| Course Level: | Master's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Law & Legal Studies | |
| Course Duration: | 2 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | 4 Year Bachelor’s Degree | |
| Course Level: | Master's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Law & Legal Studies | |
| Course Duration: | 2 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | 4 Year Bachelor’s Degree | |
1. General Information
Established: 1924
Location: 225 Cedar Street, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Type: Private, ABA-accredited law school
Affiliation: Independent (Not affiliated with any university)
Accreditation:
American Bar Association (ABA)
Member of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS)
Bar Passage Rate: Varies by year, typically around 50-70%
2. Programs Offered
California Western School of Law offers the following degrees:
Juris Doctor (J.D.) – Primary Law Degree
Duration: 3 years (Full-time) or 4 years (Part-time)
Concentrations Available:
Business Law
Criminal Justice
Health Law
Intellectual Property Law
International Law
Trial & Appellate Advocacy
Master of Laws (LL.M.)
LL.M. in Trial Advocacy (For International Lawyers)
LL.M. in U.S. Law (For Foreign-Trained Lawyers)
Master of Science in Laws (M.S.L.)
For non-lawyers working in regulatory, business, or compliance fields.
3. Admissions Process & Requirements
J.D. Program Admission
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions (Fall & Spring intakes)
Application Fee: $0 (No application fee)
LSAT Score Required: Yes (Median LSAT: 153-157)
Undergraduate GPA: 2.75+ preferred (Median: 3.0-3.4)
Personal Statement: Required
Letters of Recommendation: Optional but recommended
Resume: Recommended
Note: California Western considers holistic applications, including work experience and personal background.
4. Tuition & Fees (2023-24)
Program |
Tuition (Per Year, USD) |
|---|---|
|
Juris Doctor (J.D.) |
$58,350 |
|
LL.M. Program |
$30,000 – $39,000 |
|
M.S.L. Program |
$30,000 – $39,000 |
|
Living Expenses (Estimated) |
$20,000 – $25,000 |
Financial Aid & Scholarships Available for eligible students.
5. Campus & Facilities
Location: Downtown San Diego, California
Library: Law Library with extensive digital & print legal resources
Legal Clinics: Immigration, wrongful convictions, veterans’ advocacy
Moot Court & Mock Trials: Hands-on courtroom training
Student Organizations: 30+ law societies, including Moot Court, Law Review, and Public Interest Law groups
6. Career & Employment Opportunities
Employment Rate: ~80% (within 10 months of graduation)
Top Career Fields:
Law firms (Corporate, Criminal, Family Law)
Government & Public Interest Law
Judiciary Clerkships
Business & Compliance
Legal Technology
Experiential Learning:
Clinical Internships at local courts, firms, and government agencies
Externships in private practice, public defense, and prosecution
Pro Bono Work with legal aid and social justice organizations
7. Bar Exam Performance
Graduates take the California Bar Exam, one of the toughest in the U.S.
Bar Passage Rate: ~50-70% (Varies by year)
8. Notable Alumni
Luis J. Rodriguez – Former President of the State Bar of California
Bonnie Dumanis – Former District Attorney, San Diego County
Jill Wine-Banks – Watergate prosecutor
1. Juris Doctor (J.D.) – Primary Law Degree
Duration: 3 years (Full-time) or 4 years (Part-time)
Credits Required: 90 credits
Bar Exam Preparation: Designed to qualify graduates for the California Bar Exam and other U.S. jurisdictions
J.D. Concentrations
Students can specialize in various areas of law, including:
Business & Corporate Law
Criminal Justice
Health Law & Policy
Intellectual Property & Technology Law
International Law
Trial & Appellate Advocacy
J.D. Core Courses (Required)
Contracts
Civil Procedure
Criminal Law
Torts
Constitutional Law
Evidence
Legal Research & Writing
Professional Responsibility (Ethics)
J.D. Elective Courses (Examples)
Cyber Law & Privacy
Immigration Law
Sports & Entertainment Law
Environmental Law
Negotiation & Mediation
2. Master of Laws (LL.M.) – For International & U.S. Lawyers
Duration: 1 year (Full-time) or 2 years (Part-time)
Credits Required: 24 credits
Eligibility: Open to U.S. and foreign-trained lawyers
LL.M. Program Options
LL.M. in Trial Advocacy – Focused on litigation and courtroom skills
LL.M. in U.S. Law – Designed for foreign-trained lawyers to qualify for the California Bar Exam
LL.M. Core Courses
U.S. Constitutional Law
Legal Research & Writing
Trial Practice & Litigation Skills
Professional Responsibility (Ethics)
3. Master of Science in Laws (M.S.L.) – For Non-Lawyers
Duration: 1 year (Full-time) or 2 years (Part-time)
Credits Required: 24 credits
Who is it for? Professionals working in regulatory, compliance, business, and healthcare sectors who need legal knowledge but don’t want to practice law.
