyers who passed the California bar and have practiced for a certain number of years – typically three to 10, depending on the state – to take their bar exam regardless of their education.

However, there are strong reasons to be wary that unaccredited law schools offer enough benefits to justify the time and tuition. Before matriculating to an unaccredited law school, ensure that it is on sound financial footing and that its graduates have a strong track record of success.

Rather than attend an unaccredited law school, consider gaining entry to an ABA-approved school by raising your LSAT score , gaining relevant work experience or improving your application essays. Even if you are denied the first time you apply, you can strengthen your candidacy as a reapplicant .

In the long run, investing in your application is a surer path to legal practice than accepting a seat at a law school that isn’t worth the cost of tuition .

Tips to Boost a Law School Application

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About Law Admissions Lowdown

Law Admissions Lowdown provides advice to prospective students about the law school application process, LSAT prep and potential career paths. Previously authored by contributors from Stratus Admissions Counseling, the blog is currently authored by Gabriel Kuris, founder of Top Law Coach , an admissions consultancy. Kuris is a graduate of Harvard Law School and has helped hundreds of applicants navigate the law school application process since 2003. Got a question? Email [email protected] .

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106 New CHP Officers Deployed to Serve and Protect California Communities

Published: May 10, 2024

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW : The California Highway Patrol (CHP) swore in 106 new law enforcement officers today, marking progress to fulfill the administration’s campaign to recruit 1,000 new CHP officers from the state’s diverse communities. This class of newly graduated officers will be deployed to protect and serve communities across the state.

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom thanked today’s newly graduating class of 106 CHP officers who were sworn in and are being deployed across California. This celebratory day marks the end of an intensive 26-week training, with the new officers being sworn in by CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee during a graduation ceremony at the West Sacramento CHP Academy. 

WHAT GOVERNOR NEWSOM SAID : “I’m grateful to each new graduate because they inspire us and remind us all about the importance of public service and public safety. They are stepping into a career that will not only keep our diverse California families safe, but also build relationships with communities across the Golden State.”

These new officers will report to one of the 103 CHP Area offices throughout the state to begin serving the people of California.  

“These men and women have chosen to dedicate themselves to a career in public service. They have completed several months of rigorous training at the CHP Academy to prepare them to serve the people of California,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee . “While this job is one of the most difficult things they will do in their entire life, it is also the most rewarding thing that they will do, and we are proud to have them as part of the CHP family.”

At the CHP Academy, cadet training starts with nobility in policing, leadership, professionalism and ethics, and cultural diversity. Cadets also receive instruction on mental illness response and crisis intervention techniques, among other core information related to their positions. 

You can be one of the 1,000 new CHP officers ready to make a difference.

APPLY & REGISTER FOR AN UPCOMING HIRING SEMINAR

The CHP has seen an outpouring of interest in joining the ranks since the onset of a multiyear recruitment campaign in June 2022. In the first four months of 2024, the CHP received more than 7,600 cadet applications – a more than 100% increase from the same period in 2022. To accommodate the surge of interest, the CHP has been holding three Academy classes simultaneously for the first time in the Department’s history. The next CHP Academy graduation is scheduled for July 12, 2024.

The CHP is the largest public-facing state law enforcement agency in the United States with over 6,500 sworn officers assigned across California. 

HOW WE GOT HERE: 

California has invested resources and personnel since 2019 to fight crime, help local governments hire more police, and improve public safety. In 2023, as part of California’s Real Public Safety Plan , the Governor announced the largest-ever investment to combat organized retail crime in state history, an annual 310% increase in proactive operations targeting organized retail crime, and special operations across the state to fight crime and improve public safety.

A recording of the ceremony is available here .

Opinion | Crucial, not cruel and unusual: The Supreme…

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Opinion | Crucial, not cruel and unusual: The Supreme Court weighs homelessness regulations

The class action lawsuit challenges the constitutionality of anti-camping ordinances in a small Oregon town, but the impact of the Justices’ ruling will be especially strong here in California. More than 123,000 Californians  don’t have shelter – nearly half of the total unsheltered population in the US.

