Irvine University College of Law

College of Law at Irvine University

The College of Law at Irvine University is located in Southern California, in the Long Beach and Anaheim area. The Bureau for Private Postsecondary Vocational Education (BPPVE) was created by the State of California  with the responsibility for approving and regulating private postsecondary educational institutions.

In 1993, the California Council for Private Postsecondary Vocational Education granted Irvine University institutional licensing under the provisions of Section 94900 of the California Education Code. Since then, the University has continually been authorized and approved to grant academic degrees in Business, Law, and Liberal Arts.

Registered as a law school with the Committee of Bar Examiners (CBE)

The College of Law has been continually registered as a law school with the Committee of Bar Examiners (CBE) of the State Bar of California since 1993. Students who complete the prescribed course of study are eligible to take the State Bar Examination and upon successfully passage practice in the State and Federal courts of California. Commencing January 1, 2008 all registered law schools in California will be operated under the Unaccredited Law Schools Rules adopted by the State Bar Board of Governors on July 20, 2007.

LSAC

The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) provides various
services to law schools such as the Law School Admission
Test (LSAT) that many applicants choose to take in the
admissions process. Irvine University College of Law takes part in LSAC
sponsored activities. The LSAC Code for Irvine University
College of Law is 4285. It also sponsors workshops and conferences
for law school administrators, deans, and registrars.

Driving Directions and Near By Amenities

Irvine University College of Law
10900 183rd Street, Cerritos, CA 90703-5342 
(800) 433-3243
Website: http://www.irvineuniversity.edu/index.php/programs/college-of-law/

Irvine University College of Law is near the 605 San Gabriel River Freeway. If you are North bound on the 605 Fwy, take the 7A exit to Studebaker Rd. Take a right on Studebaker Rd, and follow it to 183rd St. Take a right, and the school will be a block down on the left hand side.

Southbound on the 605 Fwy - Take the 5B exit, near the Lexus of Cerritos dealership. Take a right on South St. At Cerritos Infiniti, take a right onto Studebaker Rd. Follow Studebaker Rd to 183rd St, and take a left. Irvine University College of Law will be on the left.

Landmarks you will find in the nearby area are the Best Plaza Shopping Center, Westgate Park, Valley Christian High School, and BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse.  

View Larger Map

Admissions Office:
(562) 865-7111
admissions@irvineuniversity.edu

Registrar’s Office:
(562) 865-7111
registrar@irvineuniversity.edu

Irvine University College of Law Reviews

Ron R. Said -
This school is geared toward the person who wants to earn a law degree and take the bar exam and still hold down a full time job. Classes are on the weekends and evenings. It has excellent professors who have practice law in the real world. The tuition is competitive with other schools in the area.
[Source - http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3710783142/irvine-university-college-law-cerritos]

Albert W. Said -
I loved this school so much that I became the alumni president for my school AND I donate money. How is that for a review?
[Source - http://www.yelp.com/biz/university-of-california-irvine-irvine-2?rpp=40&sort_by=relevance_desc&start=40]

Sean K. Said -
(...)I found half a dozen amazing professors, some of which I would meet after class at the UCI Pub for hours of debate and discussion over many many drinks. I met people from all over the world with various political views who were eager to share just as I was. I went to tons of events with focuses ranging from Irish history to promoting democracy in Russia to open forum debate on the middle east.

In regard to the non-academic events, I got to hang with Steve-0 and Wee man my freshman year when they visited our campus promoting their stunts, I saw tons of bands and frat dancing displays, and joined the Pre Law frat Phi Alpha Delta.

I know I've just listed my experiences here, but I truly feel that the variety of my life has decreased greatly since being at UCI. I grew to love the culture and was never intimidated for being the minority (caucasian). As always some professors were boring as hell and I slept through tons of classes, but the above poster who said college is what you make of it was right. This university has everything you need to get the degree and perspective required to succeed in adult life, but just like any other experience, if you truly want it, you'll have a much better time(...)
[Source -http://www.yelp.com/biz/university-of-california-irvine-irvine-2?rpp=40&sort_by=relevance_desc&start=40]

Other California Law Schools

• Whittier Law School
  3333 Harbor Boulevard
  Costa Mesa, CA 92626-1501
  (714) 444-4141
• Taft Law School
  Taft Law School
  3700 South Susan Street, Office 200
  Santa Ana, CA 92704-6954
  Admissions@TaftU.edu

Taft Law School | Santa Ana California

Taft Law School in Southern CA

Taft Law School is a freestanding institution as of 2008. It is America's oldest nationally accredited distance learning law school. This has not always been the case however, as the entity formally operated as part of William Howard Taft University. Currently the law school is one of two, private postsecondary educational institutions operating in the Taft University System.

Accreditation

From what I've read, while researching this article, there are a lot questions regarding the creditability of this law school. According to the school's official website (http://www.taftu.edu/TLS/index.htm):

Taft Law School, through The Taft University System, is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). On June 7, 2008 the Commission voted to extend its accreditation until 2013. This action was taken after consideration of an extensive self-study prepared by The Taft University System and the report of a site visitation team that included representatives of both regionally and American Bar Association accredited schools. The five-year extension is the maximum permissible under DETC standards.

