How do I start the application process?

Download a Law Catalog and a Law Application. Register for the Law School Admission Test LSAT (You must take the LSAT before being admitted to SJCL). Get three letters of recomendation from former or current employers, teachers, SJCL alumni, attorney etc... Deadline for Fall registration is June 30.

Can I complete your program while working a normal 40 hour work week?

Yes, SJCL has had many students complete the four year program while working full-time. Our classes are offered Monday through Thursday either at 1:30-4:30pm or 6:30-9:30pm.

How much is the tuition for the law program?

$775 per unit with a total of 86 units in the program. For other costs visit our Law Tuition page.

What are the requirements to be admitted to the Law Program?

SJCL attempts to discover students who show the capacity to succeed in law. The School’s broad policy includes consideration of LSAT score, undergraduate performance, community involvement, life experience, military service, employment history and accomplishments, motivation, and maturity. Ideally, the School prefers applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent from an accredited institution. However, SJCL carefully considers all applications and admits applicants with diverse educational and employment backgrounds who can demonstrate the ability to succeed in the study of law.

If I have less than 60 units of College education can I still be accepted to SJCL?

Applicants to SJCL who have not completed at least two years of college work may satisfy the general education requirements of Rule VII by attaining certain scores on the following general examinations administered by the College Level Examination Program (CLEP):
English Composition (or) English Composition with Essay; and
Two of the following:

• Humanities
• Mathematics
• Natural Sciences
• Social Sciences and History

The credit granting score for each examination is 50 or higher. The current cost for each examination is $50.00.

Applicants must register to take the examinations directly with CLEP, and request that score reports be submitted by CLEP to the Office of Admissions of The State Bar Of California.

Are there scholarships available?

Currently there are limited SJCL scholarships available for your first year but there are numerous scholarships available for the following years ranging from $500 to $2500 which are awarded each spring.

For non SJCL scholarships go to www.sjcl.edu/finaid and click on "Search Outside Scholarships."

What are the requirements to qualify for student loans?

Most regularly admitted students with a bachelor’s degree are eligible for graduate level Stafford loans up to $20,500 annually, regardless of income.  They are also eligible to borrow Grad PLUS loans for up to the total cost of attendance, minus other financial aid (including Stafford loans).  Students who do not have a bachelor’s degree will need to contact the financial aid office to assess their eligibility for federal loans.

What accreditation does SJCL have?

SJCL is accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California and the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

Study at, or graduation from, this law school may not qualify a student to take the bar examination in other states or satisfy the requirements to practice law in other states. Therefore, if a student intends to seek admission to practice law in a state other than California, the student should contact the admitting authority in that state for information regarding the legal education requirements for admission to practice law.

Can I use a laptop for testing?

Yes, SJCL has software called ExamSoft that can be loaded onto your laptop so that you can use it to take tests in the classroom.

What features should I look for in a laptop?

You will be primarily using your laptop to type essays and test. For this reason a basic laptop is all you need. One that has a word processing program (Word or Wordperfect), and good battery life. Weight should also be a concern because you will be carrying it with you throughout the day.

Do you have anyone available to talk more in-depth about your program?

Yes! Contact one of SJCL's Admission Counselors at 559/323-2100 or email them at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .