Learn From Judges, Lawyers,
& Additional Law Professionals
Curriculum
Learn from experts in law at Cal Northern School of Law! Our law school offers remote and in person instruction for students in Chico, CA, and Northern California. From our comprehensive curriculum to dedicated educators, we look forward to helping our students achieve their career goals.
Explore Our Class Curriculum
First Year
Fall (10 units) |
Spring (9 units) |
Summer (4 units) |
| 100 – Introduction to Law School and Legal Analysis (1)
An orientation course for first year law students designed to give new students an overview of the study of law, an introduction to the process of legal analysis and the case method used in their courses. Hours of Instruction: 15 hours |
101 B – Contracts (3)
A comprehensive survey of the law of contractual rights and obligations, including the formation of contracts, application of the Statute of Frauds, rights and liabilities of third party beneficiaries and assignees and excuse for nonperformance, such as conditions and discharge. Hours of Instruction: 3 hours each week for 15 weeks |
103 – Legal Research (2)
Fundamentals of finding and applying the law, including practical exercises in legal research and writing. Hours of Instruction: 3 hours each week for 10 weeks |
| 101 A – Contracts (3)
A comprehensive survey of the law of contractual rights and obligations, including the formation of contracts, application of the Statute of Frauds, rights and liabilities of third party beneficiaries and assignees and excuse for nonperformance, such as conditions and discharge. Hours of Instruction: 3 hours each week for 15 weeks |
102 B – Criminal Law (3)
A survey of criminal law, studying the origins and limits of criminal liability. It examines constitutional, statutory and case law (common law) rules which define, limit and provide defenses to individual liability for the major criminal offenses. Hours of Instruction: 3 hours each week for 15 weeks |
110 – Alternative Dispute Resolution (2)
This course will focus on the various methods of alternative dispute resolution, i.e., resolution of disputes without trial, including negotiation, mediation and arbitration. Hours of Instruction: 3 hours each week for 10 weeks |
| 102 A – Criminal Law (1)
A survey of criminal law, studying the origins and limits of criminal liability. It examines constitutional, statutory and case law (common law) rules which define, limit and provide defenses to individual liability for the major criminal offenses. Hours of Instruction: 3 hours each week for 5 weeks |
105 B – Torts (3)
A course embodying the entire spectrum of tortious activity, including negligence, products liability, intentional torts, interference with contractual rights and defamation. Hours of Instruction: 3 hours each week for 15 weeks |
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| 104 – Legal Writing (2)
An introduction to legal analytical thought, including practical exercises in writing and the fundamentals of legal research that provides a foundation for writing examinations and legal papers. Hours of Instruction: 3 hours each week for 10 weeks |
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| 105 A – Torts (3)
A course embodying the entire spectrum of tortious activity, including negligence, products liability, intentional torts, interference with contractual rights and defamation. Hours of Instruction: 3 hours each week for 15 weeks |
Second Year
Fall (9 units) |
Spring (9 units) |
Summer (4 units) |
| 207 A – Evidence (3)
A study of the rules of evidence by which lawyers try cases, including admissibility and exclusionary rules, the hearsay rule and its exceptions, matter subject to judicial review, presumptions and their uses. Hours of Instruction: 3 hours each week for 15 weeks |
205 A – Civil Procedure (3)
A basic course covering problems of jurisdiction, venue, pleadings, discovery, the effects of res judicata and collateral estoppel and forms of pre-trial motions. Hours of Instruction: 3 hours each week for 15 weeks |
205 B – Civil Procedure (2)
A basic course covering problems of jurisdiction, venue, pleadings, discovery, the effects of res judicata and collateral estoppel and forms of pre-trial motions. Hours of Instruction: 3 hours each week for 10 weeks |
| 208 A – Real Property (3)
The law of real property from its early beginnings, the freehold estate to modern title problems, tenancy in lands, rights of easements, documentation and urban renewal. Course will also cover historical background and present treatment of future interests in land, construction of limitations, powers of appointment, recording statutes, licenses in land and rights incident to ownership. Hours of Instruction: 3 hours each week for 15 weeks |
207 B – Evidence (1)
