Cal Northern School of Law. in California Law Schools
Cal Northern School of Law: Overview
Background and Establishment
Cal Northern School of Law (CNSL) is a private law school located in Sacramento, California.
Founded in 1983, Cal Northern offers legal education primarily aimed at working adults and non-traditional students.
The school’s mission is to provide accessible and affordable legal education with a focus on practical skills.
CNSL operates as a non-ABA-accredited law school, which affects certain professional opportunities for graduates.
Academic Programs
CNSL offers a Juris Doctor (JD) program designed with flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend classes.
The curriculum emphasizes practical legal skills such as legal writing, research, negotiation, and trial advocacy.
CNSL also provides paralegal and law-related certificate programs.
The school offers clinical and externship opportunities to provide hands-on experience with real clients.
Accreditation and Professional Status
Unlike ABA-accredited law schools, Cal Northern is approved by the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California.
This approval allows graduates to sit for the California Bar Examination but may limit their ability to practice in other states without additional qualifications.
California is one of the few states that allow graduates from non-ABA-accredited but state-approved law schools to take the bar exam.
Role Among California Law Schools
California is home to many law schools, including several prestigious ABA-accredited institutions such as:
University of California (Berkeley and Irvine)
Stanford Law School
University of Southern California (USC)
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Cal Northern School of Law fits into the California legal education landscape as:
A more affordable, flexible alternative for students who cannot attend traditional full-time programs.
Serving a diverse population including working professionals, career changers, and those seeking part-time legal education.
Focusing on serving the Sacramento legal community and Northern California more broadly.
Bar Passage and Employment
Graduates of Cal Northern School of Law are eligible to take the California Bar Exam, which is known for being challenging.
Historically, bar passage rates for non-ABA-accredited schools like CNSL tend to be lower than ABA schools, but the school provides bar preparation support.
Many CNSL alumni practice law within California, often in smaller firms, government agencies, public interest roles, or as solo practitioners.
Relationship with California Legal System
The school’s curriculum is tailored to California law, including:
California civil and criminal procedure
California evidence and professional responsibility rules
Its location in Sacramento gives students access to:
California state courts
State government legal agencies
Numerous opportunities for internships and clerkships within the state capital
Summary Table:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Cal Northern School of Law |
| Location | Sacramento, California |
| Established | 1983 |
| Accreditation | Approved by California State Bar Committee of Bar Examiners (Non-ABA) |
| Degrees Offered | Juris Doctor (JD), Paralegal Certificates |
| Focus Areas | Practical skills, flexible scheduling, part-time study |
| Role in CA Legal Ed | Affordable, accessible legal education for working adults |
| Bar Exam Eligibility | Eligible to sit for California Bar Exam |
Conclusion
Cal Northern School of Law serves an important niche in California’s legal education by offering a flexible, affordable option for students who need part-time or evening study. Though it is not ABA-accredited, it is approved by the California State Bar, enabling its graduates to pursue legal careers within California. Its focus on practical skills and accessibility helps address the needs of working professionals and diverse student populations.
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