Empire College School of Law · 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 C A T A L O G U.S. Congressman Mike Thompson...

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Empire College School of Law

1973 - 2017

44YEARS OF

EXCELLENCE

Founded 1973

� President’s and Dean’s Messages

� Administration and Faculty

� General InformationMission Statement Modification of CurriculumAccreditation Academic EnvironmentAcademic Program Veterans TrainingDefinition of Credit Veterans Policy Statement

�� Admissions – Juris DoctorAdmission Requirements Non-Matriculating StudentsLaw School Admissions Council Law School Admissions TestRegular Students College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)Special Students Registration with the State Bar of CaliforniaTransfer Students Orientation and RegistrationCredit for Experiential Learning

�� Admissions – Concurrent Enrollment – Juris Doctor and Master ofLegal StudiesEnrollment in the Master’s Program Prior to Enrollment in the Juris Doctor ProgramConcurrent Enrollment in JD and MLS Following JD Academic Disqualification

�� Admissions – Master of Legal StudiesAdmission Requirements Credit for Experiential LearningTransfer Students Orientation and Registration

�� Student ServicesAcademic Advising Americans with Disabilities ActCareer Placement Assistance BookstoreHousing Student Photographs and ID CardsTransportation and Parking Class SizeEating Facilities Law Library

�� Policies and RegulationsExaminations Smoke-Free CampusGrade Notification Harassment PolicyThe Honor System Sexual AssaultPrivacy of Faculty Equal Opportunity PolicyPrivacy of Students Grievance ProcedureStudent Conduct Reservation of RightsDrug-Free Awareness/Drug Prevention Program

�� Satisfactory Progress Standards – Master of Legal Studies

�� Grading and Academic Standards – Juris Doctor

�� Financial Aid and Tuition Assistance Programs

�� Tuition and Fees

�� Curriculum – Juris Doctor�� Curriculum – Master of Legal Studies

�� Course Descriptions

�� 2017–2018 Calendar

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U.S. Congressman Mike Thompson

delivered the commencement address to

Empire College School of Law’s Class of 2016.

E M P I R E C O L L E G E S C H O O L O F L A W�

People choose to study law for many differentreasons. Some require legal education to complementand facilitate an intersection of their chosen careerpaths with government or policy, for which ourMaster of Legal Studies program provides anexcellent opportunity. Some view themselves as trialattorneys persuading a jury to find in favor of theirclient. Others believe the legal system is the mosteffective way to address society’s problems.Regardless of the career path they pursue, the

discipline and critical thinking skills learned while studying law will assistthem in their future endeavors.

One of the most fascinating aspects of law is that it is always subject tochange. Students learn that the study of law is not a process of memorizingstagnant rules but rather a discipline of carefully analyzing a client’s positionand preparing an argument to support that position.

At Empire, we are committed to providing students with an education thatwill allow them to successfully confront the ethical and intellectual chal-lenges the field of law presents. Our faculty have distinguished themselveswith a high level of competence in their legal specialties and are effectivecommunicators in the classroom.

The study of law is a very personal decision and one that should only bemade after considering many factors. If you believe this is an opportunity foryou, we invite you to call the College and meet with the professionals whocan assist you in making this important decision.

Roy O. Hurd, President

Roy O. Hurd,President

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A remarkable human being, Justice Holmes was a veteran of the Civil War,twice wounded and well-known for the clarity of his thought and brevity of hisopinions. Indeed, “experience” is the wellspring of our legal thought. There isno human endeavor which does not have the capacity to engender conflict. Wehave attempted to channel conflicts into our legal system, to minimize thoseconflicts by statutes and to guide conflicting parties through the advice ofpersons learned in the law – those trained in the law and lawyers.

Empire College provides more than just an intellectual exploration of the law; italso provides hands-on, meaningful training in practical lawyering. Every year,students have the opportunity to build their reputation with the legalcommunity and gain experience in the state and Federal court systems. Thebenefit of this opportunity is twofold: students gain valuable experience in thelegal field before graduation and the public receives free services that lessen theburden on taxpayers and alleviate critical needs in the community.

Our law school provides the opportunity for a diverse populationto obtain a legal education and practical experience. Hundreds ofSonoma County residents and others have taken advantage of ourproximity and a practicing faculty to obtain that education. Thereare eleven California judicial officers, past and present, whograduated from Empire College School of Law and over 25% of thecurrent Bar members in Sonoma County are alumni. We have aproud history since the law school was founded in 1973, and I ampleased to be part of that history and the current challenges.

J. Michael Mullins, Dean

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education.

J. Michael Mullins, Dean

The life of the law has not been logic; it has been experience.~ Oliver Wendell Holmes, United States Supreme Court Justice, 1902-1932.


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Roy O. Hurd, Chairman, CEO and PresidentSherie L. Hurd, Executive Vice President, Marketing and OperationsJ. Michael Mullins, Esq., DeanTracy Chodora, Assistant to the Dean/ RegistrarMurray Cockerill, Esq., Assistant DeanKimberly C. Tucker, MLIS, Supervising Law Librarian

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Murray Cockerill, Esq., Admissions OfficerDahnja Schiro, Director of Admissions

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Georgie Micallef, Bookstore ManagerNatalie O’Donnell, Accounts Receivable ManagerPeggy Ransford, Accounts Payable Manager/ Accounting AssistantDavid Yarbrough, Controller and Director of Benefits Administration

Roy O. Hurd, Chairman of the Board, ChiefExecutive Officer and PresidentBoard member: Sonoma County WorkforceInvestment Board, Sonoma County YouthEmployment Council, Sonoma County BusinessEducation Roundtable

Brad Bollinger, Editor in Chief andAssociate Publisher, North Bay BusinessJournalBoard member: North Bay Leadership Council

Judy L. Coffey, RN, Senior Vice President/Area Manager, Marin-Sonoma, KaiserPermanenteBoard member: American Heart Association-NorthBay Chapter, North Bay Hospital Council, SonomaCounty Health Action Council, Sonoma CountyWorkforce Investment Board

J. Barrie Graham, Chief Operating Officer,WR Hambrecht & Co.Board member: Canine Companions forIndependence, Sutter Hospital Site SelectionCommittee

Allen L. Gummer, retired executive,University of Oregon Board of TrusteesBoard member: University of Oregon College ofBusiness

Stephen E. Hansel, President, HanselLeasing and Prestige Imports

Alan Milner, Co-founder, Alternatives toWasteBoard member: Luther Burbank Savings & Loan

Victor S. Trione, Chairman of the Board,Luther Burbank Savings and Loan;President, Vimark, Inc.Board member: United Way of North Bay, SonomaCounty Foundation, Sonoma County Food Bank

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Ken Castor, Maintenance SupervisorRebecca Lack, Senior Administrative AssistantKarina Nuno, Administrative Services ManagerTrenton Schuttler, Systems AdministratorRobert Swanson, Law Librarian

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Jennifer Sedna, Career Placement Advisor

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Mary O’Brien, Financial Aid DirectorSamantha Calderon, Financial Aid AdvisorLea Smith, Financial Aid AdvisorKass Von der Mehden, Federal Student Loan Repayment Manager

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Tadd C. Aiona, Esq.Law Offices of Tadd C. AionaB.A. Sonoma State UniversityJ.D. Empire College School of Law

The Honorable Shelly J. AverillSuperior Court Judge, Sonoma CountyB.A. Sonoma State UniversityJ.D. Empire College School of Law

The Hon. Louise Bayles-FightmasterSuperior Court Commissioner (Retired)B.A. University of VermontJ.D. Lincoln University School of Law

Louise J. Belle, Esq.B.S. California State University, SacramentoM.B.A. California State University, SacramentoJ.D. Hastings College of Law

Jeff Berk, Esq.Office of Sonoma County CounselB.A. Michigan State UniversityJ.D. San Francisco School of Law

Adam Brown, Esq.Executive Director, Disability Services &Legal CenterB.A. Hartwick CollegeJ.D. Franklin Pierce Law Center

Connie Burtnett, Esq.Private PractitionerA.B. Princeton UniversityJ.D. Empire College School of Law

Heather Bussing, Esq.Private PractitionerB.A. University of KansasJ.D. University of Kansas

Dave Carr, Esq.Dept. of Justice, Attorney General’s OfficeB.A. University of California, Santa CruzJ.D. University of San Diego School of Law

Clay Christianson, Esq.B.A. Tulane UniversityJ.D. University of Minnesota Law School

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Murray Cockerill, Esq.Law Offices of Murray CockerillB.A. New York UniversityJ.D. Empire College School of Law

Julie Cyphers, Esq.Law Office of Julie CyphersB.A. California State University, ChicoJ.D. Empire College School of Law

Susan T. Daniel, Esq.Employee Relations ConsultantsB.A. Queens CollegeM.A. Syracuse UniversityJ.D. University of Santa Clara

The Honorable Elliot L. DaumSuperior Court Judge, Sonoma CountyB.A. Wesleyan UniversityJ.D. University of Santa Clara

The Honorable Bradford DeMeoSuperior Court Judge, Sonoma CountyB.A. Sonoma State UniversityJ.D. University of Santa Clara

Michael C. Fallon, Esq.Private PractitionerB.S. Boston UniversityJ.D. Empire College School of Law

Lauren Gardner, Esq.Law Office of Lauren E. GardnerA.A. Santa Rosa Junior CollegeJ.D. Empire College School of Law

The Hon. Rudolph GerberCourt of Appeals Judge, Arizona (Retired)B.A., M.A. St. Louis UniversityM.A. Columbia UniversityPh.D. Universite Catholique de Louvain,BelgiumJ.D. University of Notre Dame Law SchoolLL.M. University of Virginia Law School

Rex Grady, Esq.Smith Dollar PCB.A./M.A. University of California, San DiegoM.A. University of New Brunswick, CanadaJ.D. Empire College School of Law

E M P I R E C O L L E G E S C H O O L O F L A W.

Marianna Green, Esq.Sonoma County District Attorney’s OfficeB.A. University of California, Los AngelesJ.D. Willamette University College of Law

Michael Green, Esq.Abbey, Weitzenberg, Warren & EmeryB.A. University of ArizonaJ.D. University of Denver College of Law

Fiona Hall, Esq.Superior Court, Sonoma CountyB.A. University of California, DavisJ.D. Empire College School of Law

The Honorable Allan D. HardcastleSuperior Court Judge, Sonoma CountyB.A. University of the PacificJ.D. McGeorge School of Law

Jennifer Hendrickson, Esq.Private PractitionerB.A. Arizona State UniversityJ.D. Empire College School of Law

Valerie J. Higgins, Esq.B.A. University of California, Los AngelesJ.D. Glendale University, College of LawLL.M. McGeorge School of Law

Gary Hoenig, Esq.Private PractitionerB.Ch.E. Georgia Institute of TechnologyM.Sc. Loughborough Univ. of TechnologyPh.D. Loughborough Univ. of TechnologyJ.D. Empire College School of Law

Roger J. Illsley, Esq.Perry, Johnson, Anderson, Miller &MoskowitzB.A. University of California, DavisJ.D. University of Southern California

Robert L. Jackson, Esq.Assistant City Attorney, Santa RosaB.A. University of California, DavisJ.D. University of California, Davis

Kristen Frizzell Kerns, Esq.Borba Frizzell Kerns, P.C.B.A. Arizona State University, TempeJ.D. Arizona State University School of Law

H. Bruce Kinnison, Esq.B.A. Stanford UniversityJ.D. Hastings College of Law

Brendan Kunkle, Esq.Abbey, Weitzenberg, Warren & EmeryB.A. California State University,California Polytechnic San Luis ObispoJ.D. Golden Gate University School of Law

Daniel J. Lanahan, III, Esq.Assistant Dean, Empire College School of LawB.A. St. Mary’s College of CaliforniaJ.D. Empire College School of Law

Keith Langan, Esq., CPCUAllianz Global Corporate & SpecialtyB.S. University of San FranciscoJ.D. Golden Gate University School of Law

Paul Lozada, Esq.Li & Lozada Law GroupB.A. St. Mary’s CollegeJ.D. Empire College School of Law

Robyn Mancini, Esq.Private PractitionerB.A. Simon Fraser UniversityJ.D. Empire College School of Law

Naomi E. Metz, Esq.Private PractitionerB.A. Mills CollegeJ.D. University of California, Berkeley

Bruce Mitteldorf, Esq.Mitteldorf Law & Mediation OfficesB.A. Oberlin CollegeM.A. Sonoma State UniversityJ.D. Empire College School of Law

The Honorable Lawrence E. OrnellSuperior Court Judge, Sonoma CountyB.A. California State University, SacramentoJ.D. Empire College School of Law

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Kathleen Pozzi, Esq.Public Defender, Sonoma CountyB.A. University of San FranciscoJ.D. Empire College School of Law

The Honorable Becky RasmasonSuperior Court CommissionerB.S. Arizona State UniversityJ.D. Empire College School of Law

Jill Ravitch, Esq.District Attorney, Sonoma CountyB.A. University of California, BerkeleyJ.D. University of San Francisco Law School

Holly Rickett, Esq.Office of Sonoma County CounselB.A. University of IdahoJ.D. Hastings College of Law

Laura C. Rosenthal, Esq.Law Office of Richard MeechanB.A. University of Denver, ColoradoJ.D. University of Denver College of Law

Ronit Rubinoff, Esq.Executive Director, Legal Aid of Sonoma CountyB.A. Middlebury College, VermontJ.D. Pacific McGeorge School of Law

Robert Rutherfurd, Esq.Anderson Zeigler Disharoon Gallagher &GrayA.B. University of California, BerkeleyJ.D. Hastings College of Law

Viveka A. Rydell, Esq.CEO, PDI Surgery CenterB.A. University of California, Los AngelesJ.D. University of California, Berkeley

Martin L. Seeger, IV, Esq.Babin & Seeger, LLPB.A. University of the PacificJ.D. McGeorge School of Law

Carmen D. Sinigiani, Esq.Spaulding, McCullough & Tansil LLPB.S. University of California, DavisJ.D. Empire College School of Law

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Lynne Stark-Slater, Esq.Deputy Public Defender, Sonoma CountyB.A. University of the PacificJ.D. Empire College School of Law

Joseph Stogner, Esq.Private PractitionerJ.D. McGeorge School of Law

Tina Wallis, Esq.Carle, Mackie, Power & Ross, LLPB.S. University of California, DavisJ.D. Vermont Law School

Joseph Wiseman, Esq.Private PractitionerB.A. University of California, Los AngelesJ.D. University of Oregon School of Law

Anthony Zunino, Esq.Private PractitionerB.S. University of San FranciscoJ.D. Empire College School of Law

E M P I R E C O L L E G E S C H O O L O F L A W0

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The mission of Empire College School ofLaw is to provide a positive learningenvironment to achieve a quality legaleducation. Taught by judges and practicingattorneys, the School of Law’s coursesemphasize academic excellence and thedevelopment of practical lawyering skills.The school is dedicated to instilling studentswith the highest principles of professional,ethical, and moral responsibility. Studentswill be enabled to pursue diverse careerchoices through the acquisition of a thoroughknowledge and understanding of the legalsystem.