A study of the rules of evidence by which lawyers try cases, including admissibility and exclusionary rules, the hearsay rule and its exceptions, matter subject to judicial review, presumptions and their uses. Hours of Instruction: 3 hours each week for 20 weeks |
215 – Taxation (2)
A survey course which includes problems of individual income taxation, corporate taxation, partnership taxation, and estate and gift taxation that are relevant to attorneys and their practices. Hours of Instruction: 3 hours each week for 10 weeks |
| 210 – Wills (3)
The law of wills in California, including non-probate changes in ownership at death and intestate succession, with strong emphasis on the Probate Code. Hours of Instruction: 3 hours each week for 15 weeks |
208 B – Real Property (3)
The law of real property from its early beginnings, the freehold estate to modern title problems, tenancy in lands, rights of easements, documentation and urban renewal. Course will also cover historical background and present treatment of future interests in land, construction of limitations, powers of appointment, recording statutes, licenses in land and rights incident to ownership. Hours of Instruction: 3 hours each week for 15 weeks |
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| 209 – Trusts (2)
The substantive law of trusts. Formation of testamentary trusts and inter vivos trusts, rights and authority of trustors, trustees and beneficiaries; administration of trusts. Hours of Instruction: 3 hours each week for 10 weeks |
Third Year
Fall (9 units) |
Spring (9 units) |
Summer (4 units) |
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309 A – Business Associations (3) A general survey of associations formed for business purposes and the legal problems surrounding their existence, including formation of corporations, shareholders rights, promoters’ and directors’ liability, classes and types of shares, the formation of partnerships, duties and rights of partners, agency doctrines and governmental regulation of the sale of securities. Hours of Instruction: 3 hours each week for 15 weeks |
309 B – Business Associations (3) A general survey of associations formed for business purposes and the legal problems surrounding their existence, including formation of corporations, shareholders rights, promoters’ and directors’ liability, classes and types of shares, the formation of partnerships, duties and rights of partners, agency doctrines and governmental regulation of the sale of securities. Hours of Instruction: 3 hours each week for 15 weeks |
Elective (2) |
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310 – Community Property/ Family Law (3) The historical background of community property concepts, the nature of the interest of each spouse, the management and control, the right to encumber, the liability for debts and its disposition upon termination of the marriage. Introduction to family law legal forms. Hours of Instruction: 3 hours each week for 15 weeks |
312 B – Constitutional Law (3) A survey of the area of Federal Constitutional law including problems of judicial review, separation of power, interstate commerce, due process, equal protection and the first, fourth and fourteenth amendments to the Federal Constitution. Hours of Instruction: 3 hours each week for 15 weeks |
314 – Professional Responsbility (2) The course serves as an introduction to the rules, statutes, and case law governing attorney conduct, including a lawyer’s professional and ethical duties to clients and to the courts, the record keeping and fiduciary responsibilities of lawyers, attorney advertising and elimination of bias in the legal profession. Hours of Instruction: 3 hours each week for 10 weeks |
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312 A – Constitutional Law (3) A survey of the area of Federal Constitutional law including problems of judicial review, separation of power, interstate commerce, due process, equal protection and the first, fourth and fourteenth amendments to the Federal Constitution. Hours of Instruction: 3 hours each week for 15 weeks |
315 – Clinical Self-Help Center (3) The objective of this course is to provide a hands-on experience by providing students with an opportunity to assist self-represented litigants in a clinical setting by providing legal research, drafting court paperwork, and assisting self-represented litigants to understand upcoming court proceedings. Hours of Instruction: 3 hours each week for 15 weeks |
Fourth Year
Fall (9 units) |
Spring (8 units) |
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400 – Advanced Legal Writing (2) This advanced course focuses on skills in research and analysis, and affords students the opportunity to develop their persuasive writing skills through assignments involving preparation of motions, points and authorities, office memoranda, letters to clients and other documents. Hours of Instruction: 3 hours each week for 10 weeks |