While the challengers in Grants Pass argue that camping bans effectively criminalize homelessness, public officials contend that these ordinances are a critical tool to address public safety issues that arise from homeless encampments. About 30 California cities and counties, as well as the League of California Cities, have filed amicus briefs  supporting Grants Pass.

San Francisco and Sacramento, like Grants Pass, have been under injunctions from federal courts that prevent or delay enforcement of anti-camping laws based on the 2018 Martin v. Boise decision. That ruling asserts that arresting or citing people for sleeping on public property violates the Eighth Amendment’s cruel and unusual punishment clause if the individuals have nowhere else to go.

The Martin decision has left municipalities with few options to address encampments if shelter availability can’t be confirmed on the spot. This, of course, is a nearly impossible task for public safety officers given that the number of open shelter beds is constantly in flux. But many public officials, including San Francisco Mayor London Breed  and Governor Gavin Newsom , argue that prohibiting local governments from clearing encampments is neither a workable nor compassionate policy for addressing homelessness.

In our 2022 Hoover Institution  report on the state of homelessness in California, we highlighted that law enforcement plays a crucial role in addressing the challenges faced by the unsheltered. Finding practical solutions has only become more relevant as the number of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness continues to grow.

Encampments can be serious safety and environmental hazards, as well as hotbeds for criminal activity  like drug dealing  and violence . San Francisco firefighters responded to over 680 encampment fires  in the first 300 days of 2023 alone, and earlier this year a Los Angeles fire captain was injured by an explosion  while battling an encampment fire.

Opponents of camping bans argue that they perpetuate a cycle of interactions with the justice system, but this ignores the reality that these ordinances are key tools used by law enforcement to motivate homeless individuals to accept social services. In fact, many camping ordinances require advance warnings and multiple citations before any arrests can be made.

The Supreme Court’s upcoming decision on Grants Pass will be a monumental one for California officials struggling to end homelessness. Californians know well that solving homelessness requires an expansive toolbox, and anti-camping ordinances are a key lever for encouraging people to get the help they need.

The court should give the power to address homelessness and maintain public safety back to the municipalities who deal with these issues firsthand, rather than constitutionalizing a right to vagrancy from the bench.

Joshua Rauh is the Ormond Family Professor of Finance at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business and a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution. Jillian Ludwig is the research program manager for the Hoover Institution’s State and Local Governance Initiative . They are authors of “ Homelessness in California: Practical Solutions for a Complex Problem “

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Online Graduate Law Programs London Study Tour 2024

Adjunct professor Marc Goodman and Online Programs director Veronica Basadre led a group of online graduate law students through a five-day study tour in London, England. The course examined the roots of the US legal and governmental systems, within a comparative analysis framework of the US and UK systems. The students reviewed UK political history, which provided a foundation for a deeper exploration of the structure of the UK government and political systems and its unwritten constitution. Students examined the elements of the UK systems that the Founding Fathers found both attractive and problematic, resulting in the necessary compromises leading to the drafting of the US Constitution with its three branches of government.

During the study tour, the class visited Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Big Ben, Whitehall, Benjamin Franklin’s house, and the London Mansion House. The class's learning highlights included attending a Supreme Court hearing and visiting the Inns of Court, which are the professional associations for barristers. All barristers must belong to one of the four Inns of Court, which are Gray’s Inn, Lincoln’s Inn, Inner Temple, and Middle Temple. The students met with the director of education at Middle Temple, learned from Lauren Suding, a barrister and Middle Temple member, and then toured the Royal Courts of Justice. 

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How the ‘junk fee’ ban will affect prices displayed by California restaurants and other businesses

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California restaurants finally have their answer: They, too, must comply with a new state law that bans unadvertised fees, surcharges and other costs tacked onto the end of the bill.

Starting July 1, restaurants will join thousands of other California businesses, including event ticket sellers, short-term rental apps, hotels and food delivery services, that are required to include all mandatory fees and charges in the prices they display or advertise.

The state attorney general’s office gave conflicting statements in the weeks after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the measure into law last year, telling some news outlets that restaurants could continue to keep their current prices while listing any surcharges on their menus, and others that the surcharges had to be included in the prices themselves.

On Wednesday Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta’s office released a set of guidelines to clarify that issue and answer other questions about how businesses must comply with the new law. Bonta sponsored the measure, Senate Bill 478 , along with its co-authors, state Sens. Bill Dodd (D-Napa) and Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley).

