What is Pathway To Law School?
Río Hondo College Pathway to Law School is a program for underrepresented college students interested in learning more about law schools and careers in the legal field.
It’s conducted in partnership with California LAW Pathways. The initiative is designed to enhance opportunities and advancement in the legal profession for diverse populations.
The Pathway to Law School Certificate is issued by California LAW Pathways. This certificate is part of a larger program that involves community colleges, 4-year universities, and various law schools.
Ideally, Pathway to Law School students spend two years at Río Hondo College and then transfer to any accredited undergraduate institution to complete their bachelor’s degree. Then, you may be considered for a priority admissions review at one of the participating law schools.
Participating Law Schools
You can see a complete list of partner schools and their locations on the California LAW Pathways website. Schools include:
Program Benefits
As a Pathway to Law School student, you’ll receive:
- Individual counseling and mentoring
- Exposure to careers in law
- Internship opportunities at legal offices
- Networking and learning opportunities from lawyers and attorneys
- Membership to the Río Hondo College Pre-Law Society Club (TBD)
- Priority admissions review at Cal LAW Pathways partner law schools
- Admissions is not guaranteed, only a priority review of your application.
- Law school application fee waived for Cal LAW Pathways partner law schools
- You must contact the CA LAW Faculty Champion at each Law School to receive the waiver ahead of time. View the complete directory.
Eligibility
You are eligible if you are a currently enrolled student at Río Hondo and have not yet transferred to a 4-year university. Students must join the Pathway to Law School pipeline while in high school or community college. If you have transcripts from a bachelor-granting institution and are not already part of Pathway to Law, then you are no longer eligible.
If you are not eligible for Pathway to Law, you may still qualify for law school support programs from your college or university. Seek out resources at your institution and speak to a counselor.
How to Join the Program
1. If you’d like additional information, start by submitting an interest form. If you’re ready to join, you can skip straight to the application.
2. Attend a 30-minute info session. Fall sessions have concluded, but you can contact us to schedule a one-on-one info session.
3. Complete a Pathways to Law School application.
Cal LAW Pathways Certificate Requirements
Pathway to Law School students must complete the following courses before transferring.
| Required Courses | Units |
|---|---|
| English 101: College Composition and Research | 3.5 |
| English 201: Advanced Composition and Critical Thinking OR Philosophy 110: Critical Thinking | 3.5 |
| One U.S. History Course: HIST 143, 144, 156, 157, 158, 159, 170 | 3 |
| Political Science 110: Government of the United States | 3 |
| Political Science 125: Law and Democracy OR Philosophy 128: Intro to Political Philosophy OR Philosophy 135: Philosophy of Social Justice | 3 |
| Speech 140: Argumentation and Debate | 3 |
| One UC Transferrable Math: 130, 130H, 150, 160, 175, etc. | Units Vary |
| Recommended Courses | Units |
|---|---|
| Counseling 101: College and Life Success AND/OR CWEG 290: Cooperative Work Experience/Internship for Pre-Law Majors | 3 |