The curriculum at McGeorge is designed to develop highly skilled professionals who are prepared for the rapidly changing legal market. McGeorge's accomplished faculty challenges students. A legal education at McGeorge will push you academically within a supportive, empathetic environment where faculty and staff are invested in your personal success.
Three-Year JD and Four-Year JD Divisions
McGeorge School of Law offers programs leading to the Juris Doctor (JD) degree through a Three-Year JD Division and a Four-Year JD Division. The two divisions have the same curriculum, faculty, and methods of instruction; maintain the same scholastic standards and degree requirements; and adhere to the same objectives.
The law school operates on the semester system; two semesters of 14 weeks each plus examination periods. All year-long courses begin in the Fall Semester, which starts in mid-August. The Spring Semester begins in January. Summer Sessions are also offered beginning in May.
The course of study in the Three-Year JD Division leading to the JD degree requires three academic years (six semesters) of full-time study. A Three-Year JD division student must enroll and earn credit for a minimum of 12 units each semester; the usual course load is 14 to 16 units per semester. Our Accelerated Honors Program allows students to complete their JD in two and one-half academic years (five semesters plus one 7-unit summer experience). Three-Year JD division students are expected to devote substantially all their working time to the study of law and are required to limit outside employment to not more than 20 hours per week during the academic year.
The Four-Year JD Division program offers a reduced course load which generally requires four academic years (eight semesters) plus two summers of part-time study to meet JD degree requirements. Course loads usually range from 8 to 10 units each semester, with a minimum of 8 units required per semester. Most Four-Year JD division students enroll in Summer Session courses to reach the required 88 units, but may, schedule permitting, take those units during the academic year instead.
First-year required courses and second-year four-year JD required courses must be taken with the division in which a student is enrolled, unless an exception is approved by the Assistant Dean of Students. Electives and upper-division required courses may be taken after the first year during day or evening hours, as individual schedules permit. Students who wish to change their programs of study from one division to another should schedule an appointment with an academic counselor regarding approval and course of study.
LLM to JD Transfer Pathway
In their last semester, McGeorge's LL.M. students can apply to transfer into the J.D. program without the need to take the LSAT or any additional English language test. The following will be requested and considered by the J.D. admission committee:
- A formal application process requiring first law degree, McGeorge LL.M. transcripts, two letters of reference from McGeorge faculty, personal statement specific to the JD application, and a resume.
- A minimum 2.67 average in a minimum of two bar-tested subjects taken during the LL.M.
- LL.M. grades, difficulty of coursework, and faculty recommendations would substitute for the LSAT, but otherwise J.D. admission decisions will be based on the same factors as for other J.D. applicants.
Up to one-third of the JD credit requirement may be transferred from the LLM coursework. The transferred student forgoes the LL.M. degree in order to obtain the J.D. degree in three years including the one year as an LL.M. student.
Questions?
Office of Student Services
Email | 916.739.7089
Faculty Directory
Oyeniyi Abe, Adjunct Professor of Law, LL.B, University of Benin, LL.M, Central European University, Hungary, LL.M, University of California, Berkeley, Ph.D., University of Cape Town, South Africa
Leah Adams, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., University of North Texas, B.A., Hendrix College, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Mariela Anguiano, Adjunct Professor of Law, A.S., Sacramento City College, B.S., California State University, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Loris Bakken, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.S., University of Nevada, Reno, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Jill Barr, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.S., Santa Clara University, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Rishi Batra, Visiting Professor of Law, B.S., University of California, Berkeley, B.A., University of California, Berkeley, J.D., Harvard Law School
Jill Baxter, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.S., University of Utah, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Dan Bernstein, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., State University of New York at Buffalo, J.D., McGeorge School of Law
Lance Blanco, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.S., University of Delaware, J.D., University of Arizona, M.S.S., U.S. Air Force War College
Ashley Boulton, Visiting Professor of Law, B.A., University of California, Santa Barbara, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Aaron Brieno, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., Chapman University, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Arielle Brown, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., Howard University, J.D., University of San Francisco, School of Law
Melissa Brown, Clinical Professor of Law, B.A., California State University, Chico, J.D., Loyola of Los Angeles
Caitlin Christian, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., California State University, Monterey Bay, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Tom Cinti, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.S., University of Scranton, M.S., Harvard School of Public Health, J.D., Rutgers School of Law
Ederlina Co, Professor of Law, Legal Practice, J.D., Georgetown University Law Center, B.A., University of California, Berkeley
Linda Coco, Clinic Director and Professor of Law, B.A., University of California, Berkeley, J.D., University of Maryland School of Law, Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley
Michael Colatrella Jr., Dean, Professor of Law, B.A., Rutgers University, J.D., Seton Hall University, LL.M., New York University
Anne Collins, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.S., University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Anthony Cortez, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., California State University, Sacramento, J.D., Whittier College
Carmen-Nicole Cox, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., Fisk University, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Daniel Croxall, Professor of Law, Legal Practice, B.A., California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, M.A., California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Ret. Judge Kevin Culhane, Adjunct Professor of Law, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, M.S.L., Stanford University Law School
Omar Dajani, Professor of Law, Co-Director, McGeorge Global Center for Business and Development, Co-Director, International Certificate of Concentration, B.A., Northwestern University, J.D., Yale Law School
Paige Davidson, Visiting Professor of Law, B.A., Brigham Young University, J.D. University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Judge Patrice De Guzman Huber, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., California State University, Fresno, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Richard Deitchman, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., Hamilton College, M.S., University of Wisconsin-Madison, J.D., Lewis and Clark Law School
Kimberly Delfino, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., University of California, Davis, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Ana Paula Dos Santos, Adjunct Professor of Law, LL.B., Faculdades Promove, Brazil, LL.M., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, CIPP Certificate, International Association of Privacy Professionals
Kerry Doyle, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., Ithaca College, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Steve Duvernay, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., University of California, Berkeley, J.D., Notre Dame Law School
Laura Enderton-Speed, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., San Jose State University, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Kathleen Friedrich, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., Santa Clara University, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Judge Jeff Galvin, Adjunct Professor of Law, A.B., Harvard College, J.D., UCLA School of Law
Franklin Gevurtz, Distinguished Professor of Law, B.S., University of California, Los Angeles, J.D., University of California, Berkeley
Jessica Gosney, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., UC Davis, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Sarah Guichard, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.S., California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo, J.D., Loyola Law School, Los Angeles
Jennifer Harder, Professor of Law, Legal Practice, Faculty Director for Online Learning, B.A., University of California, Davis, J.D., University of California, Davis, School of Law
Lindsay Harrington, Assistant Professor of Law, Legal Practice, B.A., University of California, Davis, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Nicolas Heidorn, Assistant Professor of Law and Public Policy, B.A., Claremont McKenna College, J.D., Harvard Law School
Benjamin Herzberger, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., Cornell University, J.D., University of California, Davis, M.A., University of Chicago
Dominique Hinson, Associate Professor of Law, Lawyering Skills and Associate Director of Trial Advocacy, B.A., Texas A&M University, College Station, J.D., South Texas College of Law, Houston
Ronie Hochbaum, Assistant Professor of Law, Legal Practice, B.S., Cornell University, J.D., Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law
Hayley Hopkins, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., Southern Methodist University, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Paul Howard, Head of Faculty Services and International Research, B.A., California State University, Northridge, J.D., Loyola Law School, M.L.S., Indiana University
John Hyland, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.S., Saint Joseph’s University, J.D., Golden Gate University School of Law
Ciro Immordino, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.S., California State University, Sacramento, J.D., Santa Clara University School of Law
Pamela Izvanariu, Associate Professor of Law, B.A., DePaul University, J.D., Loyola University of Chicago School of Law, LL.M., University of California, Los Angeles School of Law, Ph.D., City University New York, The Graduate Center
Candra Jackson, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., San Francisco State University, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Leslie Gielow Jacobs, Director, Capital Center for Law & Policy, Justice Anthony M. Kennedy Professor of Law, B.A., Wesleyan University, J.D., University of Michigan
Matthew Jacobs, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.S., University of California, Berkeley, J.D., University of Michigan Law School
Warren Jones, Professor of Law Emeritus, B.A., California State University, San Jose, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Andrew Jurs, Professor of Law, B.A., Stanford University, J.D., University of California, Berkeley School of Law
Serena Kallas, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., California State University, Sacramento, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, MBA, California State University, Sacramento
Charles Kaye-Essien, Associate Professor of Public Policy, B.S., Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, M.A., Ruhr University, M.P.A., University of Western Cape, Ph.D., University of Louisville
J. Clark Kelso, Professor of Law, B.A., University of Illinois, J.D., Columbia University
Katharine Killeen, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., University of California, Berkeley, J.D., University of San Diego School of Law
Robin Klomparens, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A./B.S., University of Florida, J.D., University of Miami, LL.M., University of Miami
