Follow these instructions to start your path to Law School
How to join:
- Submit an Interest Form (Go straight to the application if you are ready to join.)
- Attend one of the following 30-minute info sessions: (Fall sessions have concluded. Contact us to schedule a one-on-one info session.)
- Complete a Pathways to Law School Application
Contact
What is Pathway to Law School?
RÍo Hondo College Pathway to Law School, in partnership with California LAW Pathways, is for underrepresented college students interested in learning more about law schools and careers in the legal field. The initiative is designed to enhance opportunities and advancement in the legal profession for diverse populations. Ideally, students will spend two years at RÍo Hondo College then transfer to any accredited undergraduate institution to complete their bachelor’s degree and then be considered for a priority admissions review to one of the six participating law schools listed below.
*The Pathway to Law School Certificate is issued by California LAW Pathways. This certificate is part of a larger program that involves community colleges, 4-year universities, and various law schools.
Note: Neither the Pathway to Law School program nor any of its faculty or staff provides legal advice or referrals; the Pathway to Law School program is solely an educational program for the benefit of qualifying RÍo Hondo College students.
Program Benefits
Students will receive:
- Individual counseling and mentoring
- Exposure to careers in law
- Internship opportunities at legal offices
- Networking and learning opportunities from lawyers and attorneys
- Membership to the RÍo Hondo College Pre-Law Society Club (TBD)
- Priority admissions review at Cal LAW Pathways partner law schoolsAdmissions is not guaranteed, only a priority review of your application
- Law school application fee waived for Cal LAW Pathways partner law schools. Student must contact the CA LAW Faculty Champion at each Law School to receive the waiver ahead of time. Directory can be found here.
Participating Law Schools
- Loyola Marymount University
- University of California, Irvine
- University of California, Davis
- University of San Francisco
- Santa Clara University
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of California, Berkeley
See all of our partner colleges and universities.
Cal LAW Pathways Certificate Requirements
Students in the program must complete the following 7 courses prior to transfer:
| Course | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | English 101: College Composition and Research | 3.5 |
| 2 | English 201: Advanced Composition and Critical Thinking OR Philosophy 110: Critical Thinking | 3.5 |
| 3 | One U.S. History Course: HIST 143, 144, 156, 157, 158, 159, 170 | 3 |
| 4 | Political Science 110: Government of the United States | 3 |
| 5 | Political Science 125: Law and Democracy OR Philosophy 128: Intro to Political Philosophy OR Philosophy 135: Philosophy of Social Justice | 3 |
| 6 | Speech 140: Argumentation and Debate | 3 |
| 7 | One UC Transferrable Math: 130, 130H, 150, 160, 175, etc. | Vary |
| Recommended but not required: Counseling 101: College and Life Success AND/OR CWEG 290: Cooperative Work Experience/ Internship for Pre-Law Majors | 3 |
Some courses may be satisfied through AP course credit.
Who is Eligible to Participate?
You are eligible if you are a currently enrolled student at Rio Hondo College and have not yet transferred to a 4-year university. Students must join the Pathway to Law School pipeline while in high school or community college. If you have transcripts from a bachelor granting institution, and are not already part of Pathway to Law, then you are no longer eligible to join.
If you are not eligible for Pathway to Law, you may still qualify for Law School support programs from your university or college. Seek out resources at your institution, and speak to a counselor/adviser.