Monterey College of Law

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Monterey College of Law (MCL) is a private, non-profit law school founded in 1972 in Monterey, California. It provides a 4-year, part-time evening J.D. program that is accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California. The school is also the first California accredited law school to be granted authority to offer a two-year Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.) degree for individuals who wish to seriously study law, but do not wish to pursue a traditional law degree. In August 2005, the College of Law moved into its new home within the higher-education enclave being developed on the former Fort Ord Army base. The College of Law joins California State University Monterey Bay in creating a rapidly growing educational destination for higher learning alongside the historic Monterey Bay.

The College was founded over thirty five years ago to serve the communities of the California central coast. It has succeeded in that mission. Alumni are community leaders, judges, lawyers, and business professionals representing the broad spectrum of individuals, organizations, and industries that define the area. The faculty at the College of Law is made up of dedicated, experienced, and respected lawyers and judges. Because the faculty remains actively involved in the legal community, students receive the unique benefit of their knowledge of both legal theory and legal practice.

The academic program features a four-year, evening program with small classes. The College of Law is accredited by the California Board of Bar Examiners, making J.D. graduates eligible to sit for the California Bar Exam, and upon passing, be licensed to practice law in California. Alumni include many local attorneys, deputy district attorneys and judges.

Monterey College of Law seeks applicants with a solid academic record, a satisfactory score on the Law School Admission Test, and a strong desire to study law. The student body ranges in age from 20's to 60's and represents a broad spectrum of the community. Applicants are welcome who have completed a Bachelors degree, an Associates degree, or who have successfully completed at least 60 units of college credit in an academic (non-vocational) program.

Monterey College of Law looks at the entire file on each applicant as part of the admissions process. Work experience, personal and professional recommendations, and a personal statement that discusses why the study of law is important to the applicant are all given careful consideration. The goal is to identify candidates for admission who display the character and skills necessary to succeed as law students . . . and ultimately as law graduates.

Additional information is available by contacting Dean Mitchel L. Winick at: www.montereylaw.edu.