The Law School’s mission statement isreinforced by the following objectives:

• To provide graduate students anopportunity to understand the basicbuilding blocks of a professional lawschool curriculum.

• To prepare graduate students toundertake the study of the diverse areasof the law leading to a thoroughunderstanding of specific specialties.

• To foster in graduate students anappreciation for the community serviceand pro bono publico responsibilities oflegal professionals.

• To give graduate students the intellectualtools to enhance their chosen career orlearn a new skill-set in order to changecareers.

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Founded in 1973, the School of Law has beenaccredited by the Committee of Bar Examin-ers of the State Bar of California since 1982 tooffer a Juris Doctor program. Added in 2013,the Master of Legal Studies program is ap-proved by the Accrediting Council forIndependent Colleges and Schools, a nation-ally recognized accrediting agency by theUnited States Department of Education andthe Council for Higher Education Accredita-tion.

Study at, or graduation from, this law schoolmay not qualify a student to take the barexamination or be admitted to practice law injurisdictions other than California. A studentwho intends to seek admission to practiceoutside of California should contact theadmitting authority in that jurisdiction forinformation regarding its education andadmission requirements.

Except as provided in rule 4.30 of theAdmissions Rules (Legal education in aforeign state or country), completion of aprofessional law degree program at this lawschool other than for the Juris Doctor degreedoes not qualify a student to take theCalifornia Bar Examination or satisfy therequirements for admission to practice law inCalifornia. It may not qualify a student totake the bar examination or to satisfyrequirements for admission to the practice oflaw in any other jurisdiction. A studentintending to seek admission to practice lawshould contact the admitting authority in thejurisdictions where the student intends toqualify to sit for the bar examination or to beadmitted to practice for informationregarding their legal education requirements.

Empire College is a privately owned Sub-Chapter S corporation, organized under thelaws of the State of California. Empire Collegehas never filed for bankruptcy petition,operated as a debtor in possession or had apetition of bankruptcy filed against it underFederal law.

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The Juris Doctor curriculum requirescompletion of 86 units for graduation. TheJuris Doctor degree is awarded uponsatisfactory completion of those units.

The Master of Legal Studies curriculumrequires completion of 36 units forgraduation. The Master of Legal Studiesdegree is awarded upon satisfactorycompletion of those units.

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The Law School academic year is dividedinto three 15-week semesters (Fall, Spring,Summer). Students attend classes two to fournights per week, Monday through Thursday.Additional courses may be offered during the15-week Summer Semester and on Saturdays.Considerable outside study is necessary foracademic success.

Normally, Juris Doctor students are requiredto complete the 86 units extending over aperiod of not less than 120 weeks whileenrolled in courses requiring classroomattendance of not more than 10 hours nor lessthan 6 hours per week.

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For all purposes, 15 contact hours of directinstruction with an additional 30 hours ofout-of-class student work equals 1 semestercredit; 30 contact hours of work in laboratoryactivities equals 1 semester credit; and 45hours of practicum equals 1 semester credit.A contact hour is equal to 50 minutes ofinstruction.

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Juris Doctor students who have achieved acumulative grade point average of 76 orhigher after their second year of school andwho work 20 hours per week or less maypetition the Dean to accelerate their studies.Before petitioning to accelerate their studies,students should give serious consideration tohow the increased number of classes willaffect their academics, work, and personalschedules.

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The student body at Empire College School ofLaw is diverse. Many of our students bringbusiness and professional experience,enhancing classroom discussion.

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Empire College School of Law courses areapproved for the training of eligible veteransand eligible persons. Students who intend to

apply for these benefits should apply to theLaw School at least two months prior to thebeginning of classes.

Empire College will conduct an evaluation ofprevious education and training for allveterans and eligible persons, grantappropriate credit for any previous lawschool education, shorten the training periodproportionately, and notify the VeteransAdministration and student accordingly.

Pursuant to VA policy, a veteran or eligibleperson placed on probation for unsatisfac-tory progress shall be terminated if his or heracademic progress remains below graduationrequirements after two semesters. If theveteran or eligible person is allowed toremain on probation beyond this period, heor she will have all veteran’s benefitsdiscontinued and any further certification ofbenefits terminated.

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Refund Policy for Nonaccredited Courses,CFR 21.4255. Empire College School of Lawhas and maintains a policy for the refund ofthe unused portion of tuition, fees, and othercharges in the event the veteran or eligibleperson fails to enter the course or withdraws,or is discontinued therefrom at any time priorto completion. The amount charged to theveteran or eligible person for tuition, fees, andother charges does not exceed theapproximate pro rata portion of the totalcharges for tuition, fees, and other charges,that the length of the completed portion of thecourse should bear to its total length.

Note: The maximum non-refundableregistration fee allowed by the VA is $10.00for non-accredited schools.


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Admitted students are classified as“Regular,” “Special” or “Transfer” students.Students may be provisionally admitted andallowed to begin classes pending receipt ofall necessary documentation, as set forthbelow under “Admission Requirements.”Students will not be formally accepted untilall of the necessary documentation has beenreceived. Details regarding each classifica-tion are given below.

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It is recommended that applicants meet withan Admissions Officer as early as six monthsprior to their intended entrance date inorder to begin the admissions process.Applicants wishing to be admitted asRegular Students must, prior to admission,obtain and furnish the following:

1. A completed application plus a non-refundable application fee in the amountof $50.00.

2. One official transcript from eachundergraduate and/or graduateschool must be provided within 45 daysof the student’s first term. The Committeeof Bar Examiners requires each student toprovide an official transcript, ortranscripts from the LSAC CredentialAssembly Service, within 45 days afterthe beginning of the term showingeligibility for admission under§ 6060(C)(1) of the California Businessand Professions Code and rule 4.25 of theAdmissions Rules (Regular Student pre-legal education requirements) or anofficial certification that the person haspassed the equivalency examinationrequired by § 6060(C)(2) of the CaliforniaBusiness and Professions Code and rule4.25 of the Admissions Rules (SpecialStudent pre-legal educationrequirements).

Failure of a Regular Student Juris Doctorapplicant to provide official transcriptsshowing the required pre-legal education

requirements will result in the student’sremoval from class until such a time asthe student can provide documentationhe or she meets either the RegularStudent pre-legal education requirementsor Special Student pre-legal educationrequirements, including any additionaldocuments or actions Empire CollegeSchool of Law may require. (Officialtranscripts are those which are sealedand sent by the applicants’ schoolsdirectly to Empire College School of Lawor provided by the LSAC’s CredentialAssembly Service.)

3. Two Letters of Recommendation. Lettersshould be requested to ensure EmpireCollege receives them within two weeksof the date the application is submitted.Letters should be detailed, insightfulevaluations from individuals (non-relatives) who are well-acquainted withthe applicant’s academic ability orpotential for success in law school.

4. A typed Statement of Intent explaining inno more than 500 words:

a. Why you intend to study law andwhy you selected Empire CollegeSchool of Law;

b. The particular contribution you ex-pect to make as an attorney or legalprofessional and those particular at-tributes that qualify you for the task;and

c. The adjustment you will need tomake as a result of attending eveninglaw school and how you plan to in-corporate the educational program.

This statement will be used as acounseling tool by the Dean. The Deanwill consider your ability to expressyourself clearly, concisely, and sincerely.A straightforward description of thepersonal opportunity law school willpresent to you is essential.

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5. Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). TheLSAT must be taken within four monthsof your first day of classes at EmpireCollege School of Law. In addition to theapplicant’s LSAT score, considerationwill be given to life experience,educational background, career history,and other accomplishments. Please notethat Special Students must take theLSAT, and provide the Law School withthe results, prior to beginning classes.(See page 12.)

6. An interview with and approval of theDean of the School of Law.

It is important that you keep a copy of allschedules, agreements, contracts, orapplications to document enrollment; tuitionreceipts or cancelled checks to document thetotal amount of tuition paid; and recordswhich will show the percentage of theprogram which has been completed.

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Empire College School of Law acceptsLSAC’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS)which simplifies the admission process forlaw school applicants. Applicants make surethat all of their undergraduate, graduate,professional, and law school transcripts;letters of recommendation; and evaluationsare sent initially to LSAC. LSAC summarizesundergraduate work and combines applicantdocuments with the LSAT score and writingsample to create a report that can besubmitted to law schools. (Individual lawschool application fees are not included aspart of CAS). When law schools receive yourcompleted application, they will request yourlaw school report from LSAC.

If you are a JD applicant who has studied formore than one academic year outside theUnited States or Canada, you can use CAS fortranscript evaluation and authentication ifrequired by the law schools to which you areapplying.

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An applicant holding a bachelor’s degreefrom a qualified institution may be admittedas a Regular Student. An applicant notholding a bachelor’s degree from a qualifiedinstitution may be admitted as a RegularStudent if either of the following are met:

1. The applicant has earned an Associate inArts Degree or an Associate in ScienceDegree from a qualified institution inCalifornia. The Specialized AssociateDegree (Occupational) and the Associateof Applied Science Degree, and otherassociate level degrees which arevocationally oriented, do not satisfy thissubsection; or

2. The applicant has completed at least twoyears of college work:

a. “Two years of college work” means aminimum of sixty semester or ninetyquarter units of college credit equiva-lent to at least half that required for abachelor’s degree from a college oruniversity that has degree-grantingauthority from the state in which it islocated and has been completed witha grade average adequate for gradua-tion.

Students who have not earned a BS, BA, AS,or AA degree may be required to submit theirpre-legal transcripts to the Committee of BarExaminers for evaluation of whether theyhave completed the necessary pre-legalrequirements.

Every applicant who seeks admission as aRegular Student must provide official tran-scripts and other required documentation bythe 45th day after the first day of class. If tran-scripts showing eligibility for admission as aRegular Student are not on file within thatperiod, the admittee must be classified as aSpecial Student, if the student is admissibleas a Special Student, or the student must beexcluded. In exceptional circumstances theDean of the Law School may grant an addi-tional 45-day extension.

E M P I R E C O L L E G E S C H O O L O F L A W��

Pursuant to school policy, any RegularStudent Juris Doctor student whoseundergraduate and/or graduate cumulativegrade point average (regardless of whetherthe student has a bachelor’s degree) is lessthan 3.0, and who also scores below the 20th

percentile on the Law School AdmissionsTest, will be required to take and pass theFirst-Year Law Students’ Examination(FYLSX). For the purpose of making thisdetermination, the undergraduate and/orgraduate grade point average may becalculated on the most recent 60 semesterunits or 90 quarter units earned by thestudent.

The student is required to take and pass theexamination in two consecutive attemptsstarting with the first test date aftercompletion of Criminal Law, Contracts, andTorts. The Dean shall have the authority torequire that certain students meet additionalconditions necessary for the student toadvance in their studies. If the student fails totake and pass the FYLSX within the first twoattempts, he or she will be academicallydisqualified. Regular Student Juris Doctorcandidates whose cumulative grade pointaverage is 70 or higher after completingCriminal Law, Contracts, and Torts maypetition the Dean to waive the FYLSXrequirement.

All applicants are strongly encouraged tocomplete the necessary requirements for aB.A. or comparable degree prior to seekingadmission. No particular pre-law curriculumis required; however, certain courses may behelpful. Classes in English composition,history, sociology, and political science areall suitable. The student should concentrateon courses which are intellectuallychallenging and include reading andwriting, as opposed to vocationally oriented.

Students are admitted to commence study inFall, Spring, and Summer terms. Regularstudents must take the Law SchoolAdmissions Test (LSAT) within four monthsof commencing the study of law.

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Students who have not qualified as a RegularStudent may apply for admission as a SpecialStudent.

Since January 1, 1991, the California StateBar has required that all applicants seekingadmission as Special Students take and passbetween three and five College-LevelExamination Program (CLEP) exams prior toadmission to law school. (See catalog sectionentitled “College-Level ExaminationProgram” on page 14 for further details.)

In addition to the Committee of BarExaminers’ CLEP requirements for SpecialStudents, Empire College School of Lawrequires Special Student applicants tocomplete the Law School Admissions Testprior to acceptance and a written assignmentrequested by the Law School Dean.

