California Western School of Law

California Western School of Law stands as San Diego's most enduring law institution, tracing its origins back to 1924. Initially chartered as Balboa Law College, it has evolved through various affiliations before establishing itself as an independent, secular law school in 1975, firmly rooted in downtown San Diego.

Prospective students will appreciate California Western's commitment to flexible and accelerated learning. The school pioneered a unique trimester system in 1980, which not only allows for two entering classes per academic year but also provides students the opportunity to complete their Juris Doctor degree in just two years, rather than the traditional three. This system also contributes to smaller individual class sizes, fostering a more personalized and engaging educational environment.

With a strong foundation in legal education, demonstrated by its American Bar Association approval since 1960, California Western offers a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare students for the complexities of the legal profession. Its modern facilities include a state-of-the-art law library opened in 2000 and dedicated by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy. The upcoming leadership of Dean and President Miriam H. Baer, a respected scholar in white-collar and corporate crime, further solidifies the school's academic reputation.