Welcome to Cal Northern School of Law
A key institution in California law education
Small School,
Big Results
Located in Chico, CA, Cal Northern School of Law is the only College Law between Sacramento and the Oregon border, offering specialized legal education. Choose between two convenient, affordable legal education options: Earn a J.D. (Doctor of Jurisprudence) degree in four years of night study, attending classes either in person or synchronously online three nights a week. This program fulfills the educational requirements for admission to the State Bar of California. Alternatively, earn a Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.) degree part-time over two years, designed for comprehensive understanding of the legal system. All courses are offered in a blended synchronous in person and remote format via the Zoom platform.
Cal Northern’s distance education program is currently only available to students who reside in the State of California.
Individuals enrolled in the MLS program are not admitted to Cal Northern School of Law as a potential candidate for the JD degree. Except as provided in Rule 4.30 of the Admissions Rules (Legal education in a foreign state or country), completion of a professional law degree program at this law school other than for the Juris Doctor degree does not qualify a student to take the California Bar Examination or satisfy the requirements for admission to practice law in California. It may not qualify a student to take the bar examination or to satisfy requirements for admission to the practice of law in any other jurisdiction. A student intending to seek admission to practice law should contact the admitting authority in the jurisdictions where the student intends to qualify to sit for the bar examination or to be admitted to practice for information regarding their legal education requirements.
We encourage you to contact us today to find out how we can help you earn your J.D. or M.L.S. and move closer to reaching your professional goals. Visit our Academic Catalog here.
CAL NORTHERN School of Law is located in Chico, California, about 100 miles north of Sacramento on Highway 99.
Explore Our Law Programs
Cal Northern School of Law is proud to consistently be ranked among the very top California Accredited Law Schools (CALS), elevating University standards. Our program yields high bar pass rates all the while being affordable. Our University programs are designed for our student’s success! Our part time evening program allows students to continue working and care for their family.
Find our most recent BPPE School Performance Fact Sheet and Annual Report here.
Our Mission
Cal Northern School of Law seeks to provide an affordable quality legal education to students that is both practical and well-grounded in legal theory. Through a part-time evening law program, students can maintain their employment and be near their families while studying the law.
Taught by judges, lawyers and other professionals, the Law School’s curriculum is designed to expose students to the day-to-day application of the law and to prepare them to pass the California Bar Examination and be ethical successful members of the legal profession.
Upcoming Events
Helping Applicants Navigate Admissions
The prospect of applying to law school can feel overwhelming, but many California institutions offer support to ease the way. Prospective students can draw on a wealth of resources – from admissions workshops and information sessions to alumni networks and application guides. These tools simplify the application process, helping graduates choose a law school that fits their aspirations. Graduates from these programs find themselves well-prepared for various legal careers.
Accreditation: Ensuring Quality in California Law Schools
Choosing a law school in California means paying attention to accreditation. It’s a badge of quality, ensuring that the education you’ll receive meets rigorous standards set by either the American Bar Association (ABA) or the state bar. Accredited schools not only guarantee a high standard of education but also significantly impact your eligibility to sit for the bar exams across different areas. Earning a degree from an accredited institution can unlock numerous career opportunities and offers peace of mind that your education is recognized.
Why Bar Exam Pass Rates Matter
When checking out law schools, bar exam pass rates are a metric you can’t ignore. Strong pass rates often showcase a school’s capability to thoroughly prepare their students for the challenge ahead. At Cal Northern School of Law, our credible bar pass rates speak volumes, giving students confidence in our legal education and boosting their chances of a successful career in law. These numbers can often sway the decision on which school to attend, as they highlight an institution’s dedication to its students’ achievements.
Emergency Information
Emergency Updates/Timely Warnings
How to Report an Incident:
If an incident is in progress, or has just occurred, call 911 immediately.
For all other campus incident reporting, please complete the incident report form and contact the Non-Emergency Contact numbers below, or email
Non-Emergency Contacts:
Sandra L. Brooks, Dean:
(530) 891-6900 (during business hours)
(530) 228-4898 (after hours)
sbrooks@calnorthern.edu
Marty Gosling, Registrar:
(530) 891-6900
mgosling@calnorthern.edu
Emergency Contacts:
Chico Fire Department (530) 897-3400
Chico Police Department (530) 897-3400
Eagle Security: (866) 345-6395
CNSL Emergency Notification Systems:
- Emergency Information on CNSL Website: In the event of a major emergency, information about the status of the Law School is posted here.
- Email Notifications: The Law School maintains a list of email addresses for all students, faculty, and staff that can distribute timely information about crimes as well as emergencies and other situations posing a risk to campus safety. Members of the CNSL community are encouraged to check their CNSL email account for safety and security information.
List of Campus Security Authorities (CSA):
While students are encouraged to report crimes to the police, they are also urged to report any incidents to a campus security authority listed below for proper incident tracking. The current designated CSAs and their titles are:
Sandra L. Brooks, Dean:
(530) 891-6900 (during business hours)
(530) 228-4898 (after hours)
sbrooks@calnorthern.edu
Marty Gosling, Registrar:
(530) 891-6900
mgosling@calnorthern.edu
Emergency Documentation
Making the Most of University Campus Life
At California law schools, campus life goes beyond lectures. Students can dive into clinics, internships, and institute projects that boost practical skills while building professional networks. These experiences ensure students step into the legal world with confidence, equipped to navigate their careers. An active campus life encourages engagement with peers and mentors, nurturing a supportive and stimulating educational environment.
Leading California Law Schools and Their Programs
California boasts several top-ranked law schools in places like Los Angeles and at the University of California, celebrated for their superior educational offerings. These schools present a gamut of opportunities, from traditional JD programs to specialized clinics and classes focusing on Policy and Pacific legal studies. Prospective students can tailor their education to their career ambitions, solidifying California as an ideal locale for legal education. The diversity of programs also allows students to pursue niche fields, fostering an enriched educational experience.