Special Student applicants must also provideall the documentation required of applicantsfor regular status, including approval of theDean.

Pursuant to California State Bar policy, allstudents who are accepted as SpecialStudents must take and pass the First-YearLaw Students’ Examination (FYLSX) givenby the Committee of Bar Examiners beforereceiving credit for any law studiescompleted. A Special Student who does notpass the First-Year Law Students’Examination within three administrationsafter first becoming eligible to take theexamination must be promptly disqualifiedfrom a law school’s J.D. program. A studentwho passes the First-Year Law Students’Examination within three administrationsafter first becoming eligible to take it willreceive credit for all legal studies completedto the time the examination is passed. Astudent who does not pass the examinationwithin the three administrations, but whosubsequently passes it, is eligible for re-enrollment in Empire’s J.D. program, but mayonly receive credit for one year of legal study,Criminal Law, Contracts, and Torts.

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Any applicant who seeks admission as aRegular Student, but who does not provideofficial transcripts or other requireddocumentation by the 45th day after the firstday of registration, shall be classified as aSpecial Student, if the student is admissibleas a Special Student, or the student must bedismissed from school.

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Students wishing to transfer to EmpireCollege School of Law must provide officialtranscripts from all law schools attendedshowing satisfactory completion of all priorlaw studies. Students attending anunaccredited California law school mustshow satisfactory completion of one year ofstudy followed by passage of the First-YearLaw Students’ Examination (FYLSX) andsuccessful completion of subsequent coursesat the unaccredited school. Students must bein good standing under the rules of the lawschool they are currently attending.

Under exceptional circumstances, admissionmay be possible for persons who werepreviously disqualified from law study if itcan be shown that the prior disqualificationwas a result of factors other than lack ofacademic ability. Ordinarily, this may bedemonstrated by letters from the dean orfaculty members of the school previouslyattended. Applicants who were previouslydisqualified from law school will normally berequired to achieve an LSAT score at or abovethe 50th percentile prior to readmission andmust petition the Academic StandardsCommittee for admission.

Empire College School of Law reserves theright to determine the number of transfercredits to be accepted. This determinationwill be made by the Dean on an individualbasis and will depend in part on anevaluation of course content and gradesreceived in various courses. Normally, onlylaw coursework completed within 36calendar months prior to the date theapplicant will begin his or her studies at

Empire College will be transferable. Somescheduling adjustment may be needed fortransfer students to ensure that they receivethe necessary instruction in required subjectsand the corresponding unit credit requiredfor graduation.

Transfer students must meet all admissionsrequirements outlined in this catalog.

Normally, all transfer students must take andpass a minimum of 44 of 86 units inresidence in order to qualify for graduationfrom Empire College School of Law with aJuris Doctor degree.

Transfer of Credit from Other Law Schools:A student attending Empire College School ofLaw may take courses for credit at other lawschools with the permission of the Dean.Credit for courses successfully completed atother law schools may be transferred with thepermission of the Dean; however, grades arenot transferable and will not be included inthe grade point average computed by EmpireCollege School of Law.

Transfer of Credit to Other Law Schools:Other law schools accredited by theCommittee of Bar Examiners of the State Barof California generally accept Empire CollegeSchool of Law credits. Some ABA lawschools will also accept transfer of creditsfrom Empire College School of Law.

The transfer of credits from Empire CollegeSchool of Law to another law school is thedecision of the receiving law school. Studentswishing to transfer to another law schoolshould contact that school to determine itspolicy of accepting Empire’s credits.

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The introductory courses of LAW I401–Introduction to Law and LAW I402–LegalResearch and Writing may be waived at thediscretion of the Dean of the Law Schoolbased on the applicant’s prior education orexperience. Waiver of the coursework doesnot constitute waiver of the units. Applicants


who obtain a waiver of the coursework muststill complete the cumulative units requiredfor graduation.

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A student enrolled in another law school,subject to approval of the enrolled law schooland the Dean of Empire College School ofLaw, may be admitted as a non-degreeauditing student upon submission ofrequired documentation. Non-MatriculatingStudents are subject to Tuition and Fees andall other regulations of Empire College Schoolof Law. (See Empire College School of LawPolicy Manual section 2A.9 and 2B.9 forfurther details.)

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Regular and Transfer students must take (orhave taken) the Law School Admissions Test(LSAT) within four months of commencingthe study of law. Commencing the study oflaw is defined as beginning any course atEmpire College School of Law.

Normally, the LSAT must have been takenwithin the last ten years. The Dean will havethe discretion to waive or modify the ten-yearrequirement. The examination is usuallyadministered in February, June, October, andDecember. Empire College is test center#14021.

For applications, information about the test,and information regarding the location ofother testing centers, please contact theAdmissions Department of Empire CollegeSchool of Law or write to:

Law School Admission Council662 Penn StreetNewtown PA 18940-0998Telephone: (215) 968-1001Online service: www.LSAC.org

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Special Students must attain passing scoreson the following General Examinationsadministered by CLEP prior to commencingthe study of law:

• College Composition or CollegeComposition with Modular; and

• Two other examinations, each designedto correspond to full-year courses (6semester hours each) or four otherexaminations, each designed tocorrespond to semester courses (3semester hours each) that can be selectedfrom any of the following subjects:• Composition and Literature

(Humanities examination only)• Foreign Languages• History and Social Sciences• Science and Mathematics• Business.

To receive credit an applicant must score 50or higher on each examination.

For registration materials, information aboutthe test, Summary of Credit Recommenda-tions for the CLEP Examinations, and furtherinformation regarding the location of testingcenters and testing dates, please contact theAdmissions Department of Empire CollegeSchool of Law or write to:

College-Level Examination ProgramP.O. Box 6600Princeton, NJ 08541-6600Telephone: (800) 257-9558 or

(212) 237-1331Fax: (610) 628-3726Email: [email protected]: http://clep.collegeboard.org

Representatives are available Mondaythrough Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EasternTime.

Applicants who are either requesting ageneral education evaluation or pursuinglaw study under the Committee of BarExaminers’ Law Office Study program musthave the College Board send official scorereports to the State Bar’s Office of Admissionsin Los Angeles; 1149 S. Hill Street, LosAngeles, CA 90015-2299. The score recipientcode for the Office of Admissions is 7165.

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Students have the option to register with theState Bar of California when they begin theirlegal studies. Refer to the State Bar ofCalifornia’s official website atwww.calbar.ca.gov for current rules andregulations.

Students are advised that it is theirindividual responsibility to comply with theRules Regulating Admission to Practice Lawin California. Students may obtain a copyfrom the Committee of Bar Examiners, 180Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94105-1639 or online at www.calbar.ca.gov.

Students should retain copies of all formsand information sent to and received from theCommittee of Bar Examiners.

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Prior to the start of an academic term, there isan orientation for the benefit of all newstudents. The orientation introduces thestudents to the Administration, academicphilosophies, the challenges and disciplinesof studying law, and the responsibilities ofthe law student.

All students are required to completeregistration and arrange for the payment offees prior to the start of classes. Informationand registration material will be sent to allnew and returning students prior to thestart of classes.

Please Note: A student is not officiallyregistered until the “Student Schedule” issigned by a member of the Law School staffand Accounts Receivable Manager. Anystudent who registers late will beconsidered absent until registration and thestudent schedule have been completed andwill be charged a late fee.

Renowned defense attorney Jerry Spence (front row, center) deliveredthe commencement address to the Class of 1994.

E M P I R E C O L L E G E S C H O O L O F L A W�.

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Applicants must decide prior to beginningclasses whether they will enroll in the JurisDoctor (JD) program, the Master of LegalStudies (MLS) program, or be concurrentlyenrolled in both programs. If a studentwishes to begin their studies in only the MLSprogram, but believes there is a possibilitythey may later enroll in the JD program, con-current enrollment is highly recommendedand will be subject to the same policies listedbelow.

If a student enrolls in the MLS program andlater desires to enroll in the JD program, theymust:

1. Have completed the Law SchoolAdmissions Test (LSAT) within 4 monthsof their first day of class; or at a later dateif the Dean of the Law School grants anexception, not to exceed one calendaryear following the student’s first day ofclass in the MLS program; and

2. Have met the JD academic requirementsin the first-year courses of Criminal Law,Contracts and Torts and would havebeen moved on to the second-year ofinstruction whether or not on probation.1

Such students may be required tocomplete the First-Year Law Students’Examination as detailed in the EmpireCollege School of Law Catalog (see page12); and

3. Have maintained a 70 grade pointaverage or higher in the MLS program, ifthe MLS program has been completedprior to enrolling in the JD program.

The maximum time which may elapsebetween completion of the MLS program andenrolling in the JD program is 2 years. Anexception to this policy may be granted by theDean of the Law School so long as anyexception would not cause the cumulativetime in both programs, including any gapperiod of time between programs, to exceed

84 months (7 years) and no MLS unitscompleted earlier than 36 months (3 years)prior to the student’s first day of class in theJD program are included towards the JD unitgraduation requirement.

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If a student is concurrently enrolled in the JDand MLS programs and is academically dis-qualified from the JD program, but remainseligible for the MLS, the student must:

1. Decide whether they will pursue the MLSonly2; or

2. Meet one of the requirements forreadmission into the JD programpursuant to Empire College School ofLaw Policy Manual section 8.5, et seq.,including, but not limited to, a Petitionfor Delayed Readmission requiring thestudent to reapply after at least two fullacademic years have elapsed and torestart the JD program pursuant toEmpire Policy Manual section 8.7

1 In the rare circumstance that a student isallowed to complete less than a full first-yearschedule, such as completing Criminal Lawand Torts, but not Contracts, such a studentmay be allowed in their second-year tocomplete the missing first-year course(s) andwith permission of the Dean, other courses.However, for purposes of the policies above,the first-year GPA will still be calculated asthe cumulative average of Criminal Law,Contracts, and Torts.

2 If a student determines to continue in theMLS program only, this does not preclude thestudent from later petitioning for DelayedReadmission. However, if readmitted to theJD program after completion of the MLSprogram, the student would be required torestart the JD program in compliance withEmpire College School of Law Policy Manualsection 8.7 “where a student is granteddelayed readmission and more than one full

2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 C A T A L O G �/

academic year has passed, the student will berequired to begin again as a first-yearstudent.”

Two Sonoma County Superior Courtrooms (below) are housed within 11,000square feet of the Empire College building. In the evening, the courtrooms areutilized as classrooms for Trial Practice and Moot Court.

The Law Library (right) houses nearly 10,000 volumes along with extensivecomputerized legal resources.

E M P I R E C O L L E G E S C H O O L O F L A W�0

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The Master of Legal Studies (“MLS”) alsoknown as the Master of Studies in Law(MSL), is a Master’s degree offered to seriousstudents who wish to accomplish post-graduate studies in the law but do not wantto pursue a traditional Juris Doctor (JD) lawdegree.

Admittance, attendance, and graduationfrom Empire College School of Law’s MLSprogram will not allow a graduate to beentitled to practice law in California or anyother jurisdiction. Attendees or graduatesshall not be qualified to sit for the CaliforniaBar Examination or any bar examination inany other jurisdiction.

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An applicant holding a bachelor’s degreefrom a qualified institution may be admittedinto the MLS program. An applicant notholding a bachelor’s degree from a qualifiedinstitution may be admitted if the followingare met:

The applicant has earned an Associate inArts Degree or an Associate in ScienceDegree or the equivalent from a qualifiedinstitution in California as defined in the“Admissions - Juris Doctor” section ofthis Catalog (see page 11 “RegularStudents,” Section 2(a)).

The Specialized Associate Degree(Occupational) and the Associate ofApplied Science Degree, and otherassociate level degrees which arevocationally oriented, do not satisfy thissubsection.

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Applicants wishing to be admitted to theMaster of Legal Studies program must, priorto admission, obtain and furnish thefollowing:

1. A completed application plus a non-refundable application fee in the amountof $50.00.

2. One official transcript from eachundergraduate and/or graduateschool and, if the applicant does not

have an associate’s and/or bachelor’sdegree, an official high school transcriptor an official report of the GeneralEducation Development (GED) Examscores verifying successful completion ofthe GED or a high school proficiencycertificate.

3. Two Letters of Recommendation fromindividuals personally acquainted withthe applicant.

4. A personal Statement of Intent outliningthe applicant’s interest in the graduatestudy of law (maximum of 500 words).

5. An interview with and approval of theDean of the School of Law.

Applicants to the MLS program areencouraged to take the Law SchoolAdmission Test (LSAT), but it is not requiredfor admission to the program.

Foreign applicants with a non-Englishbackground, at the discretion of the Dean,may be required to take the Test of English asa Foreign Language (“TEOFL”) and submitan official score prior to admission to theprogram.

All admission decisions will be based upon acomplete review of the admissions file as wellas upon a consideration of the applicant’swork history, life experience, and previousacademic success.

It is important that you keep a copy of allschedules, agreements, contracts, orapplications to document enrollment; tuitionreceipts or cancelled checks to document thetotal amount of tuition paid; and recordswhich will show the percentage of theprogram which has been completed.

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Students wishing to transfer to EmpireCollege School of Law must provide officialtranscripts from all law schools attendedshowing satisfactory completion of all priorlaw studies.

2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 C A T A L O G �4

Empire College School of Law reserves theright to determine the number of transfercredits to be accepted. This determinationwill be made by the Dean on an individualbasis and will depend in part on anevaluation of course content and gradesreceived in various courses. Normally, onlylaw coursework completed within 36calendar months prior to the date theapplicant will begin his or her studies atEmpire College will be transferable. Somescheduling adjustment may be needed fortransfer students to ensure that they receivethe necessary instruction in required subjectsand the corresponding unit credit requiredfor graduation.