Stephen Kroes, Adjunct Professor of Public Policy, B.S., Brigham Young University, M.P.A., University of Southern California
Clemence Kucera, Assistant Dean for the Graduate, Online and International Programs, LLB, Paris II, Pantheon-Assas Education, LL.M., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Nicole Kuenzi, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., Tulane University, J.D., Yale Law School
Louinda Lacey, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.S., California State University, Sacramento, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, MBA, California State University, Sacramento
Tori Larett, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., Vassar College, J.D., University of California, Berkeley
Harjot Lasher, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., California State University Stanislaus, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Simon LeBleu, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.S., California State University, Sacramento, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, LL.M., University of San Francisco School of Law
Simone Leighty, Adjunct Professor of Law, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Peter Leoni, Adjunct Professor of Law
Lawrence Levine, Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Professor of Law, B.A., Allegheny College, J.D., University of California, Hastings
Jacquelyn Loyd, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., University of California, Davis, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Steven Macias, Visiting Professor of Law, B.A., Stanford University, J.D., University of California, Berkeley School of Law, M.A. University of California, Berkeley, LL.M., University College London, CPHIL, University of California, Berkeley, Ed.D., University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Alyssa Mack, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., Williams College, J.D. New York University
Andrew Majeske, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., John Carroll University, Ph.D., University of California Davis, J.D., Loyola University of Chicago, M.A., Duquesne University
Michael Malloy, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Law, B.A., Georgetown University, J.D., University of Pennsylvania, Ph.D., Georgetown University
Amber Maltbie, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., Mills College, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Christine Manolakas, Professor of Law, Director, Tax and Business Certificates of Concentration, B.A., University of Southern California, J.D., Loyola University, Los Angeles, LL.M. (Taxation) New York University
Stephen McCaffrey, Carol Olson Endowed Professor of International Law, 2018 Distinguished Elisabeth Haub Award Environmental Law and Diplomacy Laureate, 2017 Stockholm Water Prize Laureate, B.A., University of Colorado, J.D., University of California, Berkeley, Dr. iur., University of Cologne, Germany
Richard Miadich, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., University of California, Los Angeles, J.D., University of California, Davis School of Law
Christopher Micheli, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., University of California, Davis, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Lacey Mickleburgh, Assistant Clinical Professor of Law, Supervisor, Elder and Health Law Clinic, B.A., University of Oregon, J.D., Whittier Law School
Michael Mireles, Professor of Law, Director, Intellectual Property Certificate of Concentration, B.S., University of Maryland, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, LL.M. (Intellectual Property Law) George Washington University Law School
Negeen Mirreghabie, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., University of California, San Diego, J.D., University of San Diego School of Law
Robert Miyashiro, Adjunct Professor of Public Policy, B.A., Harvard University, M.P.P., University of California, Berkeley
Francis J. Mootz III, Professor of Law, B.A., History, University of Notre Dame, J.D., Duke University School of Law, A.M., Philosophy, Duke University Graduate School
Mary-Beth Moylan, Professor of Law, Legal Practice, B.A., Oberlin College, J.D., Case Western Reserve University
Blake Nordahl, Clinical Professor of Law, Supervising Attorney, Immigration Clinic, B.A., University of California, Berkeley, J.D., University of California, Davis, School of Law
Kenneth Nourse, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., McGill University, J.D., Northeastern University School of Law
Katie Nystrom, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., University of California, Santa Barbara, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Chinwe Ohanele, Visiting Professor of Law, B.S., University of the Pacific, J.D., Loyola Law School, Los Angeles
Erin O'Neal, Director, Capital Lawyering Concentration, B.A., University of California, Los Angeles, J.D., Stanford Law School
Marcie Paolinelli, Director of Public Policy Programs, Professor of Public Administration, B.A., University of California, Davis, M.P.A., D.P.A., University of Southern California
Judge Jeremy Peterson – Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., Swarthmore College, J.D., Harvard Law School
J. Brandon Philips, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., University of North Texas, MPA, University of Texas, Ph.D., University of Texas
Antoinette Pierre-Louis, Director of Academic Success and Assistant Professor of Law, B.S., University of Miami, B.A., Florida Atlantic University, J.D., Nova Southeaster University, Shepard Broad College of Law, MBA, Florida International University
Jeffrey Proske, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Experiential Learning, Professor of Law, Legal Practice, B.A., University of Kansas, J.D., Boston University
Romy Rahmanian, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., California State Polytechnic University-Pomona, J.D., Southwestern Law School
Angelina Ray, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., Creighton University, M.A., Fuller Theological Seminary, M.A., Regent University, J.D., Regent University, M.A., Pepperdine University
Reza Rezvani, Assistant Professor of Law, Legal Practice, B.S. Binghamton University, J.D., Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University (adjunct as of Spring 2026)
Tara Rojas, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., St. Mary's College of California, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Alberto Rosas, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., San Francisco State University, J.D., University of San Francisco School of Law
Wendi Ross, Adjunct Professor of Law
Rachael Salcido, Professor of Law, Director, Environmental Certificate of Concentration, B.A., J.D., University of California, Davis
Richard Schickele, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., Whitman College, M.A., George Washington University, J.D., University of California, Berkeley
Kyle Serrott, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.S.S., Ohio University, J.D., Capital University Law School, M.A., Ohio University, LL.M. University of Oklahoma, Ph.D., Washington State University
William Shapiro, Visiting Professor of Law, B.A. Rhodes College, J.D., University of Colorado School of Law
Monica Sharum, Head of Library Technology & Instructional Support, B.S., University of Wyoming, J.D., University of Wyoming, M.L.S., Indiana University
David Shaw, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., California State University, Sacramento, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Erich Shiners, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., California State University, Davis, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law (adjunct)
Michael Hunter Schwartz, Professor of Law, A.B., University of California, Berkeley, J.D., UC Hastings College of the Law
Keith Smith, Associate Professor, Political Science and affiliate faculty in Public Policy Programs, B.A., Pepperdine University, M.P.M., University of Maryland, M.A., University of California Berkeley, Ph.D., University of California Berkeley
Michael Smith, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., Claremont Men’s College, J.D., University of California, Davis
Oyango Snell, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., Central State University, J.D., The Ohio State University, MBA, Franklin University
Jennifer Spore, Adjunct Professor Public Policy, M.P.A., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, Ph.D., University of California, Davis
Hon. Myrlys Stockdale-Coleman, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., Howard University, J.D., Lincoln Law School, Sacramento
Dena Stone, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., California Polytechnic State University, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Holly Stout, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., Claremont McKenna College, J.D., University of San Diego School of Law, LL.M, Vermont Law and Graduate School
Ray Tamaddon, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., Bowdoin College, J.D., Boston University, School of Law
Matthew Taylor, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., Southern Virginia University, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Edward Telfeyan, Professor of Law, Legal Practice, Director, Moot Court Program, Co-Director of the Center for Advocacy and Dispute Resolution, B.A., Gettysburg College, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Colleen Truden, Lecturer in Law, Director, Externship Program, B.A., Taylor University, J.D., Valparaiso University School of Law, L.L.M., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
S. Pat Tsen, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., University of California, Berkeley, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Rachel Van Cleave, Visiting Professor of Law, B.A., Stanford University, J.D., University of California, San Francisco College of Law, JSM, Stanford University School of Law
Wim van Rooyen, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., The University of Texas at Arlington, J.D., Texas Wesleyan University School of Law
Hannah Veloso, Adjunct Professor of Law, LL.B, University of Leeds, LL.M, McGeorge School of Law
Michael Vitiello, Distinguished Professor of Law, B.A., Swarthmore College, J.D., University of Pennsylvania
Belan Wagner, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., University of Santa Barbara, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, LL.M., University of Miami
Glenn Wichinsky, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., University of Miami, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Jason Willis, Clinical Professor of Public Administration, Director of the Transformational Change Partnership, B.A., Catholic University of America, M.A., Teachers College Columbia University
A.J. Wipfler, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., Yale University, J.D. City University of New York School of Law
James Wirrell, Associate Dean for Library Services, B.A., Simon Fraser University, M.C.S., Regent College, LL.B., University of British Columbia, J.D., M.S.L.I.S., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Jarrod Wong, Professor of Law, Co-Director, McGeorge Global Center for Business and Development, Director, International Certificate of Concentration, B.A., Cambridge University, LL.M., University of Chicago, J.D., University of California, Berkeley
Claudia Wrazel, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., University of California, Los Angeles, J.D., Gould School of Law, USC
Doug Youmans, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., Tempe University, M.B.A., Golden Gate University, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Institutional Learning Outcomes
At McGeorge, our learning outcomes are the lawyering skills that students are expected to obtain through the completion of a legal education. Consistent with ABA Standards, upon completion of a JD degree, graduates of the McGeorge School of Law will demonstrate mastery of the following student learning outcomes at the level needed for admission to the bar and effective and ethical participation in the legal profession as an entry level attorney. McGeorge School of Law has designed its curriculum to prepare students with the key skills and competencies needed to demonstrate these learning outcomes in the legal profession.