For restaurants, that means it will no longer be enough to just list service charges and surcharges on a bill or a menu’s fine print. Instead, these charges must be included in the prices printed on the menu.

For example, a $20 mole enchilada at a restaurant that levies a 5% fee to cover employee health costs will have to be listed on the menu as a $21 mole enchilada. And a flier advertising a $10 lunch buffet at a restaurant that adds a mandatory 10% “service charge” will have to refer to the offer as an $11 lunch buffet.

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In a statement, the Golden Gate Restaurant Assn. said Bonta’s guidelines “will create significant challenges for the restaurant industry moving forward.”

The association, which advocates for the restaurant industry, argues that by prohibiting the longtime practice of using service charges to increase staff pay or cover the cost of local ordinances — such as San Francisco’s requirement that businesses spend at least a minimum amount on healthcare services — the law will compound the problems faced by an already struggling industry.

“Diners will not pay less, instead they will see significant menu price increases, which we believe will further cause them to pull back on dining out,” the statement said. “Not only will restaurants struggle, but workers will lose hours and jobs.”

With few exceptions, businesses of all sorts across California will not be able to advertise, display or offer a price for their goods or services that does not include all of the “mandatory fees or charges” other than government-imposed taxes or fees or reasonable shipping costs, according to the measure’s authors.

“Put simply, the price a Californian sees should be the price they pay,” Bonta’s office said in a news release.

The new law doesn’t dictate what companies charge for their goods or services. Businesses will still be able to set prices, but the posted price will need to match the full amount a customer will see on their final bill.

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An L.A. restaurant is imposing a ‘security charge’ on diners’ bills, but that might change soon — a new state law bans unadvertised service fees.

April 10, 2024

Though businesses can exclude taxes and shipping charges, handling fees must be included. In other words, actual postage or delivery charges can be excluded, while the cost of pulling an item off a shelf and taking it to a shipping company has to be included in its advertised price.

Separate fees for optional services or features do not need to be advertised. This could extend to a bevy of industries and services — for example, the amount an airline charges for a seat upgrade or checked bags.

What about late fees or extra charges for customers who smoke in a hotel room? Because those charges can be avoided, they do not have to be advertised, according to the guidelines from Bonta’s office.

Businesses will not be allowed to skirt the law by advertising one price and then letting customers know that additional fees might be added later. A business can, however, list the full price of its product and provide customers a breakdown of all the fees that are included.

Bonta also offered some guidance for businesses that say they do not know up front what the final cost will be once their work is done. Such businesses “should wait to display a price until they know how much they will charge,” the guidelines say.

This could affect how live music fans interact with ticket sellers for concerts and other live events. The nonprofit watchdog Consumer Reports noted that hidden fees can increase the price of live-event tickets by 30% to 40%.

Starbucks, Chipotle, McDonald’s: Who’s raising prices as California fast-food law starts today

Fast-food chains are looking to hike the cost of menu items because they’re required to pay their employees $20 an hour starting Monday.

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Live Nation Entertainment, parent company of ticketing giant Ticketmaster, said in a statement that it supported SB 478 and has already offered all-in pricing at some venues and festivals across the country. “Unfortunately, we routinely see resellers defy state laws requiring all-in pricing which confuses and harms fans, so we strongly encourage regulatory scrutiny to ensure compliance across the industry,” the company said.

The Virginia-based Travel Technology Assn., a global network of online travel agents, said it views transparency as a top priority but opposed SB 478 and would rather see a uniform national standard for regulations on lodging prices.

“We take this position to create uniformity and certainty for lodging operators, travel technology companies, and most of all, travelers, who will have a better understanding of what is included in advertised prices for trips both in and out of their home state,” President and Chief Executive Laura Chadwick said in a statement.

The online travel company Expedia opposed the bill for similar reasons.

In response to the argument, Bonta said that California does not need to wait for federal action to ensure transparency for consumers. The practice of hiding mandatory charges, he said in a statement, “is deceptive and unfair to consumers wherever it occurs — not just in certain industries.”