Transfer students must meet all admissionsrequirements outlined in this catalog.

Under no circumstances will more than one-half of the credits required for the Master ofLegal Studies degree be transferred fromanother institution. All transfer studentsmust take and pass a minimum of 24 units inresidence in order to qualify for graduationfrom the Master of Legal Studies program.Students who successfully transfer creditsare still subject to the residence requirementunder section 2B.0 of the Empire CollegeSchool of Law Policy Manual.

Transfer of Credit from Other Law Schools:A student attending Empire College School ofLaw may take courses for credit at other lawschools with the permission of the Dean.Credit for courses successfully completed atother law schools may be transferred with thepermission of the Dean; however, grades arenot transferable and will not be included inthe grade point average computed by EmpireCollege School of Law. A Master of LegalStudies student wishing to transfer coursespreviously completed at another law schoolshall petition the Dean for approval prior tocommencing studies at Empire. See EmpirePolicy Manual section 2B.6 for current Masterof Legal Studies students who wish to com-plete courses at another institution.

Transfer of Credit to Other Law Schools:Other law schools accredited by theCommittee of Bar Examiners of the State Barof California generally accept Empire CollegeSchool of Law credits. Some ABA lawschools will also accept transfer of creditsfrom Empire College School of Law.

The transfer of credits from Empire CollegeSchool of Law to another law school is thedecision of the receiving law school. Studentswishing to transfer to another law schoolshould contact that school to determine itspolicy of accepting Empire’s credits.

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The introductory courses of LAW I401–Introduction to Law and LAW I402–LegalResearch and Writing may be waived at thediscretion of the Dean of the Law Schoolbased on the applicant’s prior education orexperience. Waiver of the coursework doesnot constitute waiver of the units. Applicantswho obtain a waiver of the coursework muststill complete the cumulative units requiredfor graduation.

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Prior to the start of an academic term, there isan orientation for the benefit of all newstudents. The orientation introduces thestudents to the Administration, academicphilosophies, the challenges and disciplinesof studying law, and the responsibilities ofthe law student.

All students are required to completeregistration and arrange for the payment offees prior to the start of classes. Informationand registration material will be sent to allnew and returning students prior to the startof classes.

Please Note: A student is not officiallyregistered until the “Student Schedule” issigned by a member of the Law School staffand Accounts Receivable Manager. Anystudent who registers late will be consideredabsent until registration and the studentschedule have been completed and will becharged a late fee.


Freeway access is convenient. Parking spaceat the College is ample.

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Vending machines and microwave ovens areprovided in the College’s student lounge, andmany restaurants are located within a shortdistance as well.

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The College has a separate set of policies andprocedures pertaining to the Americans withDisabilities Act (ADA). A copy of these poli-cies and procedures is contained in theEmpire College School of Law Policy Manual.If the student wishes accommodation underthe ADA, he or she should notify the Deanimmediately.

Empire College has an ADA committeewhich meets periodically and is available tomeet with any student who has a questionregarding ADA.

The building facilities and grounds whichhouse Empire College School of Law meetcity and state regulations concerning accessfor persons with disabilities, in addition tothe federal regulations, also known as theAmericans with Disabilities Act, enacted in1990. The services provided are specially de-signed restroom facilities, drinking fountains,parking stalls and access corridors to thebuilding, handrails, access ramps and build-ing entry doors.

Empire College School of Law will make areasonable accommodation to all individ-uals with disabilities to attend law schoolunless such an accommodation would im-pose an undue hardship on the operation ofEmpire College School of Law. Students withdisabilities will be given consideration foraccommodations based upon a written re-quest from such a disabled student,accompanied by medical documentation.

Students requesting accommodations mustschedule an appointment with the Dean.

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The Dean of the Law School is available toassist students with academic advising. Anystudent having difficulty with a particularclass or scheduling should see the Dean.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Advising:Students who are not achieving SatisfactoryAcademic Progress, as defined in thisCatalog, will be required to meet with theDean, Assistant Dean, and/or AcademicStandards Committee to review their progressand develop a plan for improvement.

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Students who have successfully graduatedfrom the Master of Legal Studies and/or JurisDoctor program are eligible to receiveplacement assistance after satisfying allfinancial obligations to the College. Jobnotices are posted and résumés are acceptedfrom qualified graduates to be forwarded toemployers. Résumé preparation andinterview techniques can be addressed.

Placement assistance is available to all pastgraduates.

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Empire College does not have on-campushousing nor does it assist students in findinghousing. However, the College is centrallylocated in Santa Rosa with many apartmentcomplexes nearby. The approximate monthlycost of an apartment ranges from $800 to$1600. Housing resource information isavailable to all prospective students from theAdmissions Office.

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Golden Gate Transit serves the campus andconnects with Sonoma County Transit andSanta Rosa City Transit in the downtownarea, making it possible to commute by bus toschool from many locations within SonomaCounty. The bus stop is conveniently locatedin front of the College.

2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 C A T A L O G ��

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For the convenience of students and faculty,the College operates a bookstore which stockstexts, study aids, and supplies needed forstudy at the College. Students are notrequired to purchase their materials fromEmpire College, however.

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A student photograph will be taken atorientation or at one of the first classmeetings. These photos will be used to createstudent identification cards that are issued toeach student. ID cards are valid through thestudent’s expected graduation date andshould be returned to Empire College if thestudent withdraws from their legal studies.

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Class sizes will vary. The maximumscheduled for lecture classes is 48 students.Small class sizes ensure vibrant discussionsand class interactions with Professors.

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The law library is an integral part of theSchool of Law. Emphasis is placed on thebasic research required for classes. Thelibrary consists of California, Federal andother court reference works, reports, statutesand digests, as well as a growing collectionof law reviews and treatises. Lexis/Nexisand Westlaw computerized legal researchdatabases are available.

The library hours are as follows:

Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.Friday 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Sunday Open during exam

periods

Lexis/Nexis and Westlaw computerizedlegal research databases are for educationalpurposes only. The computers are not to beused for Internet surfing or for retrieval andtransmission of e-mail. Sending, saving, or

viewing offensive material is strictlyprohibited and may result in dismissal.Students using the library for commercialpurposes are subject to dismissal.

After 12:00 p.m., the library is for theexclusive use of law students and studentsenrolled in the paralegal and other legalprograms for study and research. Talking,socializing, and other disruptive activitiesare not permitted. No food or beverages ofany kind are allowed in the library.

The Law School has also established apartnership with the Sonoma County PublicLaw Library. They offer special hours of4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m., Monday-Friday forEmpire alumni and students exclusively, andthe Sonoma County Law Library is also openon Saturdays ensuring Empire students andalumni have access to the 27,000 volumeswithin the county law library.


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Mid-term and final written examinations aregiven in all courses except those requiringsubstantial oral or written work, such asMoot Court, drafting, legal research, clinics,or special seminars. Examinations are gradedanonymously and generally form the basisfor the student’s grade. Instructors, with theapproval of the Dean, may use factors otherthan the written examination in determiningthe final grade. The basis for the grade will beset forth in the class syllabus, and a copy ofthe grading policy will be on file with theLaw School office.

All students must take examinations asscheduled. It is recognized that in specialcircumstances and due to emergencies, it maybe necessary to schedule delayedexaminations. An emergency is defined asillness or injury to the student or a member ofhis or her immediate family. Specialcircumstances are defined as other situationswhich, in the opinion of the Dean, aresufficient to warrant delay in takingexaminations. Any student taking delayedexaminations must have the prior writtenapproval of the Dean. No examination maybe taken prior to the day of the regularlyscheduled examination. If delayedexaminations are approved by the Dean, a feeof $75 will be charged for each examinationtaken.

The School of Law has the right to withholdthe taking of mid-term or final examinationsif a student has an unpaid balance due theSchool and has not made arrangements,approved by the School, for the payment ofsaid unpaid balance.

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Transcripts are mailed to each student at theend of each academic term. Additionally,mid-term grades will be mailed to students atthe end of all applicable academic semesters.

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A principal objective of the School of Law isto educate students in a profession which isboth learned and honorable, a profession inwhich the public places trust and confidence.The School of Law, therefore, provides aneducational environment which seeks toencourage students to develop respect fortheir professional obligations, both presentand future.

Each student is expected and required, on hisor her honor, not to give or receive assistanceduring an examination. Departure from this“Honor System” is an offense against theintegrity of the individual, fellow students,the school, and the profession of which ourstudents aspire to become members.

Students must observe these basic principlesand are urged to avoid any situations whichmight place them under suspicion ofviolation of the Honor System.

Violation of the Honor System may result indismissal from the School of Law.

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Students will be provided a method forcontacting each of their faculty members. It isthe policy of the School of Law not to releaseany personal or confidential information tostudents or outside parties without thefaculty member’s written consent.

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The School of Law maintains a confidentialacademic record and file for each admittedstudent. It is the policy of the School of Lawnot to release information to outside partieswithout the student’s written consent.

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All students at Empire College School of Laware expected to conduct themselves in aprofessional manner by being thoughtful,courteous, and considerate to others.

2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 C A T A L O G ��

The School of Law reserves the right tosuspend or dismiss any student whoseconduct in the opinion of the Dean orAcademic Standards Committee is disruptiveor in any way interferes with the learningprocess of other students. The School of Lawfurther reserves the right to terminate theenrollment of any student not abiding by thepolicies and regulations in this Catalog or inthe Empire College School of Law PolicyManual or as set forth in writing by theSchool of Law. Unlawful activities on thecampus will be grounds for immediatedismissal.

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Empire College has developed a five-pointprogram, in compliance with federalregulations, to inform all students andemployees about its policies concerning illicitdrugs and alcohol, the legal sanctionsrelating to unlawful drug and alcoholpossession or distribution, the health risksassociated with substance abuse, counselingprograms available, and the penalty that willbe imposed if found in violation of EmpireCollege Policies.

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It is the objective of Empire College topromote a safe and healthful atmosphere forstudents, faculty, staff and visitors to ourfacility by reducing the health risksassociated with tobacco smoke and relatedproducts and minimizing discomfort andinconvenience to all concerned. To meet thisobligation, the College has implemented asmoke-free campus. This includes all “Ecigarettes” and various vapor-based smokingdevices.

Smoking and all other uses of tobacco areprohibited on all property in all indoor andoutdoor spaces owned and controlled byEmpire College. The only designatedsmoking area is at the kiosk located at thesouth end of the parking lot. Everyone isasked not to smoke in any location on

campus except the specified designatedsmoking area.

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Verbal, physical, visual, and sexualharassment of students and employees ofEmpire College is absolutely forbidden. It isexpected that all students will be sensitive tothe feelings of others and will not act in away that might be considered harassment bysomeone else.

If you believe you or one of your fellowstudents has been the victim of harassment,you must report it immediately to the Dean,Assistant to the Dean, or Admissions Officerso that your report may be investigated.

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Students, staff, and faculty are required toreport any sexual assault, either actual orattempted, immediately to the Dean,Assistant to the Dean, or Admissions Officerof the School of Law. An immediateinvestigation will be made and involve thelocal law enforcement authorities as required.Assault victims will be counseled and giveninformation on local agencies that willprovide support services. If applicable, thealleged offender will be placed onadministrative leave of absence until adetermination of guilt or innocence isreached.

The College adheres to guidelines relating tosexual assault as defined by the U.S. Office ofEducation.

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Empire College School of Law grantsstudents of any race, color, ethnic origin, age,sex, or sexual orientation all rights,privileges, programs, and activities generallymade available to students of the School ofLaw. The School of Law does notdiscriminate in administration of itseducational policies, admissions policies,scholarship and loan programs, or otherschool administered programs.


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Academic Matters: A student who claimsthat an examination or course grade was theproduct of unfairness, a departure fromestablished grading policy or a clearly shownmistake, and presents credible factualsupport for the claim, may have his or herclaim reviewed by the Academic StandardsCommittee. The Committee is formed inaccordance with State Bar standards. TheCommittee consists of no less than three normore than five instructors appointed by theDean to serve for the academic year. Requestsfor a hearing shall be submitted in writing tothe Dean or the Assistant to the Dean withinten (10) days of the date that grades weremailed.

Non-Academic, Non-Financial Matters:Except in extraordinary or emergencysituations, students who are the subject ofproposed disciplinary action for non-academic or non-financial matters areentitled to written notice in advance and ahearing by a disinterested panel before theimposition of discipline. The student has theright to assistance of counsel of theirchoosing, opportunity to call witnesses andexamine adverse witnesses, and submitdocumentary evidence. Disciplinary action ofthis nature may be imposed for any conductby a student which, in the opinion of theAcademic Standards Committee of the Schoolof Law, violates the high standards of ethicsexpected of potential future officers of thecourt or legal professionals, interferes withthe rights of other students, disrupts theintended functions of the School of Law, orotherwise violates the rights of others orviolates the announced policies. The Schoolof Law reserves the right to impose suchdisciplinary action, up to and includingdismissal, on any student whose conductwarrants such action.

Prospective or enrolled students areencouraged to make inquiry of schoolpersonnel regarding any questions they mayhave concerning the policies, regulations,

and requirements stated in this Catalog or theEmpire College School of Law Policy Manual.Any questions a student may have regardingthis Catalog that have not been satisfactorilyanswered by the institution may be directedto:

MASTER OF LEGAL STUDIES:Accrediting Council for IndependentColleges and Schools (ACICS)750 First Street, NE, Suite 980Washington, DC 20002-4223

JURIS DOCTOR:Committee of Bar ExaminersState Bar of California180 Howard StreetSan Francisco, CA 94105-1639

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Since this catalog is prepared before thebeginning of the academic year, it is possiblethat some changes will occur between thetime the catalog is printed and the start of theacademic year. Course content may bealtered, classes cancelled, or policies changedby the Dean.