Each student will:
- Demonstrate the ability to identify and understand key concepts in U.S. substantive law, legal theory, and procedure.
- Apply knowledge and critical thinking skills to perform competent legal analysis, reasoning, and problem solving.
- Demonstrate the ability to strategize, develop, and conduct efficient legal research in U.S. law.
- Demonstrate the ability to identify and understand foundational concepts in international law and to perform international legal research.
- Demonstrate communication skills, including effective listening and critical reading, writing in objective and persuasive styles, and oral advocacy and other oral communications.
- Demonstrate professional judgment, ethics, and professionalism through conduct consistent with the legal profession's values, standards, and discipline.
- Demonstrate the ability to understand, collaborate, and engage with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences in a variety of legal settings and contexts.
- Demonstrate understanding of the legal profession’s commitment to access to justice.
- Demonstrate understanding of career options and steps toward defining and achieving career goals in light of personal values.
Three-Year JD Program
McGeorge School of Law offers programs leading to the Juris Doctor (JD) degree through a Three-Year JD Division and a Four-Year JD Division. The two divisions have the same curriculum, faculty, and methods of instruction; maintain the same scholastic standards and degree requirements; and adhere to the same objectives.
Three-Year JD students take Skills Lab, Civil Procedure, Contracts, Criminal Law, Global Lawyering Skills I & II, The Legal Profession, Statutes and Regulations, Property, and Torts during the first-year; Global Lawyering Skills III, Constitutional Law and Evidence during the second-year; and Professional Responsibility during either the second- or third-year. First-year required courses must be taken with the division in which a student is enrolled unless an exception is approved by the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs. Upper-division electives and required courses may be taken during the day or evening hours, as individual schedules permit.
Required Units
88 semester units are required for graduation. Of those 88 units, 72 semester units must be earned in graded courses.
Required Courses
44 semester units must be earned in in-person courses.
| First Year | ||
| LAW 100 | Skills Lab- Torts | 1 |
| LAW 104 | The Legal Profession | 1 |
| LAW 105 | Civil Procedure | 4 |
| LAW 110 | Contracts | 4 |
| LAW 115 | Criminal Law | 4 |
| LAW 125 | Property | 4 |
| LAW 131 | Torts | 4 |
| LAW 134 | Global Lawyering Skills I | 2 |
| LAW 135 | Global Lawyering Skills II | 3 |
| LAW 517 | Statutes and Regulations | 3 |
| Second Year | ||
| LAW 136 | Global Lawyering Skills III | 3 |
| LAW 163 | Constitutional Law | 4 |
| LAW 174 | Evidence | 4 |
| Three-Year Division students who are selected for University of the Pacific's Law Review Comment may count GLS III towards the simulation section of the Experiential Curriculum requirement. | ||
| Second or Third Year | ||
| LAW 185 | Professional Responsibility | 2 |
| Total Hours | 43 | |
Minimum GPA
The minimum cumulative GPA required for graduation is 2.33.
Bar Exam
If a student sits for any bar exam (excluding the Patent Bar) prior to completion of all degree requirements, they will not earn a JD degree from McGeorge. An exception may be made for a student who wishes to sit for the Delaware or North Dakota bar exam, which is offered only one time per year.
Period of Study
Students must complete their JD degree within 84 months of matriculation.
Four-Year JD Program
McGeorge School of Law offers programs leading to the Juris Doctor (JD) degree through a Three-Year JD Division and a Four-Year JD Division. The two divisions have the same curriculum, faculty, and methods of instruction; maintain the same scholastic standards and degree requirements; and adhere to the same objectives.
Four-Year JD students take Skills Lab, Civil Procedure, Criminal Law, Global Lawyering Skills I & II, The Legal Profession, and Torts during the first-year; Global Lawyering Skills III, Contracts, Statutes and Regulations, Property, Constitutional Law during the second-year; Evidence during the third-year; and Professional Responsibility during either the third- or fourth-year, or any summer. To stay on track for graduation, part-time students generally must take 2-5 units each summer. First- and second-year required courses must be taken with the division in which a student is enrolled unless an exception is approved by the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs. Upper-division electives and required courses may be taken during the day or evening hours, as individual schedules permit.
Required Units
88 semester units are required for graduation. Of those 88 units, 72 semester units must be earned in graded courses.
Required Courses
44 semester units must be earned in in-person courses.
| First Year | ||
| LAW 100 | Skills Lab- Torts | 1 |
| LAW 104 | The Legal Profession | 1 |
| LAW 105 | Civil Procedure | 4 |
| LAW 115 | Criminal Law | 4 |
| LAW 131 | Torts | 4 |
| LAW 134 | Global Lawyering Skills I | 2 |
| LAW 135 | Global Lawyering Skills II | 3 |
| Second Year | ||
| LAW 110 | Contracts | 4 |
| LAW 125 | Property | 4 |
| LAW 136 | Global Lawyering Skills III | 3 |
| LAW 163 | Constitutional Law | 4 |
| LAW 517 | Statutes and Regulations | 3 |
| Part-Time students are eligible to solicit for University of the Pacific Law Review Comment Staff during their third year. For students who complete both Global Lawyering Skills III and Comment, Global Lawyering Skills III may count towards the simulation section of the Experiential Curriculum requirement. | ||
| Third Year | ||
| LAW 174 | Evidence | 4 |
| Third or Fourth Year, or Any Summer* | ||
| LAW 185 | Professional Responsibility | 2 |
| Total Hours | 43 | |
*To stay on track for graduation, part-time students generally must take 2-5 units each summer.
Minimum GPA
The minimum cumulative GPA required for graduation is 2.33.
Bar Exam
If a student sits for any bar exam (excluding the Patent Bar) prior to completion of all degree requirements, they will not earn a JD degree from McGeorge. An exception may be made for a student who wishes to sit for the Delaware or North Dakota bar exam, which is offered only one time per year.
Period of Study
Students must complete their JD degree within 84 months of matriculation.
Juris Doctor Certificate of Concentration Programs
McGeorge's diverse electives and co-curricular offerings allow you to explore a variety of legal career opportunities. If you have a particular career path in mind, our certificates of concentration will enhance your JD experience and allow you to master a specific practice area.
For general questions about the Certificate of Concentration Programs, contact the Office of Student Services at sacstudentaffairs@pacific.edu or 916.739.7089.
- Business
- Capital Lawyering
- Elder and Health
- Intellectual Property
- International
- Tax
- Trial & Appellate Advocacy
- Water and Environmental
Business Certificate of Concentration
The demands and complexities of a global economy require a strong basis in business law. To fulfill the Business Law Concentration, students complete a series of courses designed to equip new lawyers with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in legal careers with a business emphasis. The concentration is for students interested in pursuing a general business practice or a specialized business practice such as bankruptcy, corporate, commercial, employment, or real estate law, or international business law.
How to Apply
Apply by submitting the online application, which requires that you attach your resume. This application should be submitted at the earliest stages of your planning but, in no event, after the add/drop deadline of your final law-school term.
Requirements & Curriculum
Students must complete Business Associations and at least one core course and at least three elective courses. If a student completes more than one core course, any additional core course(s) will autmatically apply toward the satisfaction of the requirement for elective courses. With the approval of the Director of the Business Law Concentration, a tax or business course of at least two units, whether domestic or international, not included on the list of elective courses may be substituted. A minimum of twelve units is required for the completion of the Business Law Concentration.
