Welcome to the Pathway to Law program. Whether your goal is to become a lawyer, advocate for social justice, or shape public policy, our program will provide you with the support you need to turn your dreams into reality. See this encouraging video

ABOUT Cal-LAW PATHWAYS

Our program is part of a state-wide initiative in collaboration with Cal-LAW and the State Bar’s Council on Access and Fairness (COAF). The aim of Cal-LAW’s Pathways Initiative is to create a diverse pipeline of students from California high schools and community colleges into law or law-related professions, ensuring that California’s legal field mirrors the state’s diverse population. If you wish to know more about this statewide program, please click the link below.

Learn more about the statewide program

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

1. Legal Programming: Benefit from the wisdom and experience of accomplished legal professionals who will provide invaluable advice through panels, speakers, and individual mentorship.
2. Academic Support: Our Law, Public Policy, & Society transfer degree program is comprised of courses that foster quality writing, problem-solving, analytical, reasoning, and critical thinking skills to help you prepare for law school.  We also have a dedicated counselor to keep you on track for your academic goals.
3. Community: Join a vibrant community of like-minded students at Palomar College and state-wide as you move through your educational career. 
4. Internship and Networking Opportunities: Gain practical experience and build a strong professional network while receiving academic credit through cooperative education.
5. College and Law School Preparation: Your participation in the program and designation as a Cal-Law scholar will be recognized by participating transfer schools and law schools, leading to additional benefits such as waived law school application fees.  Our program also offers support to help you navigate the college transfer and law school admissions process. From assistance with college applications to LSAT preparation advice, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

1. Submit a program application telling us more about yourself and your career goals.  If accepted, you must complete a program participation agreement.
2. Register and take courses to complete the designated seven course pattern and/or an Associate of Arts for Transfer Degree in Law, Public Policy, and Society.  This degree and course pattern prepare you for law school and is required to be recognized as a Cal-LAW Scholar.
3. Meet with the program’s faculty mentor, Lakshmi Paranthaman, to talk about your future aspirations.
4. Attend at least one law-related program a semester to learn more about the legal profession.
5. Meet with the transfer center or designated counselor, Rosie Antonecchia, at least once a semester to develop an education plan and make sure you are on track to seamlessly transfer to a four-year school.
6. Maintain good academic standing (without suspension or academic probation).
7. Abide by student codes of conduct at every academic institution and the standards of ethics expected by the State Bar of California. You may be removed from the program by participating law schools for any of the following behaviors:
   • Academic misconduct
   • Unlawful misconduct
   • Employment misconduct
   • Financial misconduct
   • Any behavior that indicates an inability to pass the state bar’s moral character evaluation or completing the law school’s educational program.
8. Upon completing the program, you will be a Cal-LAW Scholar.  To advance through the pipeline and continue receiving program benefits, you must identify yourself as a Cal-LAW Scholar to the State Program Coordinator and consent to the release of your information to participating colleges and law schools.  In addition, you must also agree for the state to use your data (collectively with all program participants) to evaluate program outcomes.

APPLY TO BECOME A Cal-LAW SCHOLAR

If you are a high school or community college student ready to apply and open the doors to a rewarding legal career, please apply here.

Are you a high school student looking to fast-track your journey to the legal world? Palomar College’s Pathway to Law program also includes CCAP high school students who take law-related courses through dual enrollment. Learn more about participating in the Pathway to Law program as a high school student HERE.

REGISTER FOR UPCOMING EVENTS

Whether you’ve dreamed of donning a lawyer’s robe or are curious about the multifaceted world of the legal profession, our calendar of events is tailored to you. It doesn’t matter if you’re just beginning your educational journey or already pursuing a legal studies degree – everyone with a passion for law is welcome to attend.

Pathway to Law registration form!

View Upcoming events

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QUESTIONS? 

If you have questions about the Pathway to Law program at Palomar College, please email Lakshmi Paranthaman, Assistant Professor of Legal Studies, at lparanthaman@palomar.edu