All statements in this publication areannouncements of present policies and aresubject to change at any time without priornotice. They are not to be regarded as offers ora contract.

2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 C A T A L O G �-

and completed, the student is not onPace. If a student fails to complete morethan 18 attempted units, it becomesmathematically impossible to completethe MLS program within the 54 unitmaximum timeframe. Further, Pacerequires completion of at least 2/3 or66.67% of the units the student attemptseach semester. Pace is calculated bydividing the total number of units thestudent has successfully completed bythe total number of units attempted. Inrare circumstances a student may exceedthe maximum timeframe if they meet thestandards described in the Appealssection below.

Qualitative Standard – Students mustsuccessfully meet or exceed the minimumCumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA)of 65% and be on Pace.

MLS students must meet the followingminimum standards of SatisfactoryAcademic Progress to be successful at EmpireCollege School of Law. The student’sprogress will be reviewed at the end of eachsemester to determine satisfactory academicprogress. Lack of satisfactory progress canseriously jeopardize a student’s financial aid.

A full-time student will have attempted tocomplete 18 or more semester units at the endof each academic year. A half-time studentwill have attempted to complete at least 9semester units at the end of each academicyear. For financial aid purposes theacademic year is defined as at least 45 weeksfor all MLS students.

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Empire College School of Law has specificstandards students are expected to achieve inorder to maintain Satisfactory AcademicProgress (SAP) in their programs of study.These Standards are based on grades and thecompletion of program requirements within amaximum time frame. Compliance withSatisfactory Progress standards hassubstantial effect on the disbursement of TitleIV financial aid funds. Students in the Masterof Legal Studies (MLS) will be requested toacknowledge receipt of the SatisfactoryAcademic Progress Statement, which outlinesthese standards, at the time they meet withFinancial Aid Office personnel and/orduring their first two weeks of classes or ifthe policy is revised.

At Empire College School of Law, satisfactoryprogress for MLS students is defined by thefollowing criteria:

Quantitative Standard – Students mustcomplete 36 units and are permitted toattempt up to 1.5 times the number ofunits (36 x 150% = 54 units) in theirprogram of study. 54 units is themaximum timeframe for completion ofthe MLS program. Students must be onPace. Pace is defined as the progressthrough the student’s educationalprogram that will ensure completionwithin maximum timeframe. If itbecomes impossible for a student tocomplete the MLS program within 54units, considering all units attempted

Required Evaluation Point Minimum Minimum Units(Each Academic Year) CGPA* Successfully Completed

Full/Half TimeEnd of 1st Semester 65% AND 6/3 units

End of 2nd Semester 65% AND 12/6 units

End of 3rd Semester 65% AND 18/9 units

* Cumulative Grade Point Average


Non-Severable Courses – A/B required MLScourses (Criminal Law, Contracts, Torts, andConstitutional Law) are non-severable twosemester courses. Upon completion of thefirst semester of an A/B course, the units forthat semester are considered vested. Thesevested units will not be granted until thecondition subsequent of completion of the Bportion of the course is successfullycompleted. However, for purposes of SAP,the quantitative and qualitative portions ofthis policy will be applied every semester,regardless if the semester culminates invested or completed units.

Transfer of Credit - Master of Legal Studiescredit for courses successfully completed atother law schools may be transferred withpermission of the Dean; however, grades arenot transferable and will not be included inthe grade point average computed by EmpireCollege School of Law. Transfer credits willbe evaluated by the Dean of the Law School

For the purposes of the quantitativemaximum timeframe and Pace in this policy,transfer credits are included in the total unitscompleted.

Normally, only law coursework completedwithin 36 calendar months prior to the datethe applicant will begin his or her studies atEmpire will be transferable.

The transfer permission request or petitionshall be submitted in writing andaccompanied by a copy of the catalogdescription of the course or courses thestudent completed or desires to complete.The Dean will consider all factors indetermining whether credit can be granted,including evaluating the academicequivalency of courses and the hourly unitrequirements.

Under no circumstances will more than one-half of the credits required for the Master ofLegal Studies degree be transferred fromanother institution. All transfer students

must take and pass a minimum of 24 units inresidence in order to qualify for graduationfrom the Master of Legal Studies program.Students who successfully transfer creditsare still subject to the residence requirementsunder section 2B.0 of the Empire CollegeSchool of Law Policy Manual.

Students not making satisfactory academicprogress are subject to the following:

End of First Semester Not Meeting SAP –Academic Warning: The first time anystudent is not meeting SAP at the end of anyacademic semester, he or she will be placedon Warning Status with no right of appealand continue to be financial aid eligible.These students will receive a letter from theDean stating they are on SAP warning andrequiring the student to meet with the Deanor Assistant Dean to discuss a plan forimprovement.

End of Second Consecutive Semester NotMeeting SAP – Academic Probation: Astudent who does not maintain satisfactoryprogress at the end of a second consecutivesemester will be placed on Probation for thenext semester and has two alternatives:

1. Request an appeal with the Dean of theLaw School to develop an academic planthat will ensure the student is able tomeet SAP standards by a specific timeframe. The student’s academic plan willbe reviewed with the student during theprobationary period as stated in the plan.If approved, student remains eligible forfinancial aid.

2. Student does not appeal, remains inschool, and becomes ineligible forfinancial aid until such time as thestudent makes satisfactory progress.

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End of Third Consecutive Semester NotMeeting SAP – Academic Dismissal:Students not making satisfactory academicprogress at the end of a third consecutivesemester will be dismissed unless theiracademic plan developed after appealdetermined the student will require morethan one semester to meet progressstandards.

Appeals: An MLS student is allowed one (1)appeal of probation status for the length oftheir program.

Students on Probationary Status may appealwithin ten (10) days of notification of theirchange in status, and request to be placed onan academic plan. In order for an appeal tobe considered, the student must provide theDean of the Law School a letter that includesinformation about the circumstances orevents which prevented the student fromattaining SAP. Circumstances may include:

o Death of a relative of the studento An injury or illness of the studento Other special circumstance. Special

circumstances must be documentedby the student to demonstrate thatthey had an adverse impact of thestudent’s performance.

In addition, the student must note what haschanged in order for the student to besuccessful.

The Dean of the Law School will review ap-peals to determine whether they include thenecessary information and documentation.The Dean of the Law School will then deter-mine whether the student is eligible for anacademic plan and can regain SAP withinthe maximum timeframe. The student will benotified in writing within five (5) days, of thefinal decision. There are no additional ap-peals processes.

Academic Probation – Veterans or VAEligible Persons: A veteran or VA eligibleperson placed on probation for

unsatisfactory progress shall be dismissed ifhis or her academic progress remains belowpublished standards after two semesters. Ifthe veteran or VA eligible person is allowedto remain on probation beyond this period,he or she will have all veteran’s benefitsdiscontinued and any further certification ofbenefits terminated.

A veteran or VA eligible person whoseattendance is below 80 percent after twoconsecutive semesters will have all veteran’sbenefits discontinued.

Grading System: Students will receive aprogress report of their grades at the end ofevery semester. Class work is reported interms of a numeric grade. In the judgment ofEmpire College School of Law, the reportednumeric grades are equivalent to thefollowing academic performancemeasurements:

A 80 and above Outstanding

B+ 76 - 79 Honors

B 70 - 75 Superior

B- 65 - 69 Satisfactory/Credit

C 64 and below Unsatisfactory/No Credit

For classes where students receive a pass/fail grade, these pass/fail grades do not affectgrade point average. Credit hours are earnedfor “Pass” grades and no credit hours areearned for “Fail” grades.

Withdrawal from a Course: Students whowish to change their schedule by dropping acourse may do so only with the permission ofthe Dean of the Law School. Dropping a classduring the first two weeks of the semesterwill result in no grade or units attemptedbeing assigned for the course. Beyond thesecond week of a semester, students mayrequest to be withdrawn from a class and agrade of “W” will be assigned. “W” gradesare not calculated into the CGPA, but will beconsidered units attempted if the student hasincurred a financial obligation for thesemester and will affect the successful course

E M P I R E C O L L E G E S C H O O L O F L A W�0

completion percentage required for thesatisfactory Pace.

Repeating a Course: A student who receivesa final grade of less than 65% in any coursemust repeat the course and receive a grade of70% or higher. Repeating the same coursewill be granted only one time. Failure tosuccessfully repeat a course will result inacademic disqualification. When a studentrepeats a course, both the original coursegrade (reflected as an RF) and the gradereceived for the repeated course will beshown on the student’s transcript. However,only the grade received after repeating thecourse will be included in the student’s gradepoint average.

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Regular and punctual attendance is requiredfor the successful completion of law school.Students should plan to attend every class. Aminimum of 80 percent attendance isrequired in each course. In the event astudent misses a class they should prepareany missed work and obtain notes fromanother student to ensure they do not missconcepts. If missing an examination, there isa specific make-up examination policy 7.10in the Policy Manual.

A student who has reached the absence limitin a course will be sent a warning letter. Astudent who has exceeded the absence limitin a course will be automatically droppedfrom the course. Dropped students will berequired to repeat the course at its nextoffering in order to meet graduationrequirements. Being dropped from a coursefor exceeding the absence limit will result in aWithdraw from the course and the units willcount as attempted units.

A student admitted to the MLS program inthe School of Law is expected to pursue thecomplete course of study withoutinterruption and to conform their personalschedules to that of the School of Law. Nostudent may extend the course of study

beyond four years from the start date unless itis approved by the Dean of the Law School(see Empire Policy Manual section 2B.3).

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If a student desires to be absent for not morethan one semester, they may request aStandard Period of Non-Enrollment (SPNE)prior to the beginning of the term for whichthey plan to not attend. The student must, inorder to regain the right to return to theSchool of Law, request an SPNE (see EmpireCollege School of Law Policy Manual Section5). A student who is a Title IV recipientshould see the Federal Student LoanRepayment Manager to be aware of thepossible consequences an SPNE may have onloan repayment terms, change in financialaid refunds (return of Title IV funds), and theresulting change in amounts owed to theCollege.

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A student may also withdraw from EmpireCollege School of Law. Readmission ispermitted either by approval of the Dean orthe Academic Standards Committee,depending on the student’s status at the timeof withdraw (see Empire College School ofLaw Policy Manual Section 5). A studentconsidering withdrawing who is a Title IVrecipient should see the Federal Student LoanRepayment Manager to be aware of thepossible consequences a withdrawal mayhave on loan repayment terms, change infinancial aid refunds (return of Title IVfunds), and the resulting change in amountsowed to the College.

Should a student decide to withdraw fromschool, they must notify the Law School.Students withdrawing must attend an exitinterview with the Accounts ReceivableManager and the Federal Student LoanRepayment Manager to complete withdrawalpaperwork and to discuss student aid andfinancial obligations due the College.

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Academic Matters: A student who claimsthat an examination or course grade was theproduct of unfairness, a departure fromestablished grading policy or a clearly shownmistake, and presents credible factualsupport for the claim, may have his or herclaim reviewed by the Academic StandardsCommittee (ASC). The ASC is formed inaccordance with State Bar standards. TheASC consists of no less than three and nomore than five instructors appointed by theDean to serve for the academic year. Requestsfor a hearing shall be submitted in writing tothe Dean or the Assistant to the Dean withinten (10) days of the date that grades weremailed.

Non-Academic, Non-Financial Matters:Except in extraordinary or emergencysituations, students who are the subject ofproposed disciplinary action for non-academic or non-financial matters areentitled to written notice in advance and ahearing by a disinterested panel before theimposition of discipline. The student has theright to assistance of counsel of theirchoosing, opportunity to call witnesses andexamine adverse witnesses, and submitdocumentary evidence. Disciplinary action ofthis nature may be imposed for any conductby a student which, in the opinion of theAcademic Standards Committee of the Schoolof Law, violates the high standards of ethicsexpected of potential future officers of thecourt or legal professionals interferes withthe rights of other students, disrupts theintended functions of the School of Law, orotherwise violates the rights of others orviolates announced policies. The School ofLaw reserves the right to impose suchdisciplinary action, up to and includingdismissal, on any student whose conductwarrants such action.

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Students will be eligible to graduate andreceive a Master of Legal Studies Degree if thefollowing requirements have been met:

1. Completion of the academic curriculumwith passing scores in each class;

2. Completion of 36 units, at least 24 ofwhich are in residence;

3. Achievement of a cumulative grade pointaverage of 65 or higher;

4. Attendance of at least 80 percent in eachcourse;

5. Full payment of all financial obligationsowed to Empire College School of Law.

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During the second semester of the secondyear if a Master of Legal Studies graduatechooses to walk in the commencementexercises, a graduation fee is charged to eachstudent eligible for a Master of Legal Studiesdegree. This fee helps cover the cost of caps,gowns, ceremony, reception, and otherexpenses.

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Honor categories are determined by gradepoint average as follows:

Magna Cum Laude 82 to 100Cum Laude 76 to 81.99


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Criminal Law, and Contracts is 70 or abovewill be advanced to the second year in goodstanding.

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First-year students whose cumulative gradepoint average after completion of Torts,Criminal Law, and Contracts is between 68and 69.99 will be on academic probation.

Advancement on probation will be grantedfor only one academic year and once grantedthe student must, after the end of probation,achieve and maintain a minimum of 70 foreach subsequent academic year and maintaina cumulative grade point average of 70 orbetter. Students on academic probation willbe prohibited from participating in activitiesand programs where good academicstanding is required.