M.S.L. Program Specializations
Business & Corporate Law
Health Law & Policy
Intellectual Property & Technology Law
M.S.L. Core Courses
Introduction to U.S. Law
Contracts & Business Regulations
Legal Research & Analysis
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) (2023-24) |
|---|---|---|
|
Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Trial Advocacy |
1 year (Full-time) |
$39,000 |
|
LL.M. in U.S. Law (For Foreign-Trained Lawyers) |
1 year (Full-time) |
$39,000 |
|
Master of Science in Laws (M.S.L.) – Business Law, Health Law, or IP Law |
1 year (Full-time) |
$30,000 – $39,000 |
1. Programs Available for International Students
Graduate Law Programs
Master of Laws (LL.M.) in U.S. Law (For foreign-trained lawyers)
LL.M. in Trial Advocacy
Master of Science in Laws (M.S.L.) (For non-lawyers in business, compliance, or health law)
Juris Doctor (J.D.) (For students pursuing a U.S. law degree)
Foreign-trained lawyers who wish to practice in the U.S. can enroll in the LL.M. in U.S. Law to prepare for the California Bar Exam.
2. Admission Requirements for International Students
For LL.M. and M.S.L. Programs
Completed Law Degree or Equivalent – A law degree from a foreign or U.S. institution.
English Proficiency Tests (One Required):
TOEFL (iBT): Minimum 85
IELTS: Minimum 6.5
Duolingo English Test: Minimum 110
Personal Statement & Resume – Explaining legal background and career goals.
Transcripts & Credential Evaluation – Must be evaluated by WES (World Education Services) or a similar service.
For J.D. Program (First-Time Law Students)
Bachelor’s Degree (Any Field) – Required for law school admission.
LSAT Score – Required for admission (Median LSAT: 153-157).
English Proficiency – TOEFL/IELTS required if the prior degree was not in English.
Letters of Recommendation – Recommended.
CWSL follows a rolling admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they are received. However, students should apply early for better chances of admission and scholarships.
Program |
Fall (August Start) |
Spring (January Start) |
|---|---|---|
|
Juris Doctor (J.D.) |
Priority: April 1 |
Priority: October 1 |
|
LL.M. in U.S. Law |
June 1 |
November 1 |
|
M.S.L. Program |
Rolling Admissions |
Rolling Admissions |
International students should apply at least 4-6 months in advance to allow time for visa processing.
The J.D. program is for students who want to become lawyers in the U.S.
Step 1: Complete Online Application
Apply through LSAC (Law School Admission Council) at.
Application Fee: $0 (No application fee).
Step 2: Submit Required Documents
Bachelor’s Degree (Any Field) – Must be from an accredited university.
LSAT Score (Law School Admission Test) – Median LSAT score: 153-157.
Undergraduate GPA – Recommended 2.75 or higher (Median: 3.0-3.4).
Personal Statement – 2-3 pages explaining why you want to study law and your career goals.
Letters of Recommendation – 1-2 from professors, employers, or legal professionals.
Resume (Optional) – Recommended if you have legal or professional experience.
Step 3: Interview (If Required)
Some applicants may be invited for an admissions interview via phone or Zoom.
Step 4: Receive Admission Decision
Applicants usually receive a decision within 4-6 weeks after submitting all documents.
Step 5: Submit Enrollment Deposit
If accepted, students must pay a seat deposit to confirm their place.
The LL.M. in U.S. Law is designed for foreign-trained lawyers who want to practice in the U.S. or take the California Bar Exam.
Apply via the CWSL website or LSAC (for international students).
Law Degree (LL.B. or Equivalent) – From an accredited university.
English Proficiency Test (For Non-Native English Speakers)
TOEFL (iBT): 85+
IELTS: 6.5+
Duolingo English Test: 110+
Personal Statement – Explaining your legal background and career goals.
