Certificate Programs

Certificate Programs

All of the certificates expose students to the realities of practice in addition to the theories and doctrines behind each area of law. A full-time member of the Western State faculty with prior practice experience in the certificate’s subject matter area directs each certificate program. By including experiential learning through the law school’s externship and clinical programs, the certificate programs expose students to practical skills training in which they receive certification from the State Bar of California to directly represent real clients. And the pro bono and public service requirements reflect the law school’s commitment to serving the community.

Below is a list of Western State’s certificate programs:

BUSINESS LAW CERTIFICATE

• Faculty Advisor: Professor Charles Sheppard

A student may earn a certificate and a corresponding transcript notation by completing 24 academic units of BLC core courses and 3 academic units of approved elective courses, for a total of 27 units, with a minimum grade point average of (1) 2.3 cumulative grade point average, (2) 2.5 cumulative grade point average in BLC courses, and (3) no less than a grade of 2.0 in any individual core BLC course.

CRIMINAL LAW STUDIES CERTIFICATE

• Faculty Advisor: Professor Elizabeth Jones

To earn the certificate, a student is required to complete 19 units of required courses, plus at least 3 additional elective units from a list of approved courses, for a total of 22 units, with a minimum grade point average of (1) 2.3 cumulative grade point average, (2) 2.5 cumulative grade point average in CLPC qualifying courses, (3) no less than 2.0 grade point average in any individual required CLPC course , and (4) at least 15 hours of director-approved pro bono or public service volunteer work.

IMMIGRATION LAW PRACTICE CERTIFICATE

• Faculty Advisor: Professor Zoha Khan

To earn the certificate, a student must complete a combination of mandatory courses and electives, which would equal 23 Credits of coursework plus 25 hours of pro bono work to low-income or modest means non-citizens

FAMILY LAW PRACTICE CERTIFICATE

• Faculty Advisor: Professor Amy Baghramian

To earn the certificate, a student must complete a combination of mandatory courses and electives, which would equal 24 credits of coursework, including 5 credits of a civil externship, plus 15 hours of pro bono / public service work

REAL ESTATE PRACTICE CERTIFICATE

• Faculty Advisor: Professor Charles Sheppard

To earn the certificate, a student must complete a combination of mandatory courses and electives, which would equal 24 Credits of coursework, including 5 Credits of a civil externship, plus 15 hours of pro bono / public service work.