This is verifiable on the DETC website. I was also able to find a positive quote that comes from a law based forum called LawSchoolDiscussion.org:

Taft graduates are able to take the California Bar, and become fully registered CA attorneys. I'm in my 2nd year at Taft, and it's pretty decent. If you want to become a California attorney, and don't have the time or money for regular law school, it is a good option.

The only drawback is that to become an attorney, California makes you take a "Baby Bar" after the first year. The pass rate is only about 20%. So this is how California weeds out the non-accredited law school students. The "Baby Bar" is a subset of the regular bar, but only covers Torts, Contracts, and Criminal law. If you pass the "Baby Bar" (actual name "FYLSE"), then about 70% of the 4-year graduates ultimately pass the regular bar.

Contact Taft Law School

• Taft Law School
  3700 South Susan Street, Office 200
  Santa Ana, CA 92704-6954
• Voice Line: 800-882-4555 | 714-850-4800
• E-mail: Admissions@TaftU.edu
• Website: http://www.taftu.edu/TLS/index.htm 
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=51180081657

Driving Directions

View Larger Map

The school is conveniently located a couple blocks off of the 405 San Diego Freeway. Look for the IKEA Costa Mesa at the freeway exits. The facility is on South Susan Street, between Harbor Blvd and Fairview Rd.

Some landmarks in the area you might look for are Galaxy Concert Theather and the Courtyard Costa Mesa South Coast Metro. Also a few blocks away from Segerstrom High School and Wimbleton Park.

Whittier Law School | Costa Mesa California

Whittier Law School In Costa Mesa, CA

If you are looking for a law school a short drive away from the Huntington Beach and the Santa Ana area... this is the school for you. Whittier is located in beautiful Orange County, on a spacious 14 acre lot. Aside from having a great location , the school actually has really good reviews from its Alumni.

The American Bar Association provisionally accredited Whittier in 1978, and then fully approved the school in 1985. Whittier has been a member of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) since 1987.

In July 2008, the school boasted an impressive 84.3% bar passage rate (according to their website). Centers in Intellectual Property, Childrens Rights and International and Comparative Law are offered. The Institute of Trial and Appellate Practice is also offered for those seeking a career as a trial or appellate lawyer. 

Where is Whittier Law School?

Conveniently located off of the 405 San Diego Freeway, at the corner of Harbor Boulevard and Sunflower Street. Also fairly close to the 55 Costa Mesa Freeway. Whittier Law School is just blocks from John Wayne Airport, Orange Coast College, Fountain Valley Regional Hospital, and Galaxy Concert Theater.

View Larger Map

Financial Aid for Prospective Students

So, let's be honest. Most people looking to attend law school, probably don't normally have the means to pay for it. Sounds like this isn't a problem here, Whittier offers a program called a “need-blind” admissions policy. This is from their Financial Aid page:

Whittier Law School has a longstanding tradition of administering a financial assistance program to help students pay for their legal education. The Law School adheres to a “need-blind” admissions policy, admitting the best students regardless of family financial strength. The following is a description of the application procedures and the sources of financial aid available at the institution. Prospective and current students with any questions or financial aid counseling needs should contact the Office of Financial Aid for assistance.

Contact Whittier Law School

3333 Harbor Boulevard
Costa Mesa, CA 92626-1501
(714) 444-4141
(800) 808-8188
website: http://www.law.whittier.edu/

Whittier Law School Reviews

You get as much as you put in!

This school isn't an Ivy League, but it's ABA approved, and I enjoyed my time there.

The professors are helpful (I heart Professor Martin!), and they'll make the time to see you. The curriculum is really focused on passing the Bar, so they have a lot of classes that are geared toward that. The exams mimmick the exams on the Bar as well. There is not too much emphasis on the actual practice of lawyering, but you can't be a lawyer unless you pass the Bar.

I passed the Bar on my first try, and I'll give the credit to WLS!

Hints: Take all the classes that geared toward taking the Bar! Also, take any class that Professor Heilman teaches!

Susan D.
Fountain Valley, CA [Via Yelp.com - http://www.yelp.com/biz/whittier-law-school-costa-mesa]

Where I go to school. Where I spend as little time as possible when I'm not in class. I really like this school because I found that the professors are amazing. Another great thing that I got from this school, is the group of close friends that I have accumulated in my first year.

The campus is beautiful. Small, but nice. It's nice to just lounge in the grassy area or bring a homemade lunch to sit outside. The classrooms are nice and clean, mostly stadium seating. However, the wi-fi here is soooo bad. We didn't even HAVE Wi-Fi the first year I was here, and i hear that it was promised years before me. Now that we finally have wi-fi, it's off and on...and somehow, we are supposed to take our exams on the net during finals week!!! Can't wait to see how that works! Especially since our class will be the first class to use it. Guinea pigs we are!

The parking lot is awesome. I came from UCLA where we walk everywhere, and park nowhere. Here, there are PLENTY of parking spots, so much that we take it for granted. Every time I go to UCLA and park, I bitch and moan now.

