ABOUT THE COLLEGES OF LAW
For over 50 years, The Colleges of Law has made a first-class legal education more accessible to a diverse range of students, producing engaged, civically minded graduates who make an indelible mark on the legal profession and other law-related fields.
50 YEARS, ONE PURPOSE: INNOVATING LEGAL EDUCATION
In 1969, The Colleges of Law became innovators by making quality legal education more accessible to anyone who possessed the passion, bravery, and intellectual rigor to pursue a legal degree—regardless of social standing or professional background.
50 years later, times have changed but the mission remains.
Today, our courses are delivered at night (J.D. program) or through a blended format (Hybrid J.D. program), making quality legal education accessible for modern students—those with hectic work schedules, families, and other commitments. Our accommodating professors and staff work hard to provide the support and resources students need to have a successful and rewarding law school experience
“The Colleges of Law opened a door for me I never thought possible. Knowing I had professors and administrators that would go to bat for me meant a lot.” – Gabriella Navarro-Busch, J.D. ’93, Immigration attorney
STEP INTO THE PROFESSION THE MINUTE YOU STEP INTO THE CLASSROOM
Students at The Colleges of Law are taught by professors who are active contributors to the legal profession—practicing judges, lawyers, and elected officials who often come straight from these positions to teach in The Colleges of Law classrooms. With their support and expertise, students develop the practical and theoretical skills necessary to succeed in today’s legal field.
With a degree from The Colleges of Law, our graduates join a network of accomplished, competent, and community-oriented professionals from all walks of life. Many have enjoyed successful careers in the legal profession. Others have applied their degrees from The Colleges of Law to fields like journalism, real estate, health care administration, government and corporate relations, social services, marketing, public relations, and more. One thing they all have in common?
They credit the Colleges of Law with preparing them for professional achievement.
“When my students are done, they know how to draft a patent application, legally defend a trademark agreement, and navigate the complex U.S. patent and trademark office’s policies and procedures.” – Erica Bristol, Professor and Intellectual property lawyer
DISCOVER A CLEAR PATHWAY TO YOUR FUTURE—WITHOUT DETOURING INTO DEBT
High tuition rates may actually diminish career paths for law school graduates because there are limited options that will lead to timely payback of debt. At The Colleges of Law, reasonable tuition rates and scholarship opportunities reflect our commitment to providing making legal education accessible through affordable degree programs that can prepare you for a wide range of career opportunities (and less post-graduation stress.)
Learn More About Financing Your Education
WE BELIEVE IN DEMOCRATIZING THE LAW WITHIN AND BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
We believe that the legal profession should reflect the diversity of the clients and communities it serves. Our student body brings to campus a wide range of skills, ideas, and beliefs. Learning and working together in a collaborative environment that emphasizes discussion and debate as well as hands-on experience and local engagement, you will develop strong relationships with each fellow students and members of the local community.
In addition to a deep intellectual and practical grasp of the law, graduates from The Colleges of Law are instilled with the cultural competence that comes from studying with a cohort from different backgrounds and perspectives. This prepares you to enter the legal profession as an engaged, civically minded guardian of the rule of law, honor-bound to advocate not only for your clients, but for the communities in which you live and work, and for the justice system as a whole.
COL graduates have a direct impact on the community every day. I watch them contribute in ways both big and small. I am proud that COL produces graduates who feel compelled to give back to our local community.” – Craig Smith, Full-time faculty, Former deputy district attorney and juvenile court judge.
Diversity Supports Equal Justice for All
The State Bar of California recognizes The Colleges of Law for our efforts to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in our organization and has selected our school to receive the DEI Leadership Gold Seal.
Expanding access and affordability to a broader range of people allows a wider demographic to access legal education more easily, leading to increased representation inside and outside the courtroom.
FAQs
Is The Colleges of Law accredited?
Yes, both campuses have been accredited for more than 30 years by the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California. We are now accredited by the Bar Examiners as one law school with two campuses. The Colleges of Law is institutionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools & Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
The Colleges of Law is not accredited by the American Bar Association.
What is the composition of the student body?
Men and women of all ages, backgrounds, and life experiences attend The Colleges of Law. Our students range in age from their 20s to their 60s, with an average age of about 35. The ratio of men/women students is about 50/50. Our student body reflects widely-diverse undergraduate majors and current employment fields
The Colleges of Law is an affiliate of The Community Solution Education System, a nonprofit system of colleges advancing student success and community impact.
OUR HISTORY
In 1969, Ventura attorney Fred J. Olson and a group of colleagues were looking to elevate society at a time of profound social change, founding an institution that would provide affordable legal education to people from all walks of life. The Ventura College of Law—a humble suite of classrooms leased annually from the former St. Catherine’s Academy for $1—opened in time for the 1969–1970 school year, with 36 students enrolled.
Soon after, in September 1974, Santa Barbara attorney Thomas Williams had a similar vision—establishing a law school on the former University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) Riviera campus. With Ventura College of Law successfully operating about 30 miles away, the two institutions merged in 1978.
Today, we have a network of powerful alumni who have made a positive impact on local businesses and nonprofits as well as the community as a whole. With Juris Doctor (J.D.) Hybrid J.D., and Master of Business, Law, and Technology programs that combine academic rigor, convenience, affordability, and real-world practicality, we have a reputation in the community for providing students with a strong foundation in legal education.
In 2010, The Colleges of Law joined The Community Solution Education System, a nonprofit higher education community dedicated to creating educational experiences that change the way students learn, educating them to apply their skills to bring about lasting social change.
OUR MISSION
The mission of The Colleges of Law is to provide access to law and law-related professions by emphasizing opportunity, academic excellence, and community engagement.
OUR VISION
To be a pioneer in modernizing legal education.
OUR VALUES
Student Centered
Inclusive
Community
Excellence
Integrity
The Colleges of Law is an affiliate of The Community Solution Education System, a nonprofit system of colleges advancing student success and community impact.