University of West Los Angeles. in California Law Schools
University of West Los Angeles (UWLA) – Overview
About University of West Los Angeles:
Location: Los Angeles, California.
Type: Private, for-profit law school.
Founded: 1966.
Accreditation: Accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners (CBE) of the State Bar of California. It is not accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).
Mission: UWLA focuses on providing legal education with an emphasis on practical skills, designed to serve diverse communities and prepare students for the California Bar Exam and legal practice, particularly in Southern California.
Academic Programs and Curriculum:
Offers the Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree through evening and weekend programs, catering mainly to working adults and non-traditional students.
The curriculum emphasizes practical legal skills such as trial advocacy, negotiation, and client counseling.
Provides specialized courses in areas like business law, criminal law, family law, and real estate.
Includes externship and clinical opportunities to gain real-world experience.
UWLA in the Context of California Law Schools:
California has many law schools, including prestigious ABA-accredited ones such as:
Stanford Law School
University of California, Berkeley School of Law
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Law
University of Southern California (USC) Gould School of Law
Alongside these top-tier schools, there are numerous California-accredited schools like UWLA, which:
Are approved by the California Bar but not ABA-accredited, meaning graduates are generally eligible to sit for the California Bar Exam but may face restrictions in other states.
Tend to serve working professionals who need flexible scheduling.
Provide practical training targeted toward local legal practice, often in underserved or community-focused areas.
Often have lower tuition fees compared to ABA schools.
Bar Exam and Practice Implications:
Graduates of UWLA can sit for the California Bar Exam upon graduation.
Passing the California Bar allows them to practice law within California.
However, because the school is not ABA-accredited, graduates may face limitations in practicing in other states, where ABA accreditation is required for bar eligibility.
Focus Areas and Strengths:
Strong emphasis on practical legal training for trial work, criminal defense, and civil litigation.
Provides opportunities for students to engage in externships with local courts, government agencies, and law firms in Los Angeles.
Focus on serving diverse, urban communities, often with an emphasis on access to justice.
Case Law and Legal Context Relevant to UWLA’s Focus:
While UWLA itself is not involved in landmark cases, its curriculum covers important California and federal law cases that are relevant for practitioners in the region. Some key cases often studied include:
People v. Anderson (1972):
A California Supreme Court case that abolished the death penalty in California (later reinstated by voter referendum).
Tarasoff v. Regents of University of California (1976):
Established the duty of mental health professionals to warn potential victims of threats made by patients—a landmark case in tort law and professional responsibility.
Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975):
A significant California case on comparative negligence.
People v. Superior Court (Decker) (1991):
Important criminal procedure case regarding search and seizure.
International Shoe Co. v. Washington (1945):
A foundational U.S. Supreme Court case on personal jurisdiction, relevant in California civil litigation.
These cases are part of the foundational legal knowledge for students preparing to practice in California.
Summary:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Los Angeles, California |
| Founded | 1966 |
| Type | Private, for-profit law school |
| Accreditation | California Bar Committee of Bar Examiners (CBE) |
| ABA Accreditation | No |
| Programs | J.D. (evening/weekend) |
| Focus | Practical legal skills, criminal law, civil litigation |
| Bar Exam Eligibility | California Bar Exam only |
| Student Body | Working professionals, non-traditional students |
| Relevant Case Focus | California criminal law, torts, civil procedure |
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