The library is also nice, but I hate that i can't have a study room to myself. You need to have 2 or more people to get a room. This is why I don't study here. I'm a loner when I study. I hate the common study area because you can't eat, can't make noise, can't type hard, etc. I need to have coffee flowing at all times, something to munch on all the time, and I type really loud.

Debby L.
Santa Ana, CA [Via Yelp.com - http://www.yelp.com/biz/whittier-law-school-costa-mesa]

Lohan's Lawyer Throws In Towel

Shawn Chapman-Holley Abruptly Quit

I guess there are some things even "above the law" celebrities like actress Lohan should be cautious of, like back stabbing your high priced lawyer in the back. What I am referring to is that Lindsay Lohan allegedly hired a new attorney to replace Shawn Chapman-Holley, in an attempt to find anyway out of her 90 day jail sentence. While most reports cannot confirm why Chapman-Holley abruptly quit, getting replaced seems to be the consistent reason.

The Verdict For Lindsay's Sentence

Lohan received a 90 day sentence based on three different accounts. According to NYDailyNews.com: Lohan, 24, was sentenced to three consecutive 30-day terms - plus 90 days of rehab - for breaking her probation on two 2007 DUI convictions.

1. 30 days in jail for reckless driving.
2. 30 days in jail for the first DUI case (consecutive).
3. 30 days in jail for the second DUI case (consecutive).

In the courtroom footage, as Lindsay realizes what she is hearing, she bursts into tears. She is almost shocked that she will be held accountable for her actions. Watching closely, you can see her whispering the word "what?" a couple times during Judge Marsha Revel's verdict reading (See image below).

About Shawn Chapman Holley

Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump and Aldisert LLP partner. A boutique law firm that deals with business litigation and entertainment, based in Santa Monica, CA. The website http://www.kwikalaw.com/sholley states: She was the Managing Partner of the Los Angeles office of The Cochran Firm and the head of its national Criminal Defense Section.  With more than sixty trials to her credit, Ms. Holley is the rare trial attorney who practices in the areas of both civil and criminal litigation.
Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump and Aldisert LLP
808 Wilshire Blvd. 3rd Floor
Santa Monica, CA 90401

Lohan case sources

• NYDailyNews.com - Lindsay Lohan's lawyer Shawn Chapman Holley quits after actress gets 90-day jail sentence
  
• People.com - Lindsay Lohan's Attorney Resigns
• TMZ.com - Lindsay Lohan's Lawyer: I Quit!

Levin Papantonio Law Firm and BP Oil Spill Lawsuit

BP Oil Spill Lawsuit

The Florida based law firm of Levin Papantonio, is working with residents on the Gulf of Mexico to recover losses due to the BP Oil spill. The law firm is not undertaking this task alone. Quite the contrary really. According to a Business Wire press release, Papantonio has invited the law firm of Weitz & Luxenberg P.C. to join in on the environmental suit. Among the noted advocates is Erin Brockovich.

Grounds for the BP Oil Lawsuit

The goal for the law firm is to seek to recover damages suffered by clients as a result of the Gulf oil spill. Obviously there are many, many coastal residents who survive off the bounty of the sea and from tourist dollars.  Brockovich was quoted saying I would like to tell the local commercial fishermen who aren’t able to earn a living, and other business owners, ‘You have rights and we can help.’

Who are these Lawyers involved in the firm?

About the best thing I could find is a post in forum, from someone who sounds like they know about the lawyers:

Who is Fred Levin? He's one of the best trial lawyers in the world and lives in Pensacola. He'll he owns half the town. If Fred gets them their going to be seriously hurting. Good for them, Tony Heyward is going to wish to God he didn't screw with Pensacola. :P The little people have a BITE. :P He lives there.

If you don't believe me look at what Fred Levins law firm has won verdict wise...[he then continues to list a cases won, that is directly from the Florida Personal Injury Lawyer's website]

Judging by the numbers, and positive reviews... he's completely right. With over $2 billion in firm jury verdicts, it seems that the Levin Papantonio Law Firm is one of the nation's premier civil litigation law firms!

Where is the firm based?

There are a lot of the southern states that are effected by the gulf oil spill, so which one is home to Levin Papantonio? They are located in Pensacola, FL. Near the Pensacola Museum of Art and Corinne Jones Park. The firm's address is:

316 South Baylen Street

Suite 600

Pensacola, FL 32502

Phone: (850) 435-7000

Toll Free: (888) 435-7001

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BP in the Media

[Yahoo! Finance on BP]

The case against the BP brand is not so much that the company will enter bankruptcy. It is that BP may end up breaking into pieces for its own sake. This may be to put the liabilities for the Deepwater Horizon spill into a company that also holds escrow capital to cover the huge costs of clean-up and suits. BP may also want to separate its successful refining operations from its exploration business, or recreate an American- based company similar to BP America, which existed for two decades. A restructuring of BP would also allow the firm to take a badly crippled brand and give the oil operation a new name -- much as it did when it changed its name from British Petroleum. The second time may be the charm.

http://finance.yahoo.com/banking-budgeting/article/110018/10-brands-that-may-disappear-in-2011