Transcripts & Credential Evaluation – Must be evaluated by WES (World Education Services) or an equivalent service.
Letters of Recommendation – At least one professional or academic reference.
After admission, CWSL issues Form I-20 for the F-1 Student Visa application.
Students must provide financial proof (bank statements or sponsor letter) showing they can cover tuition and living expenses.
Decisions are usually made within 4-6 weeks.
Accepted students must pay the enrollment deposit and confirm their visa status.
CWSL follows a rolling admissions process, but applying before priority deadlines increases chances of acceptance and scholarships.
Program |
Fall (August Start) |
Spring (January Start) |
|---|---|---|
|
Juris Doctor (J.D.) |
Priority: April 1 |
Priority: October 1 |
|
LL.M. in U.S. Law |
June 1 |
November 1 |
|
LL.M. in Trial Advocacy |
Rolling Admissions |
Rolling Admissions |
|
Master of Science in Laws (M.S.L.) |
Rolling Admissions |
Rolling Admissions |
International students should apply 4-6 months in advance to allow time for visa processing.
The J.D. program is designed for students pursuing a career in law and bar exam qualification.
Bachelor’s Degree (Any Field) – From an accredited institution.
Minimum GPA: 2.75 or higher recommended (Median: 3.0-3.4).
LSAT Score (Law School Admission Test) – Median score: 153-157.
Personal Statement – 2-3 pages explaining why you want to study law.
Letters of Recommendation – 1-2 from professors, employers, or legal professionals.
Resume (Optional) – Recommended if you have legal or professional experience.
CWSL takes a holistic approach and considers work experience, leadership, and personal achievements.
CWSL offers LL.M. in U.S. Law (for foreign-trained lawyers) and LL.M. in Trial Advocacy.
Law Degree (LL.B. or J.D.) – From an accredited university.
Minimum GPA: 2.75 or higher recommended.
Personal Statement – Explaining legal background and career goals.
Letters of Recommendation – At least one professional or academic reference.
Resume/CV – Detailing legal and professional experience.
Test Name |
Minimum Required Score |
|---|---|
|
TOEFL (iBT) |
85+ |
|
IELTS |
6.5+ |
|
Duolingo English Test |
110+ |
Foreign-trained lawyers who complete the LL.M. in U.S. Law may qualify for the California Bar Exam.
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Award Amount (USD) |
Application Process |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Merit Scholarship |
High LSAT score (153-160) and GPA (3.0+) |
$5,000 – $30,000 |
Automatic Consideration |
|
Dean’s Honor Scholarship |
Exceptional academic performance |
$10,000 – $30,000 |
Automatic Consideration |
|
Diversity Scholarship |
Students from underrepresented backgrounds |
N/A |
Requires Application |
|
Public Service Scholarship |
Commitment to public interest law |
$2,500 – $10,000 |
Requires Application |
|
Veterans Scholarship |
U.S. military veterans |
N/A |
Requires Application |
Note: J.D. scholarships are renewable based on GPA and academic performance.
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Award Amount (USD) |
Application Process |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LL.M. Merit Scholarship |
High academic performance in LL.B./J.D. |
$5,000 – $15,000 |
Automatic Consideration |
|
International Student Grant |
Non-U.S. students with strong credentials |
N/A |
Requires Application |
|
California Bar Prep Grant |
LL.M. students preparing for the CA Bar Exam |
N/A |
Requires Application |
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Award Amount (USD) |
Application Process |
|---|---|---|---|
|
M.S.L. Merit Scholarship |
Strong academic background |
$2,000 – $10,000 |
Automatic Consideration |
|
Career Advancement Grant |
Professionals in law, business, or healthcare |
N/A |
Requires Application |
Facility |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Location |
225 Cedar Street, San Diego, CA 92101, USA (Downtown San Diego) |
|
Library |
Bernard E. Witkin Law Library – Legal research resources, study spaces |
|
Classrooms & Lecture Halls |
Equipped with modern technology for legal studies |
|
Moot Courtrooms |
Simulated courtrooms for trial practice |
|
Student Lounge |
Social space for relaxation and networking |
|
Career Services Center |
Assists with job placements, internships, and career counseling |
|
Legal Clinics & Externships |
Hands-on experience in immigration, criminal defense, and public interest law |
|
Fitness & Recreation |
No on-campus gym, but access to nearby facilities in San Diego |
|
Public Transport Access |
Close to trolley, buses, and Amtrak stations for easy city travel |
Note: The campus is located in the legal district of San Diego, near courts, law firms, and government offices, providing students with internship and networking opportunities.
