Thomas Jefferson School of Law

Overview:

Thomas Jefferson School of Law is a private, non-profit law school located in San Diego, California. Established in 1969, it offers both residential and online JD degrees, as well as graduate LLM programs in American Legal Studies and Practice Skills. The school is accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California and the Senior College and University Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Services Offered:

Flexible Law Programs:

Students can enroll full- or part-time, attend classes during the day, evening, or online, and start in the Summer, Fall, or Spring.

Accelerated Graduation:

Students can earn their degree in as little as two and a half years.

Live Client Clinics:

Students gain practical experience by representing real clients in on-campus clinics.

Externship Program:

Students work with lawyers in law offices off campus.

Career Services:

Counselors provide guidance and support in preparing for legal careers.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

Location:

The campus is situated in downtown San Diego, close to courthouses, law firms, and government offices.

Community:

The school fosters a close-knit community with opportunities for interaction between students, faculty, and staff.

Study Abroad:

Students can participate in a three-week summer program on the French Riviera in Nice.

Extracurricular Activities:

Students can join Law Review, Moot Court, and Mock Trial teams.

Key Reasons to Study There:

Experienced Faculty:

Professors have extensive experience in various legal fields, including litigation before the World Court and U.S. Supreme Court.

Practical Learning:

The school emphasizes hands-on learning through clinics, externships, and other experiential opportunities.

Location:

San Diego offers a vibrant legal market and a desirable lifestyle with beaches, mountains, and desert landscapes.

Supportive Environment:

The school provides a supportive environment with faculty and staff dedicated to student success.

Academic Programs:

Residential JD Program:

Includes core and elective courses, live client clinics, Law Review, and Moot Court and Mock Trial teams.

Online JD Program:

Offers similar curriculum to the residential program, including live client clinics, Law Review, and Moot Court and Mock Trial teams.

LLM Programs:

24-unit programs typically completed in one year, requiring a JD, LLB, or equivalent law degree. Options include American Legal Studies and Practice Skills.

Other:

Alumni Success:

Graduates have achieved success in various legal fields, including public defense, litigation, and intellectual property law.

Non-Discrimination Policy:

The school is committed to providing equal opportunities for all individuals regardless of protected characteristics.

Academic Calendar:

The school operates on a semester system with classes starting in June and ending in July.

Location Advantages:

San Diego offers a strong legal market with job growth in fields like wireless telecommunications, biotechnology, and manufacturing.