| Info for Prospective Law Students |
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Dear Prospective Applicant:
If you are NOT comfortable advocating for the working class, the poor, the disabled, the incarcerated, minority groups, women, immigrants, environmentalists, anti-war activists, or the gay community, (just to name a few), PCL is not the place for you; PCL was created to defend, and actively recruits people from these particular communities. OTHER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS If you have not earned a Bachelor's degree, nor passed the CLEP, you must have completed the required transferable units. Unfortunately, not all classes in community colleges or technical schools are transferable. If you are not sure how many transferable units you have completed, contact the California Bar for a "Credit Evaluation." Socio-Political Requirements: An eligible candidate will be able to demonstrate a commitment to progressive social change. This is often best shown with, for example, verifiable evidence of recent volunteer service, whether in community, international, political, labor or other spheres of activity, and whether in organizing, membership, leadership, or other forms of involvements. Tell us about your commitment to progressive social change. What have you done? What do you plan to do? Other Requirements: Does PCL accept transfer students from other law schools? PCL does accept transfer students who meet the admission requirements. However, before a student applies to PCL, he or she is responsible to contact the California Bar to secure from them a clarification of units which are still needed. In addition, PCL has a 2-year minimum commitment requirement. Currently, the State Bar charges $30.00 for this service. FUND RAISING AWARDS DINNER - The school has one major fundraiser a year; the PCL Annual Awards Dinner, where two outstanding community members or organizations and one PCL alumni are recognized. At past dinners, the school has recognized Dolores Huerta (of the United Farm Workers), the Muslim Women's Organization, Father Gregory Boyle, and many People's Lawyers and PCL alumni, including Public Defender Alba Nydia Marrero. MAINTENANCE OF THE SCHOOL - ACCOUNTABILITY HOURS - "Accountability" refers to the requirement that each student be accountable to the PCL collective by contributing 40 hours of work per school year to school operations. THE STATE BAR OF CALIFORNIA 1149 S. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015-2299 (213) 765-1000 - You can download most forms from the Admissions section of their website: www.calbar.ca.gov What do you think? The school is now holding monthly Open House events in which you can see the school, ask questions and even sit in on the lecture. Come in and decide if you are ready to commit four years of your life to your future and to your progressive causes. Once You Have Been Admitted...You need to register with State Bar as a Law Student within 90 days of beginning law school. The State Bar imposes penalties for late registration or submission of incomplete paperwork. Become familiar with all State Bar deadlines. First Year Curriculum - The standard First Year Substantive Courses are offered in 15-week trimesters, with classes beginning after Labor Day and ending in May. First year students attend class three nights a week during the first semester and four nights a week during the second semester. Criminal Law - This introductory course is an opportunity to become well grounded in the common law of crimes and the defenses to crimes, as modified by widely adopted statutory devises. The subject matter is well suited to the development of skills in issue identification and creative problem solving. A social and political approach is used to analyze how such factors are used in defining behavior as criminal and to examine the impact of the criminal justice system upon those who become involved in it. This is a one-semester course. Legal Writing - A practical approach to legal writing and legal analysis is used to cultivate the basic tools of lawyering and succeeding as a student. Systems are taught to develop proficiency in issue spotting and analysis. Study methods and test-taking techniques are furnished to enhance the students' performance. This is a two semester course. Torts - This course is the study of civil law and civil wrongs - intentional and negligent, and the responsibility for such wrongs. Torts is the foundation for personal injury law. The development of tort law is discussed, as it is the current state of law, in order to assist the student in understanding the objectives to be served by the body of tort law and to prepare socially conscious lawyers to represent the victims of torts effectively. This is a two semester course. Contracts - This is a course about legally enforceable promises that is particularly well suited to the development of skills in legal analysis. The study of contracts includes the bargaining process, interpreting the bargain, performance under a contract, and breach of contract. This is a two semester course. FIRST YEAR LAW STUDENT EXAMINATION What's the deal with the Baby Bar? The Baby Bar is given to students attending unaccredited law schools. Students choose unaccredited law schools for different reasons. These schools tend to have a lower tuition, more flexibility, and in the case of PCL, a philosophy different from traditional law schools. A student's choice to attend an unaccredited law school is not a reflection of his or her potential to become a good People's Lawyer. Hundreds of PCL alumni, through their hard work and discipline have passed bar exam and so can you. Some Tips for Being Successful in Law School 2nd, 3rd & 4th year courses are offered in 10 week quarters. The availability of classes rotates and is subject to change. In addition, the State Bar requires that a student take a minimum of 18 units per academic year. The following are substantive courses a student must take in order to earn a J.D. from the Peoples College of Law: Second Year Courses Third Year Courses Fourth Year Courses Grand Total: 72 Units Law Books - Below are some places where you can buy new & used books: Tuition - $223.00 per unit Estimated Costs for the First Year: In real solidarity, Disclaimer: |