School of Law - Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of frequently asked questions about California law schools.
Is Empire College School of Law a full-time law school?
Empire is a part-time, four-year evening program. Classes are held Monday through Thursday, usually from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. First-year classes are three nights a week, generally Monday from 6:00 to 7:00 and Tuesday through Thursday from 6:00 to 9:00. Thereafter, students attend classes an average of three nights per week.
What degree do students obtain upon graduation?
A Juris Doctor (J.D.). In order to practice law in California, one must pass the California Bar Examination.
What is Empire's pass rate on the California Bar?
Since opening in 1973, approximately 80 percent of Empire School of Law graduates who have taken the California Bar Exam have passed. Over the last five years, Empire School of Law has consistently achieved one of the highest pass rates for California accredited law schools, including being ranked second in the State on the February 2004 exam.
Is Empire College School of Law accredited?
Empire College School of Law is accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California.
What opportunities are there in Sonoma County for Empire School of Law graduates?
Approximately 25 percent of the Sonoma County Bar are Empire alumni. Our Law School graduates have an excellent reputation for success and include members of the judiciary in Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino and Merced counties.
What are the qualifications of Empire's instructors?
Empire's instructors are practicing attorneys or judges from the North Bay Area. All of the instructors teach in their area of practice/specialty.
How long is the school year?
There are three semesters (fall, spring, and summer), each 15 weeks in length.
What is the cost to attend Empire College School of Law?
The cost is $500.00 per unit. Students enroll for 23 units the first year, with a total of 86 units needed for graduation.
Is financial aid available?
Private educational loans are available. Monthly payment schedules may usually be arranged with the student.
When must the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) be taken?
Regular students must take the LSAT within four months of the first day of classes. Special students must take the LSAT prior to admission.
How are "Regular" and "Special" students defined?
Regular students are defined as those having a four-year degree, OR an A.A./A.S. degree, OR 60 semester or 90 quarter units of undergraduate studies acceptable toward a B.A. degree. Special students are defined as those having less than 60 semester or 90 quarter units of undergraduate studies acceptable toward a B.A. degree.
What opportunities are there for Empire School of Law graduates to practice law outside of California?
While the majority of our graduates practice law in California, some graduates of Empire School of Law are practicing law in other states. Each state has its own standards for admitting attorneys. Study at, or graduation from, Empire College School of Law may not qualify a student to take the bar examination in other states or satisfy the requirements to practice law in other states. Therefore, if a student intends to seek admission to practice law in a state other than California, the student should contact the admitting authority in that state for information regarding the legal education requirements for admission to practice law.
How does one apply for law school?
Contact the School of Law Admissions Office for complete information.