Since California Western School of Law does not offer on-campus dormitories, students must find housing in apartments, shared housing, or student residences near the law school.
Accommodation Type |
Location (Nearby Areas) |
Estimated Cost (Per Month, USD) |
Estimated Cost (Per Year, USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Shared Apartment (2-3 students) |
Downtown San Diego, Little Italy |
$1,200 – $1,800 |
$14,400 – $21,600 |
|
Studio Apartment (Single Student) |
Downtown San Diego, Hillcrest |
$1,800 – $2,500 |
$21,600 – $30,000 |
|
One-Bedroom Apartment |
Mission Hills, Bankers Hill |
$2,200 – $3,000 |
$26,400 – $36,000 |
|
Student Housing (Private Residences) |
UCSD & SDSU student areas |
$1,000 – $1,500 |
$12,000 – $18,000 |
|
Homestay (Includes Meals) |
Locations |
$1,200 – $1,800 |
$14,400 – $21,600 |
Note:
Housing costs depend on location, apartment size, and amenities.
Many students prefer to share apartments to reduce costs.
Utilities & Internet: Additional $100 – $250 per month.
1. Academic & Legal Opportunities
CWSL provides students with numerous practical learning experiences beyond the classroom, helping them develop strong legal skills.
Moot Court & Mock Trial Competitions – Students participate in national and international legal competitions, honing litigation and advocacy skills.
Legal Clinics & Pro Bono Work – Students work on real-life cases through Immigration Clinic, California Innocence Project, and Community Law Project.
Externships & Internships – Students gain real-world legal experience with law firms, courts, corporate legal departments, and government agencies.
Law Review & Research Journals – Opportunities for students interested in legal writing, publishing, and academic research.
2. Student Organizations & Leadership
CWSL has over 30 student-run organizations, allowing students to network, build leadership skills, and engage in advocacy. Some popular organizations include:
Student Bar Association (SBA) – Represents students and organizes events.
Women’s Law Caucus – Focuses on legal issues affecting women and gender equality.
Black Law Students Association (BLSA) – Promotes diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.
Latino Law Students Association (LLSA) – Supports Latinx students and community outreach.
International Law Society – Provides insights into global legal careers and study-abroad opportunities.
Intellectual Property Law Society – Focuses on technology, entertainment, and business law.
Public Interest Law Foundation (PILF) – Advocates for legal work in human rights, immigration, and social justice.
3. Social Life & Events
Despite the rigorous law curriculum, students at CWSL enjoy a vibrant social life. The school organizes:
Networking Events & Guest Speaker Series – Brings in judges, attorneys, and legal experts for career talks and mentorship.
Law School Mixers & Socials – Hosted at local venues in San Diego’s Gaslamp District, Pacific Beach, and La Jolla.
Annual Barristers’ Ball ("Law Prom") – A formal event for students to unwind and celebrate achievements.
Community Volunteering & Pro Bono Events – Helps students give back to the local San Diego community.
4. Living in San Diego – The Perfect Law School City
Being in San Diego, CWSL students enjoy a high quality of life with access to:
Beaches & Outdoor Activities – Students often visit Pacific Beach, La Jolla Cove, and Coronado Island for surfing, hiking, and relaxation.
Cultural Attractions – Close to Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, and Old Town for weekend exploration.
Sports & Entertainment – Opportunities to watch San Diego Padres (MLB) games, concerts, and theater performances.
Networking with the Legal Community – Located near courts, law firms, and government agencies, providing ample career opportunities.
5. Student Support & Wellness
CWSL ensures students have access to mental health, academic, and career support services, including:
Academic Support Center – Offers tutoring, bar prep resources, and study workshops.
Career & Professional Development Office – Provides resume reviews, mock interviews, and job placement assistance.
Counseling & Mental Health Services – Free or low-cost counseling for stress, anxiety, and personal issues.
Fitness & Recreation – Discounts on nearby gyms and fitness centers.
