VVC is proud to feature pathways that offer our students access to law careers. We not only boast a Paralegal Studies program, but we also facilitate transfer to universities and, ultimately, law schools. There is no single “prelaw” major. Research has revealed that success in law school is based more on one’s ability to grasp and solve difficult intellectual problems, and to employ disciplined work habits, than to study a particular major. In choosing a major, one should follow a course of study that will afford them a broad cultural background and include intensive research. Law schools accept any major.
Most American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law schools in California require an excellent grade point average within a bachelor’s degree, as well as high scores on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) for entrance into an intensive three-year program. Some law schools require only an associate degree for admission. Students who complete law school earn the Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and can then practice law in the state of California upon passing the California Bar Examination.
Faculty
Glickstein, R. Lynne
Pathway to Law School Program
Victor Valley College has an exciting new program designed to facilitate a student’s journey through higher education toward the legal profession, including a guided pathway to law school. This program is a product of the collaboration between the California State Bar Coalition for Access and Fairness and the California Community College Chancellor’s office administered by California Law Inc.
It is known as a 2+2+3 program that guides the student every step of the way through their educational journey. Participating universities and law school institutions include UC Los Angeles, USC, UC Irvine, UC Davis, UC Berkeley, Loyola Marymount, University of San Francisco, Pepperdine University, Chapman University, and Santa Clara University. Benefits of program participation include special recognition on transfer transcripts, potential waiver of application fees at each institution, and the designated mentoring provided by faculty champions at VVC. VVC is the 30th community college admitted to this program and is very proud to offer this program, beginning with the 2018-2019 academic year.
An application to the Pathway to Law School Program is required. Students participating in the program must earn an associate’s degree and meet all university transfer admission requirements. Participation in this program does not guarantee admission to any partner schools or schools of law. Students are encouraged to meet with a VVC counselor for associate degree and transfer educational planning. The Graduation and Transfer section of this catalog also provides useful information.
Pathway to Law School Program Director: Lynne Glickstein, Esq.
(760) 245-4271 ext. 2491
Pathway to Law Certificate of Achievement
State Control Number: 37010
Program Code: PATHLAW.CERT
Approved for Federal Financial Aid: No
The Pathway to Law School program was designed as a collaboration between the California State Bar and the California Chancellors office offering a diverse student population opportunities to advance their careers in the legal profession. The curriculum is defined as a set of California Community College courses already approved in corresponding Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) areas in order to prepare students for law school and the legal profession prior to transfer. These courses will teach the necessary critical thinking and analytical skills for success in a law related occupation or career. Certificates awarded will identify the student as a LAW SCHOLAR for both career training and transfer to a four year participating institution. This program is designed as a 2+2+3 program with 10 participating universities, Santa Clara University, Loyola-Marymount Los Angeles University, University of Southern California, UCLA, UC Irvine, UC Davis, University of San Francisco, Chapman University, Pepperdine University, and UC Berkeley.
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
Required Courses | ||
CMST 104 | Argumentation and Oral Debate | 3.0 |
or CMST 109 | Public Speaking | |
ENGL 101.0 | English Composition and Reading | 4.0 |
or ENGL 101H | Honors Composition and Reading | |
GUID 50 | College Success | 1.0 |
PAL 100 | Introduction to Law and Paralegal Studies | 3.0 |
or LAW 100 | Introduction to Law & Paralegal Studies | |
POLS 102 | Introduction to American Government And Politics | 3.0 |
POLS 138 | Cooperative Education Political Science | 1.0-8.0 |
Complete one course from the following: | 3.0 | |
Introduction to Logic | ||
Critical Thinking & Composition | ||
Introduction to Critical Thinking | ||
Complete one course from the following: | 3.0-5.0 | |
Introduction to Statistics | ||
or MATH 120H | ||
or MATH 120S | Introduction to Statistics With Skills Support | |
or PSYC 215 | Introduction to Statistics in Social and Behavioral Sciences | |
Complete one course from the following: | 3.0 | |
History of U.S to 1876 | ||
History of U.S From 1876 | ||
Women in U.S. History | ||
Total Units | 24-33 |
Law Courses
Introduction to Law. This course provides an overview of the American legal system including its development, structure and history. The course will review the legal and judicial process in the United States covering the adversarial system, jurisdiction of federal and state courts, and the general process of judicial review. Explanation of different sources of law including statutes, court cases and administrative agency rules. Review of basic legal reasoning and introductory research methods.Introduction to civil law, criminal law, family law, real property law, contracts, employment, immigration, intellectual property, and other areas of law. Also included is a review of the principles of legal ethics. Review the paralegal profession and role of the paralegal in a variety of legal settings.
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 101.0 or ENGL 101H
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
This course requires students to participate in a mock trial. Students write trial briefs, create pre-trial discovery strategies, give oral arguments and examine witnesses in a simulated case.
Recommended Preparation: PAL 100
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
Program Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) are statements of the kind of learning a program hopes a student will achieve. The PLOs describe the knowledge, skills, problem-solving, communication and values that apply to all certificates and/or degrees within that program.
Upon completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Understand and employ critical thinking skills leading to an ability to analyze, criticize, and advocate ideas.
- To reason inductively and deductively and to identify the assumptions upon which particular conclusions depend.
- Communicate effectively using both written and oral skills, synthesizing information to distinguish between fact from judgment.