Monterey College of Law (California)

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California (Seaside) -- Monterey College of Law -- Accreditation: California -- Year Founded: 1972

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Re: Monterey College of Law (California)

Monterey College of Law (MCL) is a private, non-profit law school founded in 1972 in Monterey, California. It provides a 4-year, part-time evening J.D. program that is accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California. The school is also the first California accredited law school to be granted authority to offer a two-year Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.) degree for individuals who wish to seriously study law, but do not wish to pursue a traditional law degree. In August 2005, the College of Law moved into its new home within the higher-education enclave being developed on the former Fort Ord Army base. The College of Law joins California State University Monterey Bay in creating a rapidly growing educational destination for higher learning alongside the historic Monterey Bay.

The College was founded over thirty five years ago to serve the communities of the California central coast. It has succeeded in that mission. Alumni are community leaders, judges, lawyers, and business professionals representing the broad spectrum of individuals, organizations, and industries that define the area. The faculty at the College of Law is made up of dedicated, experienced, and respected lawyers and judges. Because the faculty remains actively involved in the legal community, students receive the unique benefit of their knowledge of both legal theory and legal practice.

The academic program features a four-year, evening program with small classes. The College of Law is accredited by the California Board of Bar Examiners, making J.D. graduates eligible to sit for the California Bar Exam, and upon passing, be licensed to practice law in California. Alumni include many local attorneys, deputy district attorneys and judges.

Admissions

Monterey College of Law seeks applicants with a solid academic record, a satisfactory score on the Law School Admission Test, and a strong desire to study law. The student body ranges in age from 20's to 60's and represents a broad spectrum of the community. Applicants are welcome who have completed a Bachelors degree, an Associates degree, or who have successfully completed at least 60 units of college credit in an academic (non-vocational) program.

Monterey College of Law seeks applicants with a solid academic record, a satisfactory score on the Law School Admission Test, and a strong desire to study law. Our student body ranges in age from 20's to 60's and represents a broad spectrum of the community.

Although some of our students have advanced degrees, others have successful college records without a completed degree. Applicants are welcome who have completed a Bachelors degree, an Associates degree, or who have successfully completed at least 60 units of college credit in an academic (non-vocational) program.

At Monterey College of Law, we look at the entire file on each applicant as part of the admissions process. Work experience, personal and professional recommendations, and a personal statement that discusses why the study of law is important to the applicant are all given careful consideration. Our goal is to identify candidates for admission who display the character and skills necessary to succeed as law students . . . and ultimately as law graduates. We believe that our program is enriched by students who represent the broad diversity of our community.

An applicant's file must be complete before it will be submitted to the Admissions Committee. For this reason, applicants are encouraged to start early in collecting the required information. Transcripts from previous colleges, LSAT scores, and letters of recommendation take time to assemble. If you have questions about obtaining any of these, contact Assistant Dean for Admissions Wendy LaRiviere at 831-582-4000 or [email protected].

Many applicants ask if Monterey College of Law has minimum standards for LSAT scores and undergraduate grade point averages. The simple answer is "No". We look at the "whole person" as represented by academic, work, and life experience, and a compelling personal statement.

If you are considering the study of law at Monterey College of Law . . . or at any other law school . . . we encourage you to contact Dean LaRiviere. She will be able to answer your questions about the process. You are also encouraged to attend one of our Admission Workshops or schedule a private meeting with Dean LaRiviere to discuss your specific situation.

Please feel free to contact the College of Law during the administrative office hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday; or 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Assistant Dean Wendy LaRiviere
831-582-4000
[email protected]

Contact the School

Monterey College of Law
100 Col. Durham Street
Seaside, CA 93955

main: 831-582-4000
fax: 831-582-4095

[email protected]