Any student whose cumulative grade pointaverage is less than 70 at the end of thestudent’s second, third, or fourth academicyear will be academically disqualified and isnot eligible for academic probation.

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First-year students whose cumulative gradepoint average after completion of Torts,Criminal Law, and Contracts is less than 68will be academically disqualified.

Any student whose cumulative grade pointaverage is less than 70 at the end of thestudent’s second, third, or fourth academicyear will be academically disqualified.

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An academically disqualified student maypetition the Academic Standards Committeefor immediate or delayed readmission. Thedecision and conditions of readmission willbe determined by the Academic StandardsCommittee. The factors considered by theAcademic Standards Committee are set forthin the Empire College School of Law PolicyManual and the Guidelines for Accredited LawSchool Rules.

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The school uses the following gradingsystem:

90 - 100 Outstanding

80 - 89 Superior

70 - 79 Satisfactory

65 - 69 Unsatisfactory

64 and Below Failing No Credit

65 - 100 P Pass/Credit

64 and Below F Fail/No Credit

Only grades in the required courses are usedto calculate the grade point average.

1 82 or higher = Magna Cum Laude2 76-81.99 = Cum Laude

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A student who receives a final grade of lessthan 65 in any course must repeat the courseand receive a grade of 70 or higher. Repeatingthe same course will be granted only onetime.

When a student repeats a course, both theoriginal course grade (reflected as an RF) andthe grade received for the repeated coursewill be shown on that student’s transcript.However, only the grade received afterrepeating the course will be included in thestudent’s grade point average.

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The academic year begins with the FallSemester and ends on the last day of theSummer Semester of the following calendaryear.

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In order to qualify for the Juris Doctor (J.D.)Degree, all students must have a cumulativegrade point average of 70 or above tograduate.

First-year students whose cumulative gradepoint average after completion of Torts,

1

2

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Students will be eligible to graduate andreceive a Juris Doctor Degree if the followingrequirements have been met:

1. Completion of the academic curriculumwith passing scores in each class;

2. Completion of 86 units, at least 44 ofwhich are in residence;

3. A minimum of 120 weeks enrollment inlaw school in satisfaction of State Barrequirements. In order to complete therequired curriculum, students may needto take classes during one or moresummer semesters;

4. Achievement of a cumulative grade pointaverage of 70 or higher;

5. Attendance of at least 80 percent in eachcourse;

6. Full payment of all financial obligationsowed to Empire College School of Law.

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During the second semester of the fourth yearif a graduate chooses to walk in thecommencement exercises, a graduation fee ischarged to each student eligible for a degreeof Juris Doctor. This fee helps cover the cost ofcaps, gowns, ceremony, reception, and otherexpenses.

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Honor categories are determined by gradepoint average as follows:

Magna Cum Laude 82 to 100Cum Laude 76 to 81.99

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Regular and punctual attendance is requiredfor the successful completion of law school.Students should plan to attend every class.

A minimum of 80 percent attendance isrequired in each course.

A student who has reached the absence limitin a course will be sent a warning letter. Astudent who has exceeded the absence limitin a course will be automatically droppedfrom the course. Dropped students will berequired to repeat the course at its nextoffering in order to meet graduationrequirements.

Empire College School of Law defines a full-time student as one taking six or more unitsper semester or the required curriculum forthe corresponding academic year. Studentswill not be allowed to enroll on a part-timebasis (that is, to take one or two classes ratherthan the complete academic course) except inunusual situations, and then only with theDean’s approval.

A student admitted to the School of Law isexpected to pursue the complete course ofstudy without interruption and to conformtheir personal schedules to that of the Schoolof Law. No student may extend the course ofstudy beyond five years from the time he orshe begins Torts, Contracts, or Criminal Lawwithout prior approval of the Dean. Studentsmay not interrupt the study of law for aperiod longer than one year.


If a student is unable to complete a semester’swork, or is unable, after completion of asemester, to return for the next regularsemester, the student must, in order to regainthe right to return to the School of Law, eithertake an approved break (Standard Period ofNon-enrollment) or withdraw and bereadmitted. Readmission is permitted eitherby approval of the Dean or the AcademicStandards Committee, depending on thestudent’s status at the time of withdrawal(see Section 5 of Empire College School ofLaw Policy Manual).

Notable commencement speakers haveincluded (top to bottom): The HonorableJoyce Kennard, Associate Justice of theCalifornia Supreme Court; Willie Brown,Mayor of San Francisco; and PatriciaIreland, President of the NationalOrganization for Women.

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Several scholarships are administered byEmpire College School of Law.

Dean’s Scholarship: The Dean’s Scholarshipwas established by Dean Broderick in 2001.The scholarship is funded by late fees. Thepurpose of the fund is to award a scholarshipannually to one or more law studentsenrolled at Empire College School of Law toassist them in the completion of their legaleducation. The scholarship is based uponfinancial need, community involvement,school leadership, and academic promise.The amount awarded to each scholarshiprecipient will be within the discretion of theScholarship Committee. The ScholarshipCommittee is comprised of three facultymembers and the Dean.

Olga Gracey Scholarship: This annualscholarship is available to one or more self-supporting women in their first year of studyat Empire College School of Law. The StudentBar Association established the scholarshipin 1991 in memory of Olga Gracey, a first yearlaw student.

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Katherine Thornhill Scholarship: Thisscholarship was established to providefinancial support to one or more studentsattending Empire College School of Law. Theawards are based on financial need. Theamount of the scholarship varies from year toyear.

Sonoma County Community FoundationScholarship: Scholarships ranging from$250 to $20,000 over four years are availablefor qualified students. Recipients are selectedon a competitive basis considering academicand non-academic factors and demonstratedfinancial need. Some of these funds arerestricted to students from a specificgeographic area.

Other Scholarships: Law students may beeligible for other third-party scholarship

awards. Students are encouraged to apply forother scholarship opportunities. Someexamples are the Sonoma County Women inLaw Scholarship and the Michael F.O’Donnell Memorial Scholarship.

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Federal and state financial aid programs areadministered by the College to all studentsdetermined to be eligible and who maintainSatisfactory Academic Progress, which isdefined in this Catalog. Eligibility for allfinancial aid programs is based upon a NeedAnalysis and/or prior academicperformance.

For financial aid purposes, an academic yearis defined as three semesters. A full-timestudent is defined as one scheduled at leastsix units per semester.

Students wishing more information on aidshould contact the Admissions or FinancialAid Offices of the College at 707-546-4000.

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A student may borrow under the William D.Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. If astudent obtains a loan to pay for aneducational program, the student will havethe responsibility to repay the full amount ofthe loan plus interest, less the amount of anyrefund; and, if the student has receivedfederal student financial aid funds, thestudent is entitled to a refund of the moniesnot paid from federal student financial aidprogram funds.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan (Loansup to $20,500 per academic year for graduatestudents): The Federal Direct UnsubsidizedLoan is not based on financial need. Theinterest payments on a Federal DirectUnsubsidized Loan begin immediately afterthe loan is fully disbursed or may be added tothe principal balance.


Monthly payments begin six months after thestudent graduates, drops below half-time orwithdraws from school. Students receivingFederal Direct Loan funds must maintain atleast half-time status and SatisfactoryProgress.

Federal Direct Graduate Plus Loan (Loansup to the cost of education less any otherfinancial aid): Repayment commences asearly as 60 days after the loans are made.Students can defer payments until they areout of school.

College Work Study: The Federal WorkStudy Program provides jobs for studentswith financial need, allowing them to earnmoney to help pay education expenses. Theprogram encourages community service workand work related to each student’s course ofstudy.

All borrowers are required to attend a loancounseling session before any funds aredisbursed. Disbursement of any loanproceeds during the course of a student’senrollment requires maintenance ofSatisfactory Progress, as defined in thisCatalog.

All student borrowers will also participate ina loan exit counseling session before leavingschool.

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Empire College participates in a number ofalternative loan programs including theCareer and Community College Loanadministered by Wells Fargo Bank.Information on this loan may be obtainedfrom the Federal Student Loan RepaymentManager or the Accounts ReceivableDepartment.

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Empire College School of Law hasestablished a student loan program to assiststudents in completing their Juris Doctor

and/or Master of Legal Studies degree(s).Under this program, law students whoqualify are eligible to borrow up to $3,000 persemester (Fall, Spring, Summer) in their 2nd,3rd, and 4th years. Students who qualify areeligible to borrow up to one-half of eachsemester’s total tuition, not to exceed $3,000per semester, and exclusive of any programfees and book costs. Each applicant will bereviewed on an individual basis and will besubject to reevaluation each semester. A loanapplication and criteria memorandum can beobtained from the Law School Office orAccounting.

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Empire College programs have been fundedby the following agencies:

The State Department of Rehabilitation

Private Rehabilitation Agencies

The United States Bureau of Indian Affairs

The California Indian ManpowerCorporation.

Empire College’s Juris Doctor and Master ofLegal Studies programs are approved for thetraining of eligible veterans and eligiblepersons.

Many of our students receive assistance fromthese organizations. Students seekingbenefits should contact the appropriateagency as early as possible for informationand assistance in determining eligibility.

2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 C A T A L O G �-

at least 60 calendar days prior to the effectivedate of a tuition increase.

Tuition may be increased no more than onceper academic year. An academic year refers toa period beginning with the first day of a Fallsemester and continuing through the dayimmediately before the first day of the nextfollowing Fall semester.

Tuition is based on the price-per-unit andany tuition increase shall not exceed five-percent (05%) of the price-per-unit of thesemester immediately preceding the semesterin which students are subject to the tuition inincrease.

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Whereas very few applicants enroll prior tovisiting the school, applicants who have notvisited the school prior to enrollment willhave the opportunity to cancel theirenrollment without penalty within threebusiness days following either the regularlyscheduled orientation which is held prior tothe first course session of the applicantsprogram.

Within three calendar days after signing anenrollment agreement and making an initialpayment, an applicant requests to canceltheir enrollment, all monies paid by theapplicant will be refunded no later than 30calendar days following cancellation and nofuture monies will be owed to EmpireCollege. An applicant requesting cancellationmore than three days after signing anenrollment agreement and making an initialpayment, but prior to passing of the date ofthe first course session in which the studentis enrolled, will receive a refund of all moniespaid no later than 30 calendar daysfollowing cancellation and no future monieswill be owed to Empire College. If anapplicant cancels their enrollment afterattendance of the first course session of theterm in which the applicant is enrolled, the$70.00 Library Fee for that term will not be

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Please refer to the enclosed Catalog Addenda.

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Tuition is required to be paid in full eachsemester. Grades may not be released and thestudent may not be permitted to begin classesthe next semester if fees and tuition are notpaid.

Students are expected to pay their balances infull or make provisions for monthlypayments prior to the beginning of eachsemester. If the student has agreed to makemonthly payments, a promissory note, orother payment agreement, must be signedand interest of one percent per month may becharged on the unpaid balance if anypayment is delinquent. The standardpayment arrangement allows the student topay each semester’s Tuition, Library Fee, andLexis Nexis / Westlaw Password Fee in fourmonthly installments. The first installment isdue prior to, or the day of, the first coursesession for the semester the student isscheduled to attend. The remaining threeinstallments for the semester are due no laterthan the last day of each month.

Students who have not complied with theabove Tuition Policies may not be permittedto attend classes in the next semester norreceive grades or transcripts. Additionally,scholastic records will be withheld andexamination grades will not be released.

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Pursuant to Empire College School of LawPolicy Manual Section 1.1, no amendmentconcerning the cost of tuition or fees will beeffective earlier than the next succeedingsemester following a written notice of theproposed change is mailed or emailed tostudents. Written notice of the proposedchange will be mailed or emailed to students


refunded and the applicant will be refundedbased on the Withdrawn Student RefundPolicy.

Cancellation of enrollment by the applicantrequires no specific form of notification solong as cancellation is expressed to theschool. Applicants who do not attend thefirst course session of the program for whichthey are enrolled, who do not provide noticeto the school that they are unable to attendthe first course session but desire to remainenrolled, will be presumed to be requesting acancellation of their enrollment and willreceive a refund of all monies paid no laterthan 30 calendar days from the day followingthe first session for which they are enrolled.Following the first course session of theprogram, for all subsequent terms, studentswill be subject to the Withdrawn StudentRefund Policy.

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The following policy applies to each semesterfor which the applicant has registered,attended the first course session of a programof instruction for which the applicant hasregistered, or who has notified the schoolthey will be unable to attend the first coursesession of a program of instruction for whichthey have registered but desire to remainenrolled.

Students may withdraw from the school atany time and receive a pro rata refund. Forstudents who have enrolled and have notcancelled their enrollment and have attendedat least one course session, or who havenotified the school they will be unable toattend the first course session but desire toremain enrolled, the $70.00 Library Fee isnon-refundable. The Lexis Nexis / WestlawPassword Fee of $125 will be refunded unlessthe notification of withdrawal is receivedafter the Lexis Nexis /Westlaw passwordhas been issued to the student. Lexis Nexis /Westlaw Passwords are typically issued tothe student within the first month of thesemester in which they begin the courses of

Criminal Law, Contracts, and Torts. TheLexis Nexis / Westlaw Password Fee is neverissued to students during the introductorycourses of Legal Research and Writing andIntroduction to Law, as all required researchin those courses is to be completed in a lawlibrary and electronic research is prohibited.The following schedule applies to tuitionrefunds following the first course session ofthe then current semester for which thestudent has enrolled; the “% Refund” is apercentage of the totals of the tuition cost,and when applicable, the Lexis Nexis /Westlaw Password Fee, for the semester andin which the withdrawal is requested:

JURIS DOCTOR, MASTER OF LEGALSTUDIES, 15-WEEK SEMESTERS,10-WEEK INTROS:Notice of withdrawal given by: % RefundFirst and Second Week 100%Third and Fourth Week 75%Fifth and Sixth Week 50%Seventh and Eighth Week 25%Ninth through Fourteenth Week 0%

5-WEEK INTROS:Notice of withdrawal given by: % RefundFirst Week 100%Second Week 75%Third Week 50%Fourth Week 25%Fifth Week 0%

Withdrawal from a program, semester, orcourse requires no specific form of notifica-tion so long as withdrawal is expressed tothe school. The date from which the refundwill be calculated is the date in which EmpireCollege School of Law receives notification ofwithdraw.