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Karen Garcia is a reporter on the Fast Break Desk, the team that has a pulse on breaking news at the Los Angeles Times. She was previously a reporter on the Utility Journalism Team, which focused on service journalism. Her previous stints include reporting for the San Luis Obispo New Times and KCBX Central Coast Public Radio.

Nathan Solis is a Metro reporter covering breaking news at the Los Angeles Times. He previously worked for Courthouse News Service, where he wrote both breaking news and enterprise stories ranging from criminal justice to homelessness and politics. Before that, Solis was at the Redding Record Searchlight as a multimedia journalist, where he anchored coverage of the destructive 2017 fires in Northern California. Earlier in his career, he worked for Eastsider L.A.

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Father-Son Classmates Graduate From Texas A&M School of Law

David Lawson and his son Shannon naturally share many of the same qualities, like a witty sense of humor, natural curiosity and an ability to not take themselves too seriously. They recently added to the list of things they share in common – graduates of Texas A&M University’s School of Law.

The Lawsons, who earned their degrees this May, say it all began with a text message.

Shannon, 49,  was scrolling on his phone while waiting for a flight one day in 2022 when he came across an ad for the law school’s Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program with an emphasis in Cybersecurity Law and Policy . Shannon, who serves as chief information security officer for the City of Phoenix, was intrigued by the idea. Designed for non-lawyer professionals who don’t intend to practice law, the degree would give him legal expertise that would build on his background in cybersecurity.

Shannon had done cybersecurity work for the U.S. Navy, the state of Alaska and regional areas in Southern California. He and David had a combined 70 years of experience in the cybersecurity and information technology fields, and both father and son shared dreams of one day attending law school. So, Shannon texted his father.

“I always wanted to go to law school, but nothing ever aligned for me to do it,” Shannon said. “This program allowed me to tie (my degree) to cyber in a field that is high demand, low density.”

David, 75, was also attracted to the idea. He had been retired for nine years after a 45-year career in information technology. As chief information officer for West Jersey Health System and vice president of professional service at AllScript, he oversaw some of the nation’s most cutting-edge information and security systems. In retirement, David found himself dissatisfied with the slow pace of living, and still had an interest in expanding his skillset.

The father-son pair both decided to enroll in the MLS program, becoming online classmates in January 2023. Shannon did his studies from his home in Phoenix, and David from the Sarasota, Florida area.

Despite the distance, the Lawsons often shared notes and compared grades. And in the spirit of friendly competition, they pushed each other to see who could complete assignments first.

“We thought we had a clear idea of what would happen while going through this program. What ended up happening was that my dad would always be ahead of me in every class, which was understandable,” Shannon said. “I was working full-time, and I have a 10-year-old. So, my plate was full.”

For his part, David appreciated the accountability he received from Shannon. It also helped him adjust to the demands of going back to school.

“This program helped open a side of me that I always knew was there,” David said. “You’ve got to think and write, think some more, and then write some more. When you get older, people talk about the importance of exercising your mind. If you want to activate your brain, try going to law school.”

Throughout the program, the Lawsons learned new, innovative approaches to their craft. They also developed a fondness for their legal courses, particularly contract law, legal writing and alternative dispute resolution.

“The law classes were my favorite,” David said. “In my 40-plus years in the IT area, I was familiar with contracts, arbitration, negotiations and things like that. However, having taken these law classes, I am now able to better communicate with others in the room. When the attorneys talk, I now know how to talk and use the language that they understand. Just being able to speak their language is incredibly important.”

Shannon said he was also able to directly apply his new skills to his career.

“The law classes really made me more curious,” he said. “There was immediate applicability to the job that I’m in now because I work with procurement, the legal team and human resources for personnel investigations. It gave me the ability to use specific legal language to better participate in those conversations at work — which was awesome.”

For Shannon, this is his third master’s degree.

“I think it’s extra special that my dad and I were able to do it together,” he said. “I think it’s great because this opportunity doesn’t really present itself very often, and everything lined up perfectly at the right time.”

As the Lawson reflect up on their accomplishment and plan their next joint adventure, Shannon said their next venture will likely be “much tamer,” per his mother’s request.

“My mom told me to stop giving my dad ideas,” he joked.

This article by Justin Ikpo originally appeared on the School of Law website .

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