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Pathway to Law School Program

Welcome to pathway to law

Pathway to Law School Program

San José City College, in partnership with The State Bar of California, offers the Pathway to Law School program to expand opportunities for students pursuing careers in the legal profession. This initiative is designed to support diverse populations, especially those historically underrepresented in the field of law, by providing guidance, resources, and academic preparation.

Why Law?

The legal field offers a wide range of career opportunities—many of which do not require a law degree. As the legal system evolves, so do the roles within it, providing opportunities for professional growth, financial stability, and intellectual challenge. Careers in law span various specializations, including:

  • Criminal Law
  • Corporate Law
  • Tax Law
  • Real Estate Law
  • Family Law
  • Patent Law
  • Employment Law
  • Education Law
  • Product Liability
  • And many more

Because of the legal profession’s diversity, there is no single recommended major. Whether your interest lies in advocacy, business, policy, or social justice, the Pathway to Law School program at SJCC can help you take the next step toward a rewarding career.

Eligibility*

  1. You must be attending San José City College (or the other 23 participating California Community Colleges) during or after the academic year 2014-2015.

  2. You must be a first-time undergraduate-level student: not previously earned a Bachelor’s Degree or previously matriculated at a four-year undergraduate institution and must not have previously matriculated at a community college in the country.

  3. You are currently in good academic standing; you are not on academic probation or suspension.


* Grandfathered Status:

  • A student is eligible if previously matriculated at a community college prior to September 2014, who has not earned an Associate Degree and has not transferred to a four-year undergraduate institution by September 2014.
  • Student previously matriculated at a four year undergraduate institution but has not earned a Bachelor’s degree and instead matriculated at one of the 24 participating community colleges during Academic Year 2013-2014 and continues to matriculate at one of the participating 24 community colleges during Academic Year 2014-2015.

Program Benefits

  1. Counseling
  2. Mentoring
  3. Law Related Activities
  4. Financial Aid Counseling
  5. Prescribed course credits will transfer
  6. Waived application fees for admission to the participating law schools
  7. Special attention regarding college and law school applications at participating schools

Contact Us

Program Requirements

Attend Pathway to Law School Orientation Work with Pathway to Law School counselor Establish Student Educational Plan based on selected major and the Pathway to Law School Program’s required courses

  • Complete all prerequisites of the student’s major as required by the participating undergraduate institution.
  • Student must successfully transfer to the undergraduate institution
  • Student may transfer to a four year university and complete a Bachelor's degree then transfer to a participating law school.

Students must maintain the required minimum G.P.A. at the community college and undergraduate institution.

Course of Study

  • AJ 016: Street Law (4.0 units)
  • ENGL 001A: English Composition (3.0 units)
  • ENGL 001C: Critical Thinking/Composition (3.0 units)
  • POLSC 001: Politics and Govt in America (3.0 units)
  • HIST 01 or HIST 017B: History of the United States (3.0 units)
  • MATH 063: Elementary Statistics (3.0 units)
  • COMS 040: Introduction to Argumentation (3.0 units)

  • GUIDE 130: College Success (3.0 units)

Career Possibilities/Participating colleges

  • Lawyer
  • Judge
  • Mediator
  • Paralegal
  • Secretary
  • Consultant
  • Court Administrator
  • Governmental Administrator
  • Politician

  • Chapman University
  • Loyola University, Los Angeles
  • Pepperdine University
  • Santa Clara University
  • University of California, Berkeley
  • University of California, Davis
  • University of California, Irvine
  • University of California, Los Angeles
  • University of San Francisco
  • University of Southern California