Student Profiles
Hear what students have to say about
Glendale University College of Law
"I visited a lot of different law schools in deciding which to attend. The night I came to the GUCL open house, I knew that it was the right fit for my life. I spend my days working with special needs children and, now, my nights working towards a life-long dream of becoming an attorney. Law school has not been easy and at times overwhelming, but it is achievable.
It is an honor to learn from the caliber of professors here and it is a privilege to have the genuine kindness of the administration to nurture every student's success. As a class we push each other to work hard and try even harder. I have the most brilliant classmates and have made amazing friends.
I am now a little over a year away from graduating and I feel like the luckiest person ever. Not only will I get my Doctor of Jurisprudence, but a different understanding of myself, wonderfully unmatched memories, and true lifelong friendships."
Sheela Ahmadzai, Class of 2011
"Eighteen years ago, looking toward a better future for myself and my two small daughters, I uprooted my family and moved to the United States from the former Soviet Union.
My path in this country started from the very bottom, hardly speaking any English and unfamiliar with the intricacies of social interaction. However, equipped with the strong desire to succeed and good education, I worked my way up in the professional world as an Engineer.
Once I established a strong economic and social base, I began to consider changing careers. Glendale University College of Law seemed like a great way to preserve the foundation I had built. The law program would allow me to continue working, earn a JD, and reach new professional heights practicing in the area of Patent Law.
Today, I can say with the confidence that I made the right choice. GUCL is a nearly perfect solution for working professionals seeking a legal education. It combines the family-like warm and friendly environment of a small private school with a challenging and comprehensive curriculum. The quality of administrative staff is second to none and the faculty is both demanding and knowledgeable. Diverse classmates, crossing generational and cultural boundaries, make me feel invigorated. Small classes assure a collaborative learning experience. The tuition is affordable and the location in Glendale is convenient. The Dean and his wonderful “cast” make the learning experience truly unique and unforgettable."
Lev Berkovich, Class of 2012
"When I first contacted Glendale University College of Law the attention I was given as a prospective student was unparalleled. The Director of Admissions answered each and every question I had and it was after that conversation I realized that GUCL was the right law school for me.
Entering law school after 20 years in the restaurant industry was intimidating. I thought that I would be the only one there as a non-traditional student but I was pleasantly surprised by the diversity of the student body. The friends and colleagues I have made come from all walks of life and ages, and everyone brings something to the law school experience.
GUCL has become my second family. Professors know you by name and the Dean is always available to answer questions or just listen. The commitment of the Dean, faculty and administration, as well as the rapport I have with my classmates, enables me to embrace this challenge. I look forward to graduating not only with a Juris Doctor but with friends and experiences that will be with me for the rest of my life."
Erik Davis, Class of 2012
"After graduating from a four-year UC program, I incurred a student loan debt that took me years to pay off. In choosing a law school, I was determined to find one that was both affordable and flexible to my work schedule. GUCL was the exact fit for my needs. Although I was initially skeptical about the quality of education a part-time law school can provide, GUCL has far exceeded my expectations. The demanding curriculum has been challenging and the professors' interactive style of teaching constantly keeps me thinking. Law school started out as a daunting task but the faculty and the staff have always been there to provide help and guidance.
Attending GUCL has been one of the best decisions in my life. I still remember the first day of law school when the Dean said to my class "law school will change your life." At the time, I thought he meant that the results of finishing law school will change your life but he meant the journey also. After two years at GUCL, I have realized that with hard work the results will come but the learning experience here has been priceless. GUCL has become my second home and my classmates, the staff, and faculty have become my second family. It's great to finally be in a supportive environment where the people want you to succeed."
Larry Kuo, Class of 2012
"After several years in law enforcement and then in the insurance industry, I wanted to go to law school so I could return to a law enforcement career as a prosecutor. I researched all the law schools in the Los Angeles area and found that Glendale was the best fit. I knew I wanted a part-time program at night, convenient to where I live in the Valley, and tuition that was manageable.
Not only was Glendale the best fit for my personal situation, but it turned out to be an outstanding legal education. The classes are small and taught by experienced practicing attorneys who both challenge you intellectually and take an interest in seeing that you succeed. The program not only trains you in the law and how to think like a lawyer, but it also prepares you for the bar exam. The exams are administered and the questions are tailored in a way to simulate the bar exam experience. I feel confident that when it is time to sit for the marathon of the bar exam, I’ll be ready.
The faculty and administration get to know you personally are always available for the students. If you are prepared to put in the work that a legal education demands, Glendale will do its part to make sure you succeed."
Josh Lachs, Class of 2012
"While taking criminal justice classes for my undergraduate degree, I realized I loved the law. Many of those close to me were in the military or law enforcement but I could not see myself in those roles so I made the decision to become an attorney.
Choosing GUCL was easy. I went to open houses at many other law schools, but when I visited GUCL, every age, every ethnicity, every potential student was represented and the diversity was so warming. I was not alone. I wasn’t the most seasoned. I wasn’t the only one not already in the legal field. I was one of many who heard the siren's call of the law.
The administration at GUCL is more like a family. They listen to concerns, offer advice and direction. They show you where the currents should take you, but encourage you to captain your own ship. Studying law is tough and it changes your world, but if you work hard you will learn how to navigate the seas of law school.
As a student worker in the law library at GUCL, I try to maintain the standards of helpfulness, welcoming, and understanding the faculty and staff at GUCL use every day. When I meet new students, I reassure them we are all sailing the same seas and that law school really is a journey. "
Matt Hesser, Class of 2011
"My decision to attend GUCL was primarily based on the opportunity it afforded me to balance a legal education and my family responsibilities. As a mother, it is important to compartmentalize aspects of your day to day routine, and, the GUCL program provides me with that balance. When I am home, I am mommy, and when I am at school, I am a law student.
The first year of law school is very intimidating and it was comforting to share the experience with other students who also have familial obligations. The fact that the school is relatively small means that the classes are comprised of fewer students so everyone knows everyone. With fewer students, there's more in-class participation and professors are more hands on. I have developed and maintained strong relationships with faculty and students, both upper and lower division.
At GUCL, I’ve found there is always someone willing to lend a helping hand. Being a student here feels more like we are all in this together, competitively cheering each other along, rather than at bigger schools where you can easily feel lost and alone.
Although it takes me upwards of forty-five minutes to drive to school, I gladly come every day and look forward to the constant encouragement from faculty and friends. I am a proud GUCL student, eagerly seeking my J.D. and alumni status!"
Sydney Spiller, Class of 2012
"Glendale University College of Law was not one of the schools that I applied to; it was the only school that I applied to.
I applied to GUCL because I would drive by it every morning on my way to work and every night on my way home. I told myself that one day, I will go there. Many years later here I am, in my third year of law school, walking out of the doors as a student and soon to walk out as a graduate.
Glendale is not an easy school. Actually, I feel it may be harder than many because you cannot get "lost in the crowd." The professors all know you by name, and Aunt Enid makes sure she always has candy in the library at break time. The school is not cheap but is affordable. I still work full time and it is not easy. The time spent studying, doing homework and passing tests is hard but not unachievable.
GUCL has provided me with knowledge, friendship, confidence. Law school takes pure hard work and determination and is plain exhausting. I feel that attending GUCL is one of the best decisions I have made in my entire life and I would not trade this school for any other.
To others interested, I would have to say that GUCL is a great place for working individuals who are willing to take what this school has to offer to achieve their goals."
Deedra Van Strien Alvarado
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Events
Open House and Sample Law Class
March 18, 2010, 7-9:00 PM