Withdrawal tuition refunds are made within30 days of the withdrawal date. Applicantsshould review Empire College School of LawPolicy Manual sections 5.0 through 5.6 forthe effects of withdrawing in good standing,other than good standing, and for leaving aprogram of instruction on a Standard Periodof Non-Enrollment.

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In April 2000, Empire College School of Law’s Moot Court Team captured firstplace at the 31st Annual California Moot Court Competition. In 2001, Empire’steam captured gold again at the State Bar’s Environmental NegotiationCompetition. Competing law schools included UCLA, Loyola, Pepperdine, SantaClara, UC Davis, and UC Berkeley. Empire’s teams also trophied in the 2002,2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 California Moot CourtCompetitions.


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Course No. Course Title UnitsLAW I401 Introduction to Law 1LAW I402 Legal Research and Writing 2

Total Units 3 3

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LAW 500A/B* Contracts 6LAW 501A/B* Criminal Law 6LAW 502A/B* Torts 6LAW 503 Law Study and Exams 1

Total Units 19 22

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LAW 600A/B* Civil Procedure 6LAW 603A/B* Constitutional Law 6LAW 601A/B* Evidence 6

Total Units 18 40

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LAW 702A/B* Real Property 6LAW 701A Wills and Trusts 3

Total Units 9 49

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LAW 800A/B* Business Organizations 6LAW 801A/B* Remedies 5

Total Units 11 60

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LAW R500 Advanced Legal Research 2LAW R501 Advanced Legal Writing 2LAW R502 Community Property 3LAW R503 Criminal Procedure 2LAW R504 Moot Court 2LAW R505 Professional Responsibility 2

Total Units 13 73

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Total Units 13 86 Total Months: 48

* Denotes all non-severable two-semester courses. Both semesters must be successfullycompleted to receive final A/B course grade. A/B designation is for grading purposes only.

** These courses will be taken during the summer session and/or the fall/spring semesters,as the student’s schedule permits.

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Course No. Course Title UnitsLAW E502-3 Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Survey/Mediation 3LAW E503 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 2LAW E504-1,2 Analysis and Insight on the California Bar Exam 1-2LAW E506 Bankruptcy Debtor/Creditor Law 2LAW E508-1,2,3 Clinical Education 1-3LAW E510-1,2,3 Disability Law Clinic 1-3LAW E511 Discovery Workshop 3LAW E512 Elder Law 2LAW E513 Elder Law Clinic 2LAW E515 Employment Law 3LAW E516-2,3 Environmental Law 2-3LAW E517-1,2 Environmental Negotiations Competition 1-2LAW E518 Family Law 2LAW E519 Federal Indian Law 3LAW E520-3 First Amendment & Religion in Public Schools 3LAW E523 Immigration Law 2LAW E524 Immigration Law Clinic 2LAW E525 Insurance Law 3LAW E526 Intellectual Property Law 3LAW E528 Law Office Management 2LAW E530-1,2 Legal Skills 1-2LAW E531 MBE Exam Preparation 1LAW E532-1,2,3 Moot Court Competition 1-3LAW E533 Notable Trials of the 20th Century 2LAW E535 Self-Help Access Center (SHAC) 2LAW E536 Sexual Orientation and the Law 2LAW E537-1,2,3 Small Claims Advisory Clinic 1-3LAW E538 Social Media and Internet Law 2LAW E539-1,2 Survey Course on the CA Bar Exam

Preparation & Skills 1-2LAW E541 Trial Practice 3LAW E544 Employment Discrimination Law 3LAW E545-3 Law and Literature 3LAW E547 California Government and Administrative Law 2LAW E548-2,3 Legal Aid Clinic 2-3LAW E551 Governance in Context 2LAW E552 Non-Profit Organizations Law 3LAW E553 Jurisprudence 2LAW E559 History of American Law 2

All elective courses are graded on a pass/fail basis.

E M P I R E C O L L E G E S C H O O L O F L A W%&

Objective: The objective of the Master of Legal Studies program is to enable students to pursuediverse career choices through the acquisition of a foundational understanding of the legalsystem. In addition, it is the objective of the law school to enhance the professional skills andknowledge for those graduates who do not choose to sit for the California Bar Examination.Empire College School of Law is committed to providing legal skills to professionals in thefields of medicine, banking, retail sales, insurance, engineering, and manufacturing – even ifthose graduates do not envision the active practice of law per se.

This program is designed to inform and educate professionals about the fundamentals of thelaw and help them gain an educated appreciation for the intricacies surrounding theintersection of law, public policy, and the professions. Master’s candidates shall take some ofthe core classes in the law school curriculum in order to increase their understanding of thebasic building blocks of the legal profession. Professionals from diverse fields, includingbanking, finance, insurance, education, law enforcement, human relations, and sales andmarketing all deal with the law as it is applied to their activities. With increased sophisticationregarding legal principles, Master’s candidates shall be able to increase their awareness of andpreparation for legal issues which may arise in their daily lives.

Expected Educational Outcomes: Upon completing the Master’s degree, program participantsshall:

1. Be able to identify the elements of both common law and statutory definitions of torts,crimes, and contracts.

2. Have an expanded knowledge of the elements of constitutional legal issues and how thosemay be addressed in both their personal and professional lives.

3. Gain specialized legal knowledge in the fields covered by their elective course offerings.

4. Have a broad understanding of the law coupled with an in-depth understanding of one ormore unique areas of specialization.

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Course No. Course Title UnitsLAW I401 Introduction to Law 1LAW I402 Legal Research and Writing 2

Total Units 3 3

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LAW 500A/B* Contracts 6LAW 501A/B* Criminal Law 6LAW 502A/B* Torts 6

Total Units 18 21

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LAW R500 Advanced Legal Research 2LAW 603A/B* Constitutional Law 6

Total Units 8 ** 29

�� Total Units 7 36 Total Months: 24


** To maintain Title IV eligibility, a minimum of 3 units per semester must be taken.

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Course No. Course Title UnitsLAW 503 Law Study & Exams 1LAW 600A/B* Civil Procedure 6LAW 601A/B* Evidence 6LAW 701A Wills & Trusts 3LAW 702A/B* Real Property 6LAW 800A/B* Business Organizations 6LAW 801A/B* Remedies 5LAW R501 Advanced Legal Writing 2LAW R502 Community Property 3LAW R503 Criminal Procedure 2LAW R504 Moot Court 2LAW R505 Professional Responsibility 2LAW E502-3 Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Survey/Mediation 3LAW E503 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 2LAW E506 Bankruptcy Debtor/Creditor Law 2LAW E511 Discovery Workshop 3LAW E512 Elder Law 2LAW E515 Employment Law 3LAW E516-2 Environmental Law 2LAW E518 Family Law 2LAW E519 Federal Indian Law 3LAW E520-3 First Amendment & Religion in Public Schools 3LAW E523 Immigration Law 2LAW E525 Insurance Law 3LAW E526 Intellectual Property Law 3LAW E528 Law Office Management 2LAW E533 Notable Trials of the 20th Century 2LAW E536 Sexual Orientation and The Law 2LAW E538 Social Media and Internet Law 2LAW E541 Trial Practice 3LAW E544 Employment Discrimination Law 3LAW E545-3 Law and Literature 3LAW E547 California Government and Administrative Law 2LAW E551 Governance in Context 2LAW E552 Non-Profit Organizations Law 3LAW E553 Jurisprudence 2LAW E559 History of American Law 2


Elective courses with class numbers preceded by an E are graded on a pass/fail basis;all others receive a numeric grade.

All courses not required in the MLS program are considered elective courses. Students whoare enrolled in the MLS program only, and not concurrently enrolled in both the JD andMLS, may request approval from the Dean to complete any course offered by EmpireCollege School of Law as an elective in the MLS program, regardless of the prerequisites forthe course(s) listed in this catalog.

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Students select their choices from the list of Elective Courses below. These courses are taught ona rotational basis as professional needs or student interest demands. These courses will betaken during the summer, fall, or spring semesters as the student’s schedule permits.

E M P I R E C O L L E G E S C H O O L O F L A W%,

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Courses in the Juris Doctor and the Master of Legal Studies programs begin with LAW followedby a space and then a specific course number. The numbers following the space indicate thelevel of subject matter as follows:� Introductory class numbers are preceded with an I� First-year core classes: 500-series� Second-year core classes: 600-series� Third-year core classes: 700-series� Fourth-year core classes: 800-series� Required class numbers are preceded with an R. (Note: Some upper-level Juris Doctor

required courses are elective options for Master of Legal Studies students.)� Elective class numbers are preceded with an E. Electives are offered on a random basis based

on the availability of the professors and student demand. Electives may be added, revised, ordeleted based on faculty expertise, new legal issues, and student demand. Classes may becancelled due to lack of enrollments. All elective courses are Pass/Fail.

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All courses not required in the MLS program are considered elective courses. Students who areenrolled in the MLS program only, and not concurrently enrolled in both the JD and MLS, mayrequest approval from the Dean to complete any course offered by Empire College School ofLaw as an elective in the MLS program, regardless of the prerequisites for the course(s) listed inthis catalog.

first time. Prerequisite(s): Completion of first-year required coursework; preferredcompletion of second-year required courses.

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The purpose of this course is to give stu-dents an understanding of various disputeresolution processes which have come to bedescribed under the umbrella term “alterna-tive dispute resolution.” Primary emphasisis on arbitration and mediation techniques inthe context of those fields most familiar topracticing lawyers. Comparisons are made tostandard civil litigation methods as a way toevaluate the advantages and disadvantagesof each process, much as a lawyer wouldwant to do in advising a client. As time per-mits, consideration is also given to thegeneral question of the role of the law inshaping and promoting these dispute resolu-tion techniques. Prerequisite(s): Completionof LAW I401– Introduction to Law and LAWI402–Legal Research and Writing, or equiva-lent.

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Introduces students to Federal and Californiaprimary and secondary legal sources and toresearch methods to locate relevant authorityin support of a legal proposition. Studentswill be taught techniques to plan a search,perform searching, modify searching andvalidate legal authority using digitally acces-sible libraries and services including LexisNexis, Westlaw, and other on-line and com-puter access resources. Prerequisite(s):Completion of first-year required coursework;preferred completion of second-year requiredcourses.

)01 �2&+ 0 �� )�*�� 1��* , ��

Students will learn how to write briefs andlegal memoranda that get to the heart of theissues. They will learn to develop a clear,concise English prose style that they will ap-ply to writing about legal subjects. Studentswill focus on substantive analysis of legalproblems, grammar, and organization, with agoal of making themselves understood the

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This course will cover Title I (employment),Title II (State and Local Government Ser-vices), Title III (Public Accommodations),Title IV (Telecommunications) and Title V(Miscellaneous) of the Americans withDisabilities Act (ADA), as well as its rela-tionship with California’s Fair Employmentand Housing Act (FEHA) and the UnruhCivil Rights Act. Prerequisite(s): Completionof LAW I401– Introduction to Law and LAWI402–Legal Research and Writing, or equiva-lent.

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This course is designed to familiarize stu-dents with the California Bar Exam. The classwill review techniques and strategies for ap-proaching the exam. Students will reviewand critique past essays, performance andMBE questions. Prerequisite(s): Concurrentenrollment in fourth-year required classes.

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Rights and duties of consumer creditgrantors and consumer debtors; fair creditreporting; fair debt collection practices andconsumer remedies. Creation, scope andadministrative function of federal debtor pro-ceedings and arrangements; wage earnerplans; insolvency proceedings.Prerequisite(s): Completion of second-yearrequired classes.

)01 �&&0:55�� *��;�� 8 ��

Formation; pre-incorporation activities; defacto corporations; ultra vires acts; role,authority and meetings of officers, directorsand shareholders; standard of care; proxysolicitations; close corporations; fiduciaryrelations; shareholder litigation; capitaliza-tion; dividend distributions; fundamentalchanges; partnerships and agency.Prerequisite(s): Completion of third-yearrequired coursework (or if an AcceleratedStudent, concurrent enrollment in third-yearcourses).

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This course will teach students thefundamental legal framework of Californiacities and counties. It focuses on bothsubstantive areas of municipal law and theprocess required when local governmentslegislate and adjudicate. The course willprovide practical information, discusscurrent issues facing local governments, anddiscuss the most recent, cutting-edge cases.Prerequisite(s): Completion of LAW I401–Introduction to Law and LAW I402–LegalResearch and Writing, or equivalent.

)01 8&&0:5�� =�� 8 ��

Jurisdiction – traditional and modern con-cepts. Federal and State subject matterjurisdiction; judgments; res judicata and col-lateral estoppel; forms of action, demurrer,answer, cross-actions, amendment of plead-ings, joinder of actions and parties, venue ofactions, process, motions, civil discovery,trial procedure, dismissals, non-suit, directedverdict. Prerequisite(s): Completion of first-year required coursework.