420 – Trial Advocacy (2) A course designed to introduce the student to the art of advocacy. Each student will participate in mock trials, including preparation of legal pleadings. The Moot Court will be guided by Northern California trial lawyers and judges. Hours of Instruction: 2 hours each week for 15 weeks |
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415 B – Remedies (1) The equitable remedies of specific performance, injunctions, rescission, and reformation: the enforcement of equitable decrees, right to jury trial, equitable conversion and servitudes; interference with prospective contractual advantage; resulting and constructive trusts; and the measure of damages in contracts, torts and real property. Remedies for declaratory relief, unjust enrichment, quiet title, ejectment and replevin will also be examined. Hours of Instruction: 3 hours each week for 5 weeks |
415 A – Remedies (3) The equitable remedies of specific performance, injunctions, rescission, and reformation: the enforcement of equitable decrees, right to jury trial, equitable conversion and servitudes; interference with prospective contractual advantage; resulting and constructive trusts; and the measure of damages in contracts, torts and real property. Remedies for declaratory relief, unjust enrichment, quiet title, ejectment and replevin will also be examined. Hours of Instruction: 3 hours each week for 15 weeks |
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406 – Criminal Procedure (3) Procedure in criminal cases focusing on the rights of parties in criminal actions, including the areas of search and seizure, rights guaranteed by the State and Federal Constitution to counsel, jury trial, confrontation of witnesses, bail and testimonial privileges. Hours of Instruction: 3 hours each week for 15 weeks |
425 B – Advanced Legal Reasoning (3) An advanced course designed to improve the student’s analytical abilities and writing skills. Coursework will include lectures, discussions, assignments and written exercises with extensive critique. Hours of Instruction: 3 hours each week for 15 weeks |
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425 A – Advanced Legal Reasoning (3) An advanced course designed to improve the student’s analytical abilities and writing skills. Coursework will include lectures, discussions, assignments and written exercises with extensive critique. Hours of Instruction: 3 hours each week for 15 weeks |
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Class Schedule
First Year
Fall Schedule
| Day | Course | Instructor | Time |
| W, TH, T, W, TH | 100 – Introduction to Law School and Legal Analysis (8/7; 8/8; 8/13; 8/14 & 8/15) | Jacobs | 6:30- 9:30 |
| Tuesday | 104 – Legal Writing (8/20-10/22) | Richards | 6:30-9:30 |
| Tuesday | 102 A/B – Criminal Law (10/29-12/3) | Sears | 6:30-9:30 |
| Wednesday | 101 A/B – Contracts | Potter | 6:30-9:30 |
| Thursday | 105 A/B – Torts | Sorrells | 6:30-9:30 |
Spring Schedule
| Day | Course | Instructor | Time |
| Tuesday | 102 A/B – Criminal Law | Sears | 6:30- 9:30 |
| Wednesday | 101 A/B – Contracts | Potter | 6:30-9:30 |
| Thursday | 105 A/B – Torts | Sorrells | 6:30-9:30 |
Summer Schedule 2025
| Day | Course | Instructor | Time |
| Tuesday | 103 – Legal Research | Hansen | 6:30-9:30 |
| Wednesday | E 110 – Alternative Dispute Resolution | Brown | 6:30- 9:30 |
Second Year
Fall/Spring 2024-2025 Schedule (2nd/3rd Year Combination Class will take 2nd Year Courses. 3rd Year Courses will be taught 2025-2026)
| Day | Course | Instructor | Time |
| Tuesday | 210 – Wills | Williams | 6:30- 9:30 |
| Wednesday | 207 A/B – Evidence | Bennett | 6:30-9:30 |
| Thursday | 208 A/B – Real Property | Young | 6:30-9:30 |
Spring Schedule
| Day | Course | Instructor | Time |
| Thursday | 208 A/B – Real Property | Young | 6:30-9:30 |
| Wednesday | 207 A/B – Evidence (1/8- 2/5) | Bennett | 6:30-9:30 |
| Wednesday | 209 – Trusts (2/12- 4/23) | Williams | 6:30-9:30 |
| Tuesday | 205 A/B – Civil Procedure | Hansen | 6:30- 9:30 |
Summer Schedule 2024 (2nd Year Students)
| Day | Course | Instructor | Time |
| Tuesday | 314 – Professional Responsibility | Rodriguez | 6:30-9:30 |
| Wednesday | 215 – Taxation | Campbell | 6:30-9:30 |
Third Year
Fall Schedule (2nd/3rd Year Combination class will take 3rd Year Courses this year)
| Day | Course | Instructor | Time |
| Tuesday | 309 A/B – Business Associations | Campbell | 6:30-9:30 |
| Wednesday | 312 A/B – Constitutional Law | Jacobs | 6:30-9:30 |
| Thursday | 310 – Community Property/ Family Law | Lusher | 6:30-9:30 |
Spring Schedule
| Day | Course | Instructor | Time |
| Tuesday | 309 A/B – Business Associations | Campbell | 6:30-9:30 |
| Wednesday | 312 A/B – Constitutional Law | Jacobs | 6:30-9:30 |
| Thursday | 315 – Clinical Self-Help Center | Peterson | 6:30-9:30 |
Summer Schedule 2024 (3rd Year Students)