| 12 to 16 units are required for completion of Concentration | ||
| REQUIRED COURSE | ||
| LAW 151 | Business Associations | 4 |
| CORE COURSES (complete one) *If a student completes more than one Core Course, the additional course(s) will automatically be applied toward the satisfaction of the requirement for Elective Courses. | ||
| LAW 210 | Business Planning | 2-3 |
| LAW 220 | Banking Law | 3 |
| LAW 225 | Bankruptcy | 2-3 |
| LAW 255 | Federal Securities Regulations | 3 |
| LAW 260 | Commercial Law | 3 |
| LAW 300 | Federal Income Taxation | 3 |
| LAW 310 | Taxation of Business Entities | 3 |
| LAW 433 | Employment Law | 3 |
| LAW 500 | Administrative Law | 3 |
| LAW 555 | Labor Law | 3 |
| LAW 625 | International Business Transactions | 3 |
| ELECTIVE COURSES (complete three) | ||
| LAW 214 | Small Business Seminar | 2 |
| LAW 240 | Insurance Law | 2-3 |
| LAW 257 | Making Deals | 2 |
| LAW 280 | U.S. Antitrust and International Competition Law | 2 |
| LAW 297 | Sports Law | 2-3 |
| LAW 302 | Estate and Gift Tax/Estate Planning | 3 |
| LAW 325 | Taxation of Real Estate Transactions | 3 |
| LAW 340 | Tax Practice and Procedure | 2 |
| LAW 375 | U.S. Taxation of International Transactions | 3 |
| LAW 405 | Worker's Compensation Law | 2 |
| LAW 410 | White Collar Crime | 2 |
| LAW 503 | Legislation and Statutory Interpretation | 3 |
| LAW 507 | Environmental Law | 3 |
| LAW 560 | Land Use Planning | 2 |
| LAW 586 | Federal Indian Law | 2-3 |
| LAW 617 | Practice and Business of Cannabis Law | 2 |
| LAW 630 | International Banking | 2 |
| LAW 635 | Transnational Litigation | 3 |
| LAW 647 | International Economic Law | 2 |
| LAW 650 | European Union Law | 1-3 |
| LAW 675 | U.S. & International Sale of Goods | 2 |
| LAW 689 | International Arbitration | 3 |
| LAW 699F | Cybersecurity Law & Policy | 1-2 |
| Choose only one of the following Intellectual Property Courses (2-3 units): | ||
| Copyright Law | ||
| Patent Law | ||
| Survey of Intellectual Property Law | ||
| Trademark Law | ||
| International Intellectual Property | ||
| One Externship or Legal Clinic with a tax or business law focus (advance approval required) | 2-4 | |
Questions?
Professor Christine Manolakas, Director of the Business Certificate of Concentration: cmanolakas@pacific.edu | 916.739.7110
Capital Lawyering Certificate of Concentration
Capital Lawyering Concentration students complete a series of required and elective courses specially designed to prepare them to work in the Capital arena. Graduates are employed in the California legislature, Governor’s Office, in local, state and federal agencies, in private firms that specialize in political law or lobbying, in nonprofit agencies that engage in issue advocacy, and in law firms with regulatory practices in areas such as communications, energy, the environment, health, and employment. The curriculum ensures that students graduate with real-life experience and on-the-job contacts within the government, policy, and capital lawyering community. Students also participate in Capital Center student groups, attend Capital Center events, and network with Capital Center alumni.
How to Apply
Interested students should complete the online application, which includes your resume and a brief Personal Statement (minimum 200 words). Please submit your application as early as possible in your McGeorge career to best plan your course of study. In no case may applications be submitted or accepted after the Add/Drop Deadline of your final law school term. Students must schedule an appointment with the Capital Lawyering Concentration Director to plan their required curriculum and activities.
Requirements & Curriculum
Capital Lawyering students must complete a minimum of 14 units approved by the Capital Lawyering Concentration Director, comprised of required courses, an experiential learning course, and approved electives.
| 14 units minimum required for completion of Concentration | ||
| CORE COURSES (complete all) | ||
| LAW 517 | Statutes and Regulations | 3 |
| LAW 576 | Cap. Lawyering and Pol. Making | 2 |
| Experiential Course (complete one) | ||
| LAW 853 | Legislative & Public Policy Clinic (Students are strongly encouraged to take Lawmaking in California prior to enrolling in the Legislative & Public Policy Clinic.- 1st Semester) | 6 |
| Relevant Externship (approved by director) | ||
| Externship | ||
| Externship-Semester in Practice Accelerated Honors Program | ||
| Externship - Semester in Practice | ||
| Note: Evening students with jobs that meet the requirements of the externship may receive a waiver of this requirement. | ||
| ELECTIVE COURSES | ||
| LAW 187 | Law and Ethics in Government | 2-3 |
| LAW 209 | Local Agency Practice | 2 |
| LAW 230 | Water Resources Law | 2-3 |
| LAW 235 | Environmental Practice | 3 |
| LAW 240 | Insurance Law | 2-3 |
| LAW 304 | Mental Health - Policy and Law | 2 |
| LAW 500 | Administrative Law | 3 |
| LAW 503 | Legislation and Statutory Interpretation | 3 |
| LAW 507 | Environmental Law | 3 |
| LAW 550 | Immigration Law and Policy | 3 |
| LAW 555 | Labor Law | 3 |
| LAW 560 | Land Use Planning | 2 |
| LAW 567 | Election Law | 2 |
| LAW 568 | California Initiative Seminar | 2 |
| LAW 580 | Public Education Law | 2-3 |
| LAW 699F | Cybersecurity Law & Policy | 1-2 |
| LAW 699G | Information Privacy Law | 2 |
| LAW 699H | Race, Mass Incarceration & Criminal Justice Reform | 3 |
| LAW 699I | Leadership in Organizations | 2 |
| LAW 699J | Gaming Law and Regulation | 1 |
| LAW 699S | Reproductive Rights and Justice | 1 |
| LAW 701 | Poverty Law | 3 |
| LAW 745 | Elder Law and Social Policy | 3 |
| LAW 780 | Sexual Orientation and Gender ID | 2 |
| LAW 802 | Negotiation and Settlements Seminar | 2 or 3 |
| LAW 822 | Lawmaking in California (Strongly recommended for students planning to take the Legislative and Public Policy Clinic.) | 2 |
| LAW 853 | Legislative & Public Policy Clinic (2nd Semester) | 3 |
| LAW 922 | Pacific Legislative Law Review | 1 |
| Additional Clinic or Externship with a Capital Lawyering Focus | 3 | |
Questions?
Professor Erin O'Neal, Director, Capital Center for Law & Policy and Capital Lawyering Concentration: eoneal@pacific.edu | 916.325.4635
Elder and Health Certificate of Concentration
This concentration combines two dynamic and closely related areas of the law. Both legal areas are interdisciplinary and grounded in policy, legal compliance, and ethics. A legal practice in either broad area provides stimulating and rewarding work. As one of only four ABA Accredited Schools in California with a Health Law Concentration and only three in the nation with an Elder Law Concentration, the McGeorge Elder & Health Law Concentration provides students with a robust and relevant opportunity to focus their study on two of the most needed areas of practice now and in the future.
How to Apply
Apply by submitting the online application, which requires that you attach your resume and Statement of Purpose (at least 200 words on why you want to obtain the certificate of concentration and how it fits into your career goals). This application should be submitted at your earliest stages of planning, and in no case may be submitted after the Add/Drop Deadline of your final law school term. Students must schedule an appointment with the Faculty Director to plan their required curriculum and activities.
Requirements & Curriculum
Students must complete the core and elective courses designated below. Membership and participation in the McGeorge Health Law Association is encouraged. With prior written approval, the Certificate of Concentration Director may vary the requirements of this program in individual cases for good cause or depending on offerings in any year.
| 13 units minimum required for completion of Concentration | ||
| REQUIRED CORE COURSES (complete two courses) | ||
| LAW 500 | Administrative Law | 3 |
| LAW 570 | Health Law | 3 |
| LAW 745 | Elder Law and Social Policy | 3 |
| EXPERIENTIAL COURSES (complete one course) | ||
| LAW 747 | Elder & Health Law Clinic | 1-3 |
| LAW 954 | Externship (approved by director) | 3 |
| ELECTIVE COURSES (complete five units) | ||
| LAW 170 | Wills and Trusts | 3 |
| LAW 302 | Estate and Gift Tax/Estate Planning | 3 |
| LAW 304 | Mental Health - Policy and Law | 2 |
| LAW 526 | Mediation | 3 |
| LAW 528 | Online Dispute Resolution | 1 |
| LAW 573 | Bioethics and Public Health Law | 1-3 |
| LAW 699S | Reproductive Rights and Justice | 1-2 |
| LAW 802 | Negotiation and Settlements Seminar | 2 or 3 |
| Additional Clinic or Externship | 3 | |
Questions?
Professor Linda Coco, Director of the Elder & Health Concentration: lcoco@pacific.edu | 916.739.7378
Intellectual Property Certificate of Concentration
Intellectual property law is one of the most dynamic fields in the legal profession — for lawyers with and without undergraduate degrees in science. In order to meet the growing demand for lawyers in this area of practice, McGeorge offers courses in intellectual property law and a specialized curriculum leading to a J.D. degree with an Intellectual Property Concentration. Careers in Intellectual Property Law include: Patent Lawyer, Copyright Lawyer, Entertainment Lawyer, Trademark Lawyer, Intellectual Property Litigator, Media Lawyer, Trademark Examiner, Patent Examiner, In-house Counsel for movie studios and biotech, publishing, software, and Internet companies, or Artist's Representative.