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Prerequisite(s): Completion of second-yearrequired coursework.

Third- and fourth-year1 students are allowedto work in public or private law offices forunit credit. Students may receive one hour ofcredit for each 48 hours of participation. Astudent may receive up to three units of creditper academic year. A student whoparticipates in the program may receive amaximum five units of credit. No more thanthree units may be earned from the sameinternship.

Participants in the Clinical EducationProgram have the option to register with theCalifornia State Bar through its PracticalTraining of Law Students Program.Registration requires completing Student,Dean, and Supervising Attorney(s) forms andsubmitting the completed forms and the filing

E M P I R E C O L L E G E S C H O O L O F L A W%%

fee to the Los Angeles office of the State Bar.Forms are available in the Law SchoolAdministrative Office.

In order for the student to receive credit, thestudent must enroll in the Clinical Educationclass which meets at least three times duringthe semester. At the conclusion of eachsemester, the supervising attorney mustsubmit an evaluation report of the student onforms provided by the School of Law.

Approved clinical education units will becharged the same tuition rate as all otheracademic units.

1 During the second semester of their secondyear, students with a cumulative grade pointaverage of 76 or higher may be permitted to takeup to 2 clinical education units by petitioningthe Dean.

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Historical development of communityproperty law; jurisdictional issues; classifica-tion of marital property, community orseparate; valuation of community propertyincluding business and goodwill; manage-ment of marital property; liability for maritaland individual debts; division of communityproperty on dissolution or death; problemsposed by unmarried, cohabiting couples.Prerequisite(s): Completion of second-yearrequired coursework.

)01 8&�0:5�� )�6 8 ��

Participants in the course will study theconstitutional, historical and policy basis forthe federal structure, Judicial review,congressional powers, state powers andfederalism, individual liberties, due process,equal protection, and state action doctrine.Prerequisite(s): Completion of first-yearrequired coursework.

)01 2&&0:5�� 8 ��

Remedies for breach of contract: considera-tion; offer and acceptance; problems ofperformance; conditions; impossibility; thirdparty beneficiaries; assignment; Parol Evi-dence Rule; Statute of Frauds. Prerequisite(s):

Completion of LAW I401– Introduction toLaw and LAW I402–Legal Research andWriting, or equivalent.

)01 2&+0:5�� )�6 8 ��

Nature and sources of criminal law; elementsof crimes; analyses of specific crimes; legaldefenses; California Penal Code and deci-sions; procedure. Prerequisite(s): Completionof LAW I401– Introduction to Law and LAWI402–Legal Research and Writing, or equiva-lent.

)01 �2&� �� =�� , ��

Arrest through Appellate Proceeding,including bail, arraignment, preliminarymotions, discovery, and trial procedure.Recent Supreme Court decisions on right tocounsel, freedom from prejudicial publicity,fair trial, and other constitutional guarantees.Prerequisite(s): Completion of first-year re-quired coursework.

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Six law students are invited to work in theDisability Law Clinic, the area’s primaryresource for information and representationon the law as it pertains to people withdisabilities, under the supervision of anattorney. Each student will be assignedseveral cases on which they will participatein all areas of case development from clientinterviews to court appearances. The casesassigned will all be in the area of Admini-strative Law. In addition to their work in theLaw Clinic, students will attend a class inAdministrative Law as it relates to DisabilityPractice. Class discussion will incorporateissues raised in the text, student experiencewith the Law Clinic, and current develop-ments in Administrative Law.Prerequisite(s): Completion of second-yearrequired coursework and Good AcademicStanding.

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Most litigators spend the majority of theirtime engaging in discovery. This semesterlong workshop not only discusses strategic

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considerations and discovery tactics, but in-volves a great deal of hands-on experience. Students will be conducting discovery in amock lawsuit, which will include participat-ing in taking depositions. Prerequisite(s):Completion of first-year required coursework;preferred completion of second-year courses.

)01 �2+, �� )�6 , ��

This course takes an in-depth look at whatmay well be one of the most hotly debatedissues facing our country today – the pro-viding of opportunities, benefits, and care foran ever-increasing aging population. Thecourse will examine such diverse programsas Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, andThe Age Discrimination in Employment Act.Senior housing, long-term care, elder abuseand neglect, conservatorships, powers of at-torney, right to die laws, and estate plan-ning for elderly clients will also be studied aspart of the course. Prerequisite(s): Completionof first-year required coursework.

)01 �2+� �� )�6 �� , ��

This clinic provides students with real-lifeclient counseling opportunities with seniorcitizens. The clinic allows students to inter-act with clients, provide advice, follow-up,and direct clients to legal and non-legalresources. Students will draft legal docu-ments and correspondence under thesupervision of a practicing attorney. Theclinic will provide the public with free legaladvice. Prerequisite(s): Completion of first-year required coursework and GoodAcademic Standing.

)01 �2+2 ��-�� )�6 � ��

This course surveys employment law from itsinception in English common law throughthe most recent developments in “at-will”employment and discrimination. State caselaw and portions of the Labor Code will alsobe addressed. Prerequisite(s): Completion offirst-year required coursework.

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This course reviews state and federal lawsand cases in employment discrimination and

their interaction. Administrative issues con-cerning the Equal Employment OpportunityCommission and the California Departmentof Fair Employment and Housing will also beaddressed. Prerequisite(s): Completion offirst-year required coursework.

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A survey of legal principles and policies re-lating to protection and enhancement of thephysical environment. Particular attentionwill be given to common law doctrines andpublic rights and remedies; federal and statecontrol programs for the field of air pollution,water pollution, noise, solid waste manage-ment, fish and wildlife resources; planningfor federal, state and local administrativeagencies. Prerequisite(s): Completion ofsecond-year required coursework.

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Annually select students have an opportu-nity to compete in a statewide competitionanalyzing and negotiating an environmentalproblem. Students work in teams of two andmust research and prepare arguments toresolve a lawsuit pertaining to environmentalissues designed by the Environmental Sec-tion of the State Bar of California. Thecompetition is structured and scored by prac-ticing attorneys, professional mediators, andjudges who are experts in the area of environ-mental law. Prerequisite(s): Completion ofsecond-year required coursework; preferredcompletion of LAW E516-2 or E516-3–Envi-ronmental Law.

)01 8&+0:5� �� 8 ��

Problems in relevancy; circumstantial evi-dence, including habit, custom, compromises,and character evidence; witnesses, includingcompetency privilege, examination, impeach-ment and rehabilitation; opinion evidence;Constitutional considerations and exclusion-ary rules; hearsay evidence and theexceptions to its exclusion; authenticity ofwritings; the ”best evidence” rule, burdenand proof and presumptions. Prerequisite(s):Completion of first-year required coursework.

E M P I R E C O L L E G E S C H O O L O F L A W%8

)01 �2+� �� )�6 , ��

Practical and theoretical problems affectingthe family: marriage, divorce, adoption,legitimacy, child custody, and parentalobligations and rights. Prerequisite(s):Completion of first-year required classes andLAW 600A/B–Civil Procedure.

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The course is designed to introduce studentsto the principal doctrines and rules gov-erning the legal and political relationshipsbetween American Indian tribes and theUnited States Government. Prerequisite(s):Completion of second-year requiredcoursework.

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This course will focus on the EstablishmentClause of the First Amendment and how itaffects religion in public schools. Studentswill examine various theories and approachesto applying the Establishment Clause, in-cluding cases involving religious displays onpublic property, school vouchers, and schoolprayer. Special emphasis will be on thecreationism-vs.-evolution debate in publicschool science curricula, from the 1925Scopes “Monkey Trial” to the 2005 Kitzmiller“Panda Trial” and beyond. Prerequisite(s):Completion of first-year required course-work.

)01 �22+ <� �� 7� , ��

This course seeks to stimulate a reexamina-tion of contemporary government bystudying the several domains which mostinfluence it: human evolution, neurobiology,psychology, philosophy, history, economics,and political science. Prerequisite(s): Comple-tion of LAW 603A/B–Constitutional Law.

)01 �22$ >�� ( 0�� )�6 , ��

An introductory survey of legal history andcomparative systems of law, including dis-cussion of principal legal traditions, with theaid of understanding foreign legal cultures,and the sources and historical elements inour own system of law. Prerequisite(s): Completion of LAW I401–Introduction to

Law and LAW I402–Legal Research andWriting, or equivalent.

)01 �2,� ��*�� )�6 , ��

Discussion of federal power, constitutionalrights and issues, plenary power, thefoundation cases, due process, and ethics.Consideration of visas, work permits, affida-vits of support, court proceedings, asylum,refugees, and more. Prerequisite(s): Comple-tion of first-year required coursework.

)01 �2,% ��*�� )�6 �� , ��

The immigration law clinic is designed toprovide students with hands-on, practicalexperience working on U visa cases for vic-tims of crime, and/or Deferred Action forChildhood Arrivals applications. Under thesupervision of the professor, students will beresponsible for all aspects of case manage-ment for the clients assigned to them.Responsibilities include performing clientinterviews, conducting legal analysis,gathering evidence, drafting and filingapplications, and maintaining client corre-spondence. Students are expected to adhereto the rules of professional conduct at alltimes. This includes maintaining client confi-dentiality, interacting respectfully withclients, and pursuing all casework in adiligent and timely manner. Prerequisite(s): Completion of second-year required course-work and Good Academic Standing.

)01 �2,2 �� )�6 � ��

A survey of the basic legal aspects of insur-ance law, including principles of insurableinterests, problems of contract formation andinterpretation and application for standardpolicy provisions in various types ofcoverage. Attention is also given to princi-ples of indemnity, subrogation, and determi-nation and control of the risk transferredfrom insured to carrier. Prerequisite(s):Completion of second-year required course-work.

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Course includes an overview of the intel-lectual property field including patents,

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trademarks, copyrights, unfair competition,trade secrets, employer-employee relation-ships, the transfer of intellectual propertyrights, and the general application of anti-trust and misuse doctrines to such rights.Prerequisite(s): Completion of second-yearrequired coursework.

)01 �%&+ �� )�6 + ��

Introduces the student to the basic conceptsof the law, the historical roots of common lawand equity, the precedent system in its practi-cal operation, the modes of reasoning used bycourts/attorneys and the fundamentals ofstatutory interpretation. Prerequisite(s):None.

)01 �22� "��-�� , ��

Jurisprudence, also known as philosophy oflaw, is an effort to answer basic questionsabout the law: Where does it come from?What is its purpose? What are necessary ele-ments of a valid law? How do law andmorals relate, i.e, do they overlap or are theytotally different realms? Is disobedienceagainst a “bad” law ever justified, and if so,on what basis? The answers to these ques-tions appear in several current competinglegal philosophies: Natural Law, Positivism,Realism, Sociological Jurisprudence, Lawand Economic Theory, and Critical LegalStudies, all of which will be read in the re-quired textbook. Students will find the coursea good preparation for facing questions ofconstitutional law, ethics, legislation, judg-ing, politics and social justice. Prerequisite(s):LAW I401–Introduction to Law and LAWI402–Legal Research and Writing, or equiva-lent.

)01 �2%2�� )�6 �� )��

This course will explore the relationshipbetween law and literature. We will examineinterrelated topics through a variety of legal,literary, and philosophical works. Specialemphasis will be on studying literature tounderstand law and legal theories, includingsocial and political order, formalism, equity,law and morality, and problems with thesearch for truth. Prerequisite(s): LAW I401–

Introduction to Law and LAW I402–LegalResearch and Writing, or equivalent.

)01 �2,� )�6 �((�� '��*�� , ��

This class discusses the financial andadministrative aspects of owning and oper-ating a law practice. Students learn to usecomputer programs for calendaring, docket-ing, client billing, litigation support, anddocument preparation. Prerequisite(s):Completion of second-year requiredcoursework.

)01 2&� )�6 �� 7�� + ��

An orientation to the study of law schoolexaminations consisting of exam writing andtechniques for the effective study of law.Prerequisite(s): Completion of LAW I401–Introduction to Law and LAW I402–LegalResearch and Writing, or equivalent.

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This class provides students with real lifeclient counseling opportunities and exposureto a variety of poverty law topics. The clinicallows students to interact with clients,provide legal advice under the supervision ofan attorney, draft simple pleadings anddirect clients to legal and non-legal resources.Students may work in the areas of UnlawfulDetainers, Restraining Orders, Elder Abuse,and Guardianships. Students will draft legaldocuments and correspondence under thesupervision of a practicing attorney. Somestudents may gain the opportunity to attendcourt hearings. Prerequisite(s): Completion offirst-year coursework and Good AcademicStanding.

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An introduction to legal analytical thought,including practical exercises in writing andthe fundamentals of legal research thatprovides a foundation for writing legalpapers. Prerequisite(s): None.

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This class is designed to improve students’analytical abilities and writing skills. Inaddition to class lectures, students will takesix performance exams in class, under thethree hour exam conditions. In the sevenother classes, students will enhance writingand analytical skills, and develop practicallawyering skills. Prerequisite(s): Concurrentenrollment in fourth-year required classes.

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This course is designed to help studentsbecome more proficient in taking MBE exami-nations in the six areas of law in which MBEquestions are used. Practice tests will begiven in class using questions from past Barexams as well as third-party sources.Prerequisite(s): Concurrent enrollment infourth-year required classes.

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Students research, write, and argue a briefbefore a mock appellate court. The course em-phasizes effective research and writingtechniques and introduces the student tomaking oral arguments in court.Prerequisite(s): Completion of first-year re-quired coursework; recommendedcompletion of LAW R500–