1. Employment Statistics & Bar Passage Rate
Employment Rate: ~80% (Within 10 months of graduation)
California Bar Exam Passage Rate: ~50-70% (Varies by year)
Top Career Fields:
Law Firms (Private Practice): 50%
Government & Public Interest Law: 25%
Corporate Legal Departments (In-House Counsel): 10%
Judicial Clerkships & Academia: 5%
Other Legal/Business Roles: 10%
2. Career Support & Placement Services
Career & Professional Development Office (CPDO) Offers:
Resume & Cover Letter Reviews – Personalized feedback for job applications.
Mock Interviews & Career Coaching – Prepares students for legal job interviews.
On-Campus Recruitment (OCR) & Job Fairs – Employers visit CWSL to recruit students.
Networking Events & Alumni Connections – Access to 3,000+ alumni in the legal field.
3. Internship & Experiential Learning Opportunities
CWSL emphasizes practical legal training through:
Legal Clinics (Real-World Client Work):
California Innocence Project – Defending wrongfully convicted individuals.
Immigration Law Clinic – Assisting clients with visas and asylum cases.
Community Law Project – Providing free legal aid to underserved communities.
Judicial Externships – Work with judges in federal & state courts.
Law Firm Internships – Gain experience in criminal, business, intellectual property, and family law.
Public Interest & Government Internships – Work at District Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, and nonprofit organizations.
Most CWSL students complete at least one externship or internship before graduation.
4. Notable Employers Hiring CWSL Graduates
CWSL alumni work in law firms, government, corporate sectors, and public service organizations.
Government & Public Sector:
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
California Attorney General’s Office
San Diego District Attorney’s Office
Public Defender’s Offices
Federal & State Courts (Clerkships)
Law Firms & Private Practice:
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati (Corporate Law)
Latham & Watkins LLP (Litigation)
DLA Piper (Intellectual Property & Business Law)
Jones Day (Criminal & Civil Litigation)
Corporate & In-House Counsel:
Qualcomm (Technology & Intellectual Property Law)
Sony Electronics (Corporate & Business Law)
Sempra Energy (Environmental & Energy Law)
Major Real Estate & Entertainment Companies
Nonprofit & Public Interest Organizations:
California Innocence Project
Legal Aid Society of San Diego
ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union)
Human Rights Watch
5. Bar Exam & Post-Graduate Opportunities
CWSL graduates take the California Bar Exam, one of the most challenging in the U.S. The CPDO and Bar Prep Programs help students pass the exam through:
Bar Review Courses & Study Workshops
One-on-One Bar Coaching
Practice Exams & Essay Reviews
Graduates who pass the bar exam can practice law in California and other states based on reciprocity rules.
Acceptance Rate: 60-70%
California Western School of Law (CWSL) has a moderately selective admissions process, with an estimated acceptance rate of 60-70%. This means that a majority of applicants who meet the admission requirements are accepted, but the law school still evaluates applications holistically, considering academic performance, LSAT scores, personal statements, and work experience.
CWSL reviews applications based on the following:
Bachelor’s Degree (Any Field) – Required from an accredited institution.
LSAT Score (Law School Admission Test) – Median LSAT: 153-157.
Undergraduate GPA – Median GPA: 3.0-3.4 (Recommended minimum: 2.75).
Personal Statement – Explains career goals, motivation for studying law, and personal background.
Letters of Recommendation – 1-2 from professors, employers, or legal professionals (optional but recommended).
Resume (Optional) – Legal, business, or leadership experience can strengthen the application.
While CWSL has a higher acceptance rate compared to top-tier law schools, strong LSAT scores and GPA increase chances of admission.
Juris Doctor (J.D.): 60-70% acceptance rate.
LL.M. (Master of Laws): Higher acceptance rate (70-80%), as it is designed for foreign-trained lawyers.
M.S.L. (Master of Science in Laws): High acceptance rate (80-90%), as it caters to professionals seeking legal knowledge but not a law license.
California Western School of Law (CWSL)
Address: 225 Cedar Street, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Located in Downtown San Diego, California – Near law firms, courts, and government offices.
Close to the Legal & Business District – Provides students access to internships, networking events, and legal clinics.
Near Major Transportation Hubs – Easy access to San Diego Trolley, bus routes, and highways.
Walking Distance to the San Diego Superior Court – Perfect for students pursuing judicial clerkships and externships.