How to Apply
Apply by submitting the online application, which requires that you attach your resume and Statement of Purpose (at least 200 words on why you want to obtain the certificate of concentration and how it fits into your career goals). This application should be submitted at your earliest stages of planning, and in no case may be submitted after the Add/Drop Deadline of your final law school term. Students must schedule an appointment with the Faculty Director to plan their required curriculum and activities. The Director has discretion to substitute core and elective courses.
Requirements & Curriculum
- Complete at least three (3) Core Courses
- Complete at least two (2) units of Elective Courses. Students who complete all four Core Courses may apply two (2) units towards their elective units.
- A minimum of 14 units are required to complete the Intellectual Property Certificate of Concentration.
- The Director has discretion to substitute core and elective courses.
| 14 units minimum required for completion of Concentration | ||
| CORE COURSES (complete at least three courses) | UNITS | |
| LAW 265 | Copyright Law | 3 |
| LAW 266 | Patent Law | 3 |
| LAW 275 | Survey of Intellectual Property Law | 3 |
| LAW 285 | Trademark Law | 2 |
| ELECTIVE COURSES (complete two courses) | ||
| LAW 267 | Patent Prosecution | 2 |
| LAW 280 | U.S. Antitrust and International Competition Law | 2 |
| LAW 290 | Computer and Internet Law | 3 |
| LAW 297 | Sports Law | 2-3 |
| LAW 680 | International Intellectual Property | 1-3 |
Questions?
Professor Michael Mireles, Director of the Intellectual Property Concentration: mmireles@pacific.edu | 916.739.7154
International Certificate of Concentration
Globalization is transforming the practice of law, obliging an increasing proportion of legal professionals to learn how to respond to the challenges presented by transnational and intercultural practice. McGeorge’s International Certificate of Concentration offers a strong foundation for a broad array of careers, whether your interests draw you toward public service or the private sector, to work abroad or in California, to litigation, transactions or a legislative/regulatory practice. Students who complete the certificate of concentration requirements will graduate with a solid grounding in public and private international law, in-depth exposure to at least one specialized doctrinal area, and advanced skills training that can help to provide a bridge to practice.
How to Apply
Apply by submitting the online application, which requires that you attach your resume and Statement of Purpose (at least 200 words on why you want to obtain the certificate of concentration and how it fits into your career goals). This application should be submitted at your earliest stages of planning, and in no case may be submitted after the Add/Drop Deadline of your final law school term. Students must schedule an appointment with the Faculty Director to plan their required curriculum and activities.
Requirements & Curriculum
Students must complete at least 11 units in the course categories designated below, including at least one capstone or experiential course or activity. With prior written approval, the Concentration Directors may vary the certificate requirements for good cause.
| 11 units minimum required for completion of Concentration | ||
| CORE COURSES (6 units minimum) | UNITS | |
| LAW 600 | Public International Law 1 | 3 |
| Plus at least one of the following courses | ||
| LAW 625 | International Business Transactions 1,2,3 | 3 |
| LAW 635 | Transnational Litigation 1,2 | 3 |
| SPECIALIZED COURSES (minimum 5 units) | ||
| LAW 280 | U.S. Antitrust and International Competition Law | 2 |
| LAW 375 | U.S. Taxation of International Transactions | 3 |
| LAW 550 | Immigration Law and Policy 1 | 3 |
| LAW 608 | International and Foreign Legal Research | 1-2 |
| LAW 614 | International Protection of Human Rights | 3 |
| LAW 619 | International Criminal Law 3 | 2-3 |
| LAW 620 | International Environmental Law | 3 |
| LAW 621 | International Water Resources Law Seminar (Course qualifies for experiential or capstone credit.) 4 | 3 |
| LAW 630 | International Banking | 2 |
| LAW 631 | International Negotiations (Course qualifies for experiential or capstone credit.) 4 | 2 |
| LAW 647 | International Economic Law | 2 |
| LAW 650 | European Union Law 3 | 1-3 |
| LAW 675 | U.S. & International Sale of Goods | 2 |
| LAW 680 | International Intellectual Property 3 | 1-3 |
| LAW 689 | International Arbitration (Course qualifies for experiential or capstone credit.) 4 | 3 |
| LAW 692 | Comparative Freedom of Expression (offered only at McGeorge's summer program in Salzburg, Austria.) 5 | 1 |
| LAW 705 | Introduction to Space Law | 1 |
| LAW 865 | Immigration Clinic (Course qualifies for experiential or capstone credit.) 4 | 3 |
| LAW 990 | Directed Research | 1-2 |
1Courses are typically offered every academic year. Courses not so marked are typically offered once every two years.
2Courses are requirements of the McGeorge LLM in Transnational Business Practice.
3Courses will likely be taught by adjunct professors, including in some cases members of McGeorge's International Board of Advisors or faculty emeriti.
4Courses qualify for experiential or capstone credit.
5Courses are offered only at McGeorge's summer program in Salzburg, Austria.
Questions?
Professors Omar Dajani odajani@pacific.edu | 916.739.7018 & Jarrod Wong jwong@pacific.edu | 916-739-7231, co-directors of the International Certificate of Concentration
Tax Certificate of Concentration
A basic understanding of the law of federal taxation is a valuable asset upon entering the legal profession. The Tax Law Concentration is intended to provide students with the opportunity to pursue a focused and integrated course of study of federal taxation. Graduates with the Tax Law Concentration find employment opportunities as tax, business, or estate planning specialists in private firms. Accounting firms, corporations, real estate entities, nonprofit organizations, and state and federal governmental agencies among others are also interested in graduates with a strong background in federal taxation.
How to Apply
Apply by submitting the online application, which requires that you attach your resume. This application should be submitted at the earliest stages of your planning but, in no event, after the add/drop deadline of your final law-school term.
Requirements & Curriculum
Students must complete the required core courses designated below. The balance of the required units must be selected from the elective list. With prior approval, one externship or legal clinic of at least 2 units and a tax focus may qualify. Twelve units are required for the completion of the Tax Law Concentration.
| 12 units minimum required for completion of Concentration | ||
| CORE COURSES (complete both courses) | UNITS | |
| LAW 300 | Federal Income Taxation | 3 |
| LAW 310 | Taxation of Business Entities | 3 |
| ELECTIVE COURSES | ||
| LAW 302 | Estate and Gift Tax/Estate Planning | 3 |
| LAW 325 | Taxation of Real Estate Transactions | 3 |
| LAW 340 | Tax Practice and Procedure | 2 |
| LAW 375 | U.S. Taxation of International Transactions | 3 |
| Externship with a tax focus (only one - advanced written approval required) | 2+ | |
Questions?
Professor Christine Manolakas, Faculty Director, Tax Concentration: cmanolakas@pacific.edu | 916.739.7110
Trial & Appellate Advocacy Certificate of Concentration
Students who wish to become litigators receive specialized practical training to prepare for careers in litigation, civil and/or criminal trial and appellate work, or dispute resolution. A wide range of courses enables students to learn and demonstrate competencies in writing, appellate and trial advocacy, evidence, trial preparation and conduct, alternative dispute resolution, negotiation, and counseling and representation of clients.
How to Apply
Apply by submitting the online application, which requires that you attach your resume. This application should be submitted at your earliest stages of planning, and in no case may be submitted after the Add/Drop Deadline of your final law school term. The Faculty Director will schedule a meeting with the applicant if required.
Requirements & Curriculum
Students must complete the Core and required Elective Courses listed below. A minimum of 14 total credits is required, in addition to Evidence and GLS III, which are required of all students.
In addition to the one required Elective course from each of the three Elective categories below (Pretrial, ADR, and Capstone), which will total at least six (6) credits, the student may choose courses from any of the four Elective sections to accumulate the 14-credit minimum.
