Welcome to the California LAW Pathways FAQ page. Here, you’ll find answers to common questions about our program, eligibility, resources, and more. If you need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@calawpathways.org.
What is the California LAW Pathways (Cal LAW) Program?
Cal LAW is a community college to legal career pathway program for students from historically underrepresented communities.
We strive to equip future legal professionals with the skills, leadership, and commitment needed to advocate for equity and a socially just legal system that drives meaningful change in the communities it serves.
Who is eligible to participate?
At Cal LAW, we’re here to support students from all backgrounds who are interested in exploring a future in law. As part of our commitment to equity and inclusion, we want to make sure our programs reflect the many intersecting identities that make up California’s student population.
The California LAW Pathways program is open to community college students interested in a legal career and enrolled at one of our 36 participating California Community Colleges that offer the California LAW Pathways program. Students have the option to participate and/or earn a Cal LAW Pathways Certificate of Achievement for completing a 7-course pre-law course pattern. Earning the certificate is not required to participate. Contact your local pathway to law program for specific information about local program eligibility and requirements.
How can I join the Cal LAW Pathways program?
The Cal LAW Pathway begins at the Community College level. Community College students that attend a partner school can apply for the program by following these steps:
- Sign up at your local community college and complete the Cal LAW Student Survey to officially join the pathway.
- Attend local and statewide pre-law events and workshops to explore careers and build connections.
- Meet with your counselor, build a comprehensive education plan. Inquire about the Cal LAW Scholar Certification and requirements.
View our Cal LAW Roadmap for more information on program steps and opportunities.
Take a look at our partner map to see a full list of participating campuses. Visit our resources page for more information.
What benefits do Cal LAW Scholars receive?
As a Cal LAW Scholar, you gain access to:
- Academic, Career, and Transfer Support
- Student who complete the Cal LAW Scholar Certification gain Special Recognition in Four-Year Institutions and Law School Applications and a Fee Waiver
- Priority Access to Pre-Law Events
- Mentorship and Financial Resources
For more information, review Cal LAW scholar benefits here.
How do I apply to law school as a Cal LAW Scholar?
Cal LAW Scholars are encouraged to:
- Highlight their unique experience as a Cal LAW Scholar.
- Connect with the pre-law advisor at your university.
- Get your application fee waived
For detailed guidance, refer to our Applying to Law School document.
What events does California LAW Pathways host?
Cal LAW hosts events all year long that are designed just for you! Whether you’re a community college student, undergraduate, law student, or a pathway partner, there are tailored sessions packed with resources, best practices, and networking opportunities. Stay informed about upcoming events on our Events page and follow us on social media.
How can I get involved or support the program?
There are many ways to support the mission of the Cal LAW program. Some ways to get involved include:
- Volunteering: For more information visit our “get involved” webpage.
- Donations and sponsorships: For more information visit our “donations and sponsorships” webpage.
For other inquiries or to learn about how we can collaborate please contact us directly at info@calawpathways.org.
Whom can I contact for more information?
For questions or additional information, please reach out to info@calawpathways.org.
Can I join Cal LAW if I am not a community college student?
While our formal pathway is designed to begin at the community college level, we welcome and encourage broader participation. Many of our events are open to all students interested in pursuing a legal career, regardless of where they are in their academic journey.
Students attending a four-year university who are interested in earning the Cal LAW Pathways Certificate are welcome to contact their campus counselor or pre-law advisor to determine whether participation is a good fit and how they can stay connected to the Cal LAW community.
To explore upcoming opportunities and stay connected, we recommend the following:
- Visit our Events Page: https://calawpathways.org/events/
- Follow us on Instagram: @calawpathways
- Sign up for our Newsletter: Join here
Does Cal LAW have any resources that will help future law students study for the LSAT?
While Cal LAW Pathways doesn’t currently offer LSAT prep courses directly, there are excellent resources available to help you prepare and navigate the law school application process:
- LSAC LawHub — LSAC’s central hub for LSAT preparation, law school guidance, and related resources.
- LexScholars by AccessLex — A free resource that provides LSAT prep and admissions support, particularly for underrepresented students.
Both sites offer valuable tools and programs that can support you as you plan your path to law school.
Do you have any events or resources that are directed towards Middle School and High School students that have an interest in Law?
The California Legal Pathways Collaborative (CLPC) brings the law to classrooms. Students learn directly from legal professionals and explore law-related careers through events, mentorship, and hands-on experiences.
Additionally, we upload recordings of past events to our YouTube channel , which you might find engaging and informative.