Curriculum

A Structured Law Program, Refined for Decades

Every subject tested on the California Bar Exam is a required course at GUCL. Based on those subjects, GUCL has fine-tuned its curriculum so students take courses in an order and quantity appropriate for the skills and abilities of law students in the first, second, third, or fourth year of law school.

GUCL's structured program is designed to keep students on a healthy developmental path. The quarter system gives students the opportunity to take exams regularly in order to continually review materials and improve their exam-taking skills.

In the first year, without making assumptions about skills and abilities, GUCL provides a chance for students to learn how to become successful in law school. By offering appropriate subject matter and support, GUCL provides a path for friendly yet rigorous development.

In the second year, having significantly developed their law school success skills, there is a marked increase in the demands and sophistication of the curriculum. Completion of the second year is a pivot point, wherein students have a broader perspective. They are able to reflect back and see how far they've come and feel more confident about moving ahead.

The third year curriculum includes more sophisticated subject matter and complex legal research and writing projects. In a four-night-per-week program, students engage in subjects including Constitutional Law and Evidence. Having come this far, students feel empowered, are able to see a visible transformation, and are ready for even bigger challenges.

In the fourth year, the curriculum moves away from case book learning and into practical training and Bar preparation. Students engage in pretrial practice (e.g. client interviews and the entire pretrial civil litigation process), trial practice (e.g. trial structure, jury selection, opening/closing statements, direct/cross-examination, and introduction of evidence), and end by participating in a mock trial (including witness preparation, pretrial briefs, arguing pretrial motions, and a complete trial).

An equally critical aspect of the fourth year is Bar preparation. Through nine months of instruction and practice (including Advanced Document Drafting), students prepare fully for the Bar exam performance test. In addition, select Bar subjects are reviewed in the final quarter, prior to graduation.

The Law Program

The full Law Program requires completion of 126 quarter units. The curriculum is comprised of 114 core units, and 12 units in non-core subjects. Upon completion of 126 quarter units and satisfaction of all graduation requirements, the law school awards the Juris Doctor degree to graduates.