Note that not all courses are offered every year. Students should plan their curriculum with this in mind, checking the Academic Schedule for the coming year and for the year thereafter (see, e.g., the projection of courses for 2020-21 (pdf))1
With prior written approval, the Concentration Director may vary the requirements of the program in individual cases for good cause.
| 14 units minimum required for completion of Concentration (plus GLS III and Evidence) | ||
| CORE COURSES | ||
| LAW 136 | Global Lawyering Skills III | 3 |
| LAW 812 | Trial Advocacy & Evidence Skills (required) | 3 |
| Clinic or Externship with a substantial litigation or ADR focus (advance written approval from the Concentration Director is required). Federal Pretrial/Trial Litigation Seminar, with its associated Clinic, may be used to meet both (a) the Clinic or Externship requirement and (b) either Pretrial Advocacy or Alternative Dispute Resolution. The student must complete both semesters. | 3 | |
| ELECTIVE COURSES - PRETRIAL ADVOCACY (complete at least one course) | ||
| LAW 804 | Criminal Pretrial Litigation | 2 |
| LAW 809 | Civil Pretrial Litigation | 2 |
| LAW 821 | Taking and Defending Depositions | 2 |
| LAW 824 | Written Discovery | 2 |
| LAW 895 | Federal Pretrial/Trial Litigation Seminar | 2 |
| ELECTIVE COURSES - ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION (complete one course) | ||
| LAW 308 | Art of Plea Bargaining | 2 |
| LAW 526 | Mediation | 3 |
| LAW 631 | International Negotiations | 2 |
| LAW 689 | International Arbitration | 3 |
| LAW 802 | Negotiation and Settlements Seminar | 2 or 3 |
| LAW 826 | Negotiating Disputes Into Deals | 1 |
| LAW 895 | Federal Pretrial/Trial Litigation Seminar | 2 |
| LAW 909 | Prisoner Civil Rights Mediation Clinic (May be used to meet both (a) the Clinic or Externship Requirement and (2) the Alternative Dispute Resolution requirement.) | 3 |
| ELECTIVE COURSES - OTHER LITIGATION-RELATED (optional) | ||
| LAW 209 | Local Agency Practice | 2 |
| LAW 400 | Advanced Criminal Procedure | 2 |
| LAW 410 | White Collar Crime | 2 |
| LAW 415 | Criminal Law Defenses | 2 |
| LAW 433 | Employment Law | 3 |
| LAW 635 | Transnational Litigation | 3 |
| LAW 706 | Persuasive Public Speaking | 2 |
| LAW 882 | California Parole Hearings and Litigation | 1 |
| LAW 969 | Mock Trial Evidence I and II | 2 |
| If a student finds a course added or returning to the Schedule that may qualify as an "Other Litigation-Related Elective" (e.g., Federal Courts), the student may apply to the Director for use of that course towards the Concentration requirements. | ||
Questions?
Professor Dan Croxall, Director of the Trial & Appellate Advocacy Certificate of Concentration: dcroxall@pacific.edu | 916.340.6177
Water and Environmental Law Certificate of Concentration
McGeorge's water and environmental law curriculum addresses environmental responsibility and public needs within complex socio-ecological local, state, national, and international systems. Professional opportunities vary from advocacy to governance to regulatory compliance and beyond. This concentration provides McGeorge students with an opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, and perspectives necessary to pursue a career working in water and environmental law.
How to Apply
Apply by submitting the online application, which requires that you attach your resume and Statement of Purpose (at least 200 words on why you want to obtain the certificate of concentration and how it fits into your career goals). This application should be submitted at your earliest stages of planning, and in no case may be submitted after the Add/Drop Deadline of your final law school term. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with one of the Concentration Directors to plan their course selections, externships, and other activities.
Requirements & Curriculum
Students must complete three required and at least two elective courses as designated below for a minimum of 13 total units (nine required plus at least four elective units, including a capstone). Not every course will be offered every academic year so please plan carefully. Please contact the Concentration Directors if you need course planning assistance.
One of the courses that counts toward the 13 units must be a capstone course with a significant writing requirement. Capstone courses are designated by the Concentration Directors each academic year. For Directed Research, Externships for credit, or the Legislative & Public Policy Clinic, work must be focused on water or environmental issues and approved in advance by one of the Concentration Directors. Upon request and approval, the Concentration Directors may vary the requirements of this program for good cause.
| 13 units minimum required for completion of Concentration | ||
| CORE COURSES (complete all three) | ||
| LAW 230 | Water Resources Law | 3 |
| LAW 500 | Administrative Law | 3 |
| LAW 507 | Environmental Law | 3 |
| ELECTIVE COURSES (complete one or more from this list) | ||
| LAW 235 | Environmental Practice | 3 |
| LAW 509 | Special Topics in Environmental Law (Ocean & Coastal Law) | 2 or 3 |
| LAW 510 | Natural Resources Law | 3 |
| LAW 511 | Climate Change Law & Policy | 2 |
| LAW 560 | Land Use Planning | 2 |
| LAW 620 | International Environmental Law | 3 |
| LAW 621 | International Water Resources Law Seminar | 3 |
| LAW 990 | Directed Research (Advance approval required) | 1-2 |
| Externship with an environmental or water law focus (Advance approval required; a maximum of three Externship units may be earned towards the elective courses requirement) | 3 | |
| ADDITIONAL ELECTIVE COURSES (optional to complete up to one from this list) | ||
| LAW 209 | Local Agency Practice | 2 |
| LAW 576 | Cap. Lawyering and Pol. Making | 2 |
| LAW 853 | Legislative & Public Policy Clinic | 3 |
Questions?
Contact Professor Jennifer Harder jharder@pacific.edu | 916.739.7189 or Professor Rachael Salcido rsalcido@pacific.edu | 916.739.7354, Co-Directors of the Water and Environmental Law Certificate of Concentration
Directed Study
McGeorge is committed to the success of each student. We designed the Directed Study Program to bolster a student's command of and confidence in core legal skills, with the goal of increasing success in law school and paving the way to passing the bar exam.
Any student whose cumulative GPA, at the end of the first academic year, falls below 3.0 shall be placed in the Directed Study Program. Once placed in the Directed Study Program, a student will remain subject to its requirements even if in subsequent years the student is no longer has a cumulative GPA below 3.0. Students who have a cumulative GPA of 2.9 to 3.0 may petition the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs to be removed from Directed Study and students who have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 to 3.1 or higher may petition the Assistant Dean of Student Services to be included in some or all parts of Directed Study.
All students who qualify for Directed Study are required to participate in academic counseling with a representative from the Office of Student Services, each year.
The Directed Study requirements are as follows:
Three-Year JD Division
| Second Year | ||
| LAW 190 | Remedies | 3 |
| Second or Third Year | ||
| LAW 151 | Business Associations | 4 |
| At least one of the following bar courses: | ||
| LAW 155 | Community Property | 2 |
| LAW 165 | Criminal Procedure | 3 |
| LAW 170 | Wills and Trusts | 3 |
| Third Year | ||
| LAW 711 | Practical Analysis, Strategies, & Skills (PASS) I | 3 |
Four-Year JD Division
| Third Year | ||
| LAW 190 | Remedies | 3 |
| Third or Fourth Year, or any Summer | ||
| LAW 151 | Business Associations | 4 |
| At least one of the following bar courses: | ||
| LAW 155 | Community Property | 2 |
| LAW 165 | Criminal Procedure | 3 |
| LAW 170 | Wills and Trusts | 3 |
| Fourth Year | ||
| LAW 711 | Practical Analysis, Strategies, & Skills (PASS) I | 3 |
When Principles of Agency is offered, students who qualify for Directed Study and who have a cumulative GPA below a 2.5 at the end of the first academic year, must also take Principles of Agency during the fall semester of their second year.
Experiential Curriculum
As part of our commitment to teaching practical lawyering skills, all McGeorge students complete the Experiential Curriculum, which includes coursework where the focus is on learning by doing. Students learn to apply legal theory to practice, develop professional lawyering skills, and become reflective practitioners and lifelong learners.
Requirement
Students are required to complete two transformational capstone experiences: (1) McGeorge Legal Clinic or Externship for 3 units minimum, and (2) a second McGeorge Legal Clinic, Externship, Mock Trial, or Moot Court for 3 units minimum, and additional units of other experiential courses, including simulation courses, equaling 11 total units. (This rule is interpreted to mean students may count 6 or 7 units in the transformational capstone category, leaving 4 or 5 additional units in other experiential courses, which may include Legal Clinics, Externships, or simulations.)
