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California Western School of Law

San Diego, CA

private nonprofitgraduate
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About California Western School of Law

San Diego's oldest law school, innovating with a unique 2-year JD program.

California Western School of Law stands as San Diego's oldest and most forward-thinking legal institution, offering a distinctive path to a Juris Doctor degree. What sets CWSL apart is its pioneering trimester system, allowing ambitious students the extraordinary opportunity to earn their J.D. in just two years, significantly faster than the traditional three. This innovative approach not only accelerates their careers but also fosters a more intimate learning environment with smaller class sizes.

Tracing its roots back to 1924 as Balboa Law College, the school has a rich and evolving history. It navigated affiliations and transformations, ultimately becoming an independent, secular law school in 1975. This journey from its initial charter to its current status reflects a persistent commitment to legal education, culminating in its approval by the American Bar Association in 1960 and its move to a modern downtown San Diego campus.

Prospective students will appreciate not only the accelerated program but also the school's commitment to excellence, evidenced by its new law library, dedicated by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy in 2000. With respected scholar Miriam H. Baer set to take the helm as dean and president in 2025, California Western continues to solidify its reputation for academic rigor and a student-centric approach, preparing the next generation of legal professionals for impactful careers.

Key Highlights

  • ✦San Diego's oldest law school, originally chartered in 1924.
  • ✦Pioneering trimester system enables students to graduate in two years.
  • ✦Approved by the American Bar Association since 1960.
  • ✦New law library building dedicated by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy in 2000.
  • ✦Miriam H. Baer, a well-respected scholar, named dean and president in July 2025.
  • ✦Features smaller individual class sizes due to its unique academic calendar.

Timeline

1924
Chartered as Balboa Law College.
1952
Became affiliated with the Southern California Methodist Conference, renamed California Western University, and the law school relocated to downtown San Diego.
1960
Received approval from the American Bar Association.
1973
Law school relocated to its current downtown campus at 350 Cedar Street.
1975
Ended affiliation with its successor school and became an independent secular law school.
1980
New trimester system announced, allowing students to graduate in two years.
2000
Opened a new law library building, dedicated by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy.
2025
Miriam H. Baer named the school's dean and president.

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