| Day | Course | Instructor | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 314- Professional Responsibility | Rodriguez | 6:30-9:30 |
| Thursday | E-135 – Child Welfare Dependency Law | Meyer | 6:30-9:30 |
| E-150 – Externship/ Independent Study |
Fourth Year
Fall Schedule
| Day | Course | Instructor | Time |
| Tuesday | 400 – Advanced Legal Writing (8/20-10/22) | Worley | 6:30-9:30 |
| Tuesday | 415-A – Remedies (10/29 -12/3) | Shepherd | 6:30-9:30 |
| Wednesday | 406 – Criminal Procedure | Barrette | 6:30-9:30 |
| Thursday | 425 A/B – Advanced Legal Reasoning I | Wieder and Wiemers | 6:30-9:30 |
Spring Schedule
| Day | Course | Instructor | Time |
| Tuesday | 420 – Trial Advocacy | Rodriguez | 6:30-8:30 |
| Wednesday | 415 A/B – Remedies | Shepherd | 6:30-9:30 |
| Thursday | 425 A/B – Advanced Legal Reasoning II | Wieder and Wiemers | 6:30-9:30 |
Electives
Elective courses are offered throughout the program in a variety of subjects based upon the availability of the professors and student demand.
Electives currently available at Cal Northern include: Alternative Dispute Resolution, Child Welfare Dependency Law, Debtor/Creditor Law, Employment Law, Insurance Law, Internship/Independent Study, Practical Family Law, Special Studies in Civil Discovery and California Workers’ Compensation.
Externship & Independent Study
Cal Northern School of Law encourages students to acquire practical experience in the field by performing legal work as a student intern under the direct supervision of a licensed attorney.
Read More!
- Third and fourth year students who are academically in good standing are eligible to apply for externship/independent study units. First and second year students and students on academic probation must receive approval from the Dean to be eligible for externship/independent study units.
- Registration for externship/independent study units cannot be retroactive. You must attend an Externship/Independent Study Orientation and turn in your Supervision Agreement form to the Faculty Externship Supervisor, Professor Tony Koester before you can begin counting hours and work toward your units. The hours completed must be substantive legal work (i.e., learning to analyze cases or case decisions, statutes, application of law to fact, developing legal theories and production of written work such as pleadings, motions, replies, discovery, memos, etc.) and not merely repetitive or secretarial in nature.
- A maximum of 2-units of credit is allowed on a Credit/No Credit basis, absent approval by the Faculty Senate. For 2-units credit, a minimum of 90 hours must be completed.
- In order for externship/independent study units to be included in the calculation of the 84 units required for graduation, the student must pay the required tuition.
- It is recommended students complete the externship during the semester for which they enroll but under no circumstances later than the Fall semester of the students 4th year of study.
- The Independent Study opportunity is for advanced students to pursue new and different areas of the law not covered in the standard curriculum. Generally projects will be awarded no more than 2 units of credit, based upon the amount of identifiable and pre-approved time spent in research and writing.
- Before a student may register for Independent Study, the student must first petition the Externship/Independent Study Faculty Supervisor for permission, submitting a detailed written proposal prepared by the student and receive approval by the Externship/Independent Study Faculty Supervisor in advance of beginning the project. The written proposal must include a time-line of steps to be taken and the estimated number of hours of each step, including research, drafts, editing and writing.
- Upon approval by the Faculty Senate, a student may substitute externship/independent study units for any CNSL elective course. Electives currently available at the Law School include: Alternative Dispute Resolution, Debtor/Creditor Law, Insurance Law, Practical Family Law and Administrative Law. Other electives may be given and will be announced in the class schedules published each semester.
Schedule of Due Dates
SUMMER SESSION MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORTS WILL BE DUE ON:
FALL SESSION MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORTS WILL BE DUE ON:
- June 15
- July 15 (Extern Evaluation Report Due)
FALL SESSION MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORTS WILL BE DUE ON:
- September 15
- October 15
- November 15
- December 15 (Extern Evaluation Report Due)
SPRING SESSION MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORTS WILL BE DUE ON:
- February 15
- March 15
- April 15
- May 15 (Extern Evaluation Report Due)
Explore Our MLS Class Schedule
Our MLS courses are taught throughout the Fall, Spring, and Summer. Learn more about our MLS program below!