Experiential courses include:
| Legal Clinics: | ||
| LAW 747 | Elder & Health Law Clinic | 1-3 |
| LAW 850 | Homeless Advocacy Clinic | 1-3 |
| LAW 853 | Legislative & Public Policy Clinic | 3 |
| LAW 859 | Small Business Law Clinic | 3 |
| LAW 865 | Immigration Clinic | 1-3 |
| LAW 874 | Federal Defender Clinic | 3 |
| LAW 875 | Bankruptcy Clinic | 1-3 |
| LAW 909 | Prisoner Civil Rights Mediation Clinic | 3 |
| Externships: | ||
| LAW 954 | Externship | 3-4 |
| LAW 956 | Externship - Judicial | 2-14 |
| LAW 960 | Externship-Semester in Practice Accelerated Honors Program | 7 |
| LAW 961 | Externship - Semester in Practice | 2-14 |
| Mock Trial: | ||
| LAW 969 | Mock Trial Evidence I and II | 1 |
| Moot Court: | ||
| LAW 807 | Advanced Appellate Advocacy Seminar | 2 |
| Simulation and Practicum Courses: | ||
| LAW 136 | Global Lawyering Skills III (Students who take both Global Lawyering Skills III and University of the Pacific Law Review Comment may count Global Lawyering Skills III towards the simulation section of the Experiential Curriculum requirement.) | 3 |
| LAW 210 | Business Planning | 2-3 |
| LAW 211 | Entrepreneurial Management | 2 |
| LAW 235 | Environmental Practice | 3 |
| LAW 257 | Making Deals | 2 |
| LAW 266 | Patent Law | 3 |
| LAW 285 | Trademark Law | 2 |
| LAW 300 | Federal Income Taxation | 3 |
| LAW 308 | Art of Plea Bargaining | 1 or 2 |
| LAW 310 | Taxation of Business Entities | 3 |
| LAW 325 | Taxation of Real Estate Transactions | 3 |
| LAW 405 | Worker's Compensation Law | 2 |
| LAW 433 | Employment Law | 3 |
| LAW 440 | Family Law | 2-3 |
| LAW 526 | Mediation | 2-3 |
| LAW 528 | Online Dispute Resolution | 1 |
| LAW 560 | Land Use Planning | 2 |
| LAW 568 | California Initiative Seminar | 2 |
| LAW 608 | International and Foreign Legal Research | 1-2 |
| LAW 624 | Legal Spanish for U.S. Lawyers | 2 |
| LAW 625 | International Business Transactions | 3 |
| LAW 631 | International Negotiations | 2 |
| LAW 689 | International Arbitration | 3 |
| LAW 694 | International Dispute Resolution | 1 |
| LAW 699A | California Craft Beer Law | 2 |
| LAW 699I | Leadership in Organizations | 2 |
| LAW 699T | Law and Legal Technology | 1-2 |
| LAW 706 | Persuasive Public Speaking | 1-2 |
| LAW 745 | Elder Law and Social Policy | 3 |
| LAW 800 | Client Interviewing and Counseling | 2 |
| LAW 802 | Negotiation and Settlements Seminar | 2 or 3 |
| LAW 803 | Advanced Legal Research - Blended | 2 |
| LAW 804 | Criminal Pretrial Litigation | 2-3 |
| LAW 809 | Civil Pretrial Litigation | 2 |
| LAW 812 | Trial Advocacy & Evidence Skills | 3 |
| LAW 815 | Advanced Trial Advocacy | 3 |
| LAW 821 | Taking and Defending Depositions | 2 |
| LAW 822 | Lawmaking in California | 2 |
| LAW 824 | Written Discovery | 2 |
| LAW 826 | Negotiating Disputes Into Deals | 1 |
| LAW 882 | California Parole Hearings and Litigation | 1 |
| LAW 979 | Interviewing and Counseling Team | 1 |
Waiver for Four-Year JD Students
Students who work full-time (approximately 40 hours/week) during normal business hours may request a waiver of one of the Capstone requirements in the Experiential Curriculum. Waiver requests will be reviewed by the Assistant Dean of Student Services and granted for good cause only. Before this requirement will be waived, the student must demonstrate that they have made good faith efforts to find a creative way to fulfill this requirement. For example, there are a limited number of remote externships available to students who have full-time jobs. Remote externships provide an opportunity for hands-on legal work in non-business hours and may be a good fit for some students who are working full-time.
| LAW 100 | Skills Lab- Torts | 1 |
| LAW 101 | Contracts/Analytical Skills | 4 |
| LAW 102 | Assessment & Review - 1st Year | 0 |
| LAW 104 | The Legal Profession | 1 |
| LAW 105 | Civil Procedure | 2-4 |
| LAW 110 | Contracts | 2-4 |
| LAW 113 | History of McGeorge School of Law | 3 |
| LAW 114 | Legal Legal Legalese | 3 |
| LAW 115 | Criminal Law | 2-4 |
| LAW 119 | Structured Study Group | 0 |
| LAW 125 | Property | 2-4 |
| LAW 131 | Torts | 2-4 |
| LAW 133 | Accelerated Honors JD Program Seminar | 1 |
| LAW 134 | Global Lawyering Skills I | 3 |
| LAW 135 | Global Lawyering Skills II | 3 |
| LAW 136 | Global Lawyering Skills III | 3 |
| LAW 151 | Business Associations | 4 |
| LAW 155 | Community Property | 2 |
| LAW 163 | Constitutional Law | 4 |
| LAW 165 | Criminal Procedure | 3 |
| LAW 170 | Wills and Trusts | 3 |
| LAW 174 | Evidence | 4 |
| LAW 185 | Professional Responsibility | 2 |
| LAW 187 | Law and Ethics in Government | 2-3 |
| LAW 190 | Remedies | 3 |
| LAW 200 | Financial Literacy for Lawyers | 2-3 |
| LAW 201 | Introduction to Law for Public Administration | 3 |
| LAW 209 | Local Agency Practice | 2 |
| LAW 210 | Business Planning | 2-3 |
| LAW 211 | Entrepreneurial Management | 2 |
| LAW 212 | Intro. to Legal Analysis | 2 |
| LAW 214 | Small Business Seminar | 2 |
| LAW 216 | The Business of Lawyering | 1 |
| LAW 217 | Leadership in Organizations for Graduate Students | 1 |
| LAW 218 | Expert Evidence | 2 |
| LAW 220 | Banking Law | 3 |
| LAW 224 | Business Reorganization | 2-3 |
| LAW 225 | Bankruptcy | 2-3 |
| LAW 227 | Bankruptcy Pro Se Clinic | 2-3 |
| LAW 230 | Water Resources Law | 2-3 |
| LAW 235 | Environmental Practice | 3 |
| LAW 240 | Insurance Law | 2-3 |
| LAW 255 | Federal Securities Regulations | 3 |
| LAW 257 | Making Deals | 2 |
| LAW 260 | Commercial Law | 3 |
| LAW 261 | Sales of Goods | 3 |
| LAW 265 | Copyright Law | 2-3 |
| LAW 266 | Patent Law | 2-3 |
| LAW 267 | Patent Prosecution | 2 |
| LAW 275 | Survey of Intellectual Property Law | 3 |
| LAW 275-O | Survey of Intellectual Property Law | 3 |
| LAW 280 | U.S. Antitrust and International Competition Law | 2 |
| LAW 285 | Trademark Law | 2 |
| LAW 290 | Computer and Internet Law | 2-3 |
| LAW 297 | Sports Law | 2-3 |
| LAW 299 | Entertainment Law | 1-2 |
| LAW 300 | Federal Income Taxation | 3 |
| LAW 302 | Estate and Gift Tax/Estate Planning | 3 |
| LAW 304 | Mental Health - Policy and Law | 2 |
| LAW 308 | Art of Plea Bargaining | 1 or 2 |
| LAW 310 | Taxation of Business Entities | 3 |
| LAW 325 | Taxation of Real Estate Transactions | 3 |
| LAW 340 | Tax Practice and Procedure | 2 |
| LAW 375 | U.S. Taxation of International Transactions | 3 |
| LAW 400 | Advanced Criminal Procedure | 2 |
| LAW 405 | Worker's Compensation Law | 2 |
| LAW 410 | White Collar Crime | 2 |
| LAW 415 | Criminal Law Defenses | 2 |
| LAW 420 | Advanced Torts | 2 |
| LAW 421 | Guns and Tort Liability | 1-2 |
| LAW 431 | Artificial Intelligence and the Law | 2 |
| LAW 433 | Employment Law | 3 |
| LAW 433-O | Employment Law - Online | 3 |
| LAW 436 | Beer Law | 2 |
| LAW 437 | Workplace Investigations | 2 |
| LAW 438 | Defamation Law | 1 |
| LAW 439 | US and Intl Arbitration | 3 |
| LAW 440 | Family Law | 2-3 |
| LAW 442 | Alternatives to Litigation in Family Law | 2 |
| LAW 450 | Juvenile Law | 1 |
| LAW 451 | Local Government and Housing Law | 3 |
| LAW 452 | Sports Law in Practice | 1 |
| LAW 453 | Jury Selection | 2-3 |
| LAW 465 | Federal Habeas Corpus | 3 |
| LAW 490 | Do Not Use - Unassigned | 2 |
| LAW 491 | Do Not Use - Unassigned | 2-3 |
| LAW 500 | Administrative Law | 3 |
| LAW 502 | The Executive Branch and the Administrative State | 3 |
| LAW 503 | Legislation and Statutory Interpretation | 3 |
| LAW 505 | Legislatures and Lawmaking | 3 |
| LAW 506 | Law and Literature | 1-2 |
| LAW 507 | Environmental Law | 3 |
| LAW 509 | Special Topics in Environmental Law | 2 or 3 |
| LAW 510 | Natural Resources Law | 3 |
| LAW 511 | Climate Change Law & Policy | 2 |
| LAW 513 | California Lobbying & Politics | 2 |
| LAW 513-O | Lobbying & Politics | 3 |
| LAW 515 | Conflict of Laws | 3 |
| LAW 516 | Law of Armed Conflict | 2 |
| LAW 517 | Statutes and Regulations | 3 |
| LAW 518 | Public Authority in Use | 2 |
| LAW 522 | Contract Drafting | 3 |
| LAW 523 | State and Federal Taxation | 3 |
| LAW 526 | Mediation | 2-3 |
| LAW 528 | Online Dispute Resolution | 1 |
| LAW 530 | Business Organizations | 3 |
| LAW 531 | National Security: Counterterrorism | 1-3 |
| LAW 535 | First Amendment Law | 2-3 |
| LAW 542 | Employment Discrimination Law | 2-3 |
| LAW 545 | Federal Courts | 3 |
| LAW 550 | Immigration Law and Policy | 3 |
| LAW 555 | Labor Law | 3 |
| LAW 560 | Land Use Planning | 2 |
| LAW 561 | Representing Local Agencies | 1 |
| LAW 566 | Public Agency Law | 2 |
| LAW 567 | Election Law | 2 |
| LAW 567-O | Election Law - Online | 3 |
| LAW 568 | California Initiative Seminar | 2 |
| LAW 570 | Health Law | 3 |
| LAW 572 | Public Health Law | 3 |
| LAW 573 | Bioethics and Public Health Law | 1-3 |
| LAW 576 | Cap. Lawyering and Pol. Making | 2 |
| LAW 576-O | Government Law & Policymaking | 3 |
| LAW 580 | Public Education Law | 2-3 |
| LAW 583 | Water & Environmental Justice | 3 |
| LAW 586 | Federal Indian Law | 2-3 |
| LAW 590 | Animal Law | 2 |
| LAW 600 | Public International Law | 3 |
| LAW 602 | United Nations: Law and Practice | 1-3 |
| LAW 608 | International and Foreign Legal Research | 1-2 |
| LAW 614 | International Protection of Human Rights | 2-3 |
| LAW 616 | Marijuana Law and Drug Policy | 2 |
| LAW 617 | Practice and Business of Cannabis Law | 2 |
| LAW 619 | International Criminal Law | 1-3 |
| LAW 620 | International Environmental Law | 3 |
| LAW 621 | International Water Resources Law Seminar | 2-3 |
| LAW 624 | Legal Spanish for U.S. Lawyers | 2 |
| LAW 625 | International Business Transactions | 3 |
| LAW 630 | International Banking | 2 |
| LAW 631 | International Negotiations | 2 |
| LAW 635 | Transnational Litigation | 3 |
| LAW 638 | EU: Int'l Trade & External Relation | 1 |
| LAW 647 | International Economic Law | 2 |
| LAW 650 | European Union Law | 1-3 |
| LAW 654 | European Union Law for International Business | 1 |
| LAW 675 | U.S. & International Sale of Goods | 2 |
| LAW 676 | International Labor Law | 2-3 |
| LAW 680 | International Intellectual Property | 1-3 |
| LAW 688 | Internship | 1-12 |
| LAW 689 | International Arbitration | 2-3 |
| LAW 690 | Special Topics- International | 1-3 |
| LAW 690A | International Law In Practice | 1 |
| LAW 690B | Hot Topics in European and International Company Law | 1 |
| LAW 692 | Comparative Freedom of Expression | 1 |
| LAW 694 | International Dispute Resolution | 1 |
| LAW 699 | Special Topics | 1-4 |
| LAW 699AA | Legal Argumentation Seminar | 2-3 |
| LAW 699AG | Negotiating Entertainment Contracts | 1 |
| LAW 699AH | Juvenile Dependency Law | 2-3 |
| LAW 699AI | Doing Business in Europe: EU and International Law Essentials | 1 |
| LAW 699AL | Race and the Law | 2 |
| LAW 699AM | Special Topics | 1-4 |
| LAW 699B | Special Topics | 1-4 |
| LAW 699BB | The Law of American Policing | 1-2 |
| LAW 699C | Leading in the Law | 1 |
| LAW 699CC | Racial Justice and Equity Practicum | 3-4 |
| LAW 699D | Special Topics | 1-4 |
| LAW 699DD | Criminal Competency and Responsibility | 2-3 |
| LAW 699EE | Expert Testimony Using Technology | 2-3 |
| LAW 699F | Cybersecurity Law & Policy | 1-2 |
| LAW 699G | Information Privacy Law | 1-2 |
| LAW 699H | Race, Mass Incarceration & Criminal Justice Reform | 3 |
| LAW 699I | Leadership in Organizations | 2 |
| LAW 699J | Gaming Law and Regulation | 1 |
| LAW 699K | Law Teaching | 2 |
| LAW 699L | Writing for Publication | 2 |
| LAW 699M | Legal English | 1 |
| LAW 699N | Disability Law | 1-2 |
| LAW 699P | Democracy & the Rule of Law | 1 |
| LAW 699Q | Victims in Criminal Procedure | 2 |
| LAW 699S | Reproductive Rights and Justice | 1-2 |
| LAW 699T | Law and Legal Technology | 1-2 |
| LAW 699U | JSD Research Seminar | 1 |
| LAW 699V | Settling International Disputes: The Global Trend | 1 |
| LAW 699X | Negotiations | 3 |
| LAW 699Y | Implicit Bias and the Law: Modern Forms of Discrimination | 2 |
| LAW 700 | American Legal History Seminar | 2-3 |
| LAW 701 | Poverty Law | 3 |
| LAW 702 | Street Law International | 3 |
| LAW 705 | Introduction to Space Law | 1-2 |
| LAW 706 | Persuasive Public Speaking | 1-2 |
| LAW 711 | Practical Analysis, Strategies, & Skills (PASS) I | 3 |
| LAW 712 | Practical Analysis, Strategies, & Skills (PASS) II | 3 |
| LAW 745 | Elder Law and Social Policy | 3 |
| LAW 747 | Elder & Health Law Clinic | 1-3 |
| LAW 750 | Women and the Law | 2 |
| LAW 770 | Critical Race Theory | 2 |
| LAW 780 | Sexual Orientation and Gender ID | 2 |
| LAW 800 | Client Interviewing and Counseling | 1-2 |
| LAW 801 | Arbitration: Advocacy and Practice | 1-3 |
| LAW 802 | Negotiation and Settlements Seminar | 2 or 3 |
| LAW 803 | Advanced Legal Research - Blended | 2 |
| LAW 804 | Criminal Pretrial Litigation | 2-3 |
| LAW 807 | Advanced Appellate Advocacy Seminar | 2 |
| LAW 809 | Civil Pretrial Litigation | 2 |
| LAW 812 | Trial Advocacy & Evidence Skills | 3 |
| LAW 812L | Trial Advocacy & Evidence Skills.-Lecture | 0 |
| LAW 815 | Advanced Trial Advocacy | 3 |
| LAW 821 | Taking and Defending Depositions | 2-3 |
| LAW 822 | Lawmaking in California | 2 |
| LAW 824 | Written Discovery | 1-2 |
| LAW 826 | Negotiating Disputes Into Deals | 1 |
| LAW 850 | Homeless Advocacy Clinic | 1-3 |
| LAW 853 | Legislative & Public Policy Clinic | 3 |
| LAW 859 | Small Business Law Clinic | 3 |
| LAW 865 | Immigration Clinic | 1-3 |
| LAW 874 | Federal Defender Clinic | 3 |
| LAW 875 | Bankruptcy Clinic | 1-3 |
| LAW 882 | California Parole Hearings and Litigation | 1 |
| LAW 895 | Federal Pretrial/Trial Litigation Seminar | 2 |
| LAW 904 | Crime Victims Seminar | 1 |
| LAW 909 | Prisoner Civil Rights Mediation Clinic | 3 |
| LAW 920 | Pacific Law Review - Editors | 1-3 |
| LAW 921 | Pacific Law Review - Staff | 1-3 |
| LAW 922 | Pacific Legislative Law Review | 1 |
| LAW 923 | Law Review Seminar | 1 |
| LAW 954 | Externship | 3-4 |
| LAW 956 | Externship - Judicial | 2-14 |
| LAW 957 | Externship - Seminar | 0 |
| LAW 960 | Externship-Semester in Practice Accelerated Honors Program | 7 |
| LAW 961 | Externship - Semester in Practice | 2-14 |
| LAW 969 | Mock Trial Evidence I and II | 2 |
| LAW 979 | Interviewing and Counseling Team | 1 |
| LAW 980 | LLM Legal Research, Writing and Analysis | 2 |
| LAW 982 | Negotiations Competition Team | 1 |
| LAW 986 | Dissertation | 12 |
| LAW 989 | Master's Thesis | 6 |
| LAW 990 | Directed Research | 1-2 |
| LAW 991 | Directed Research, Graduate Level | 1-3 |
| LAW 995 | Visiting Program/Off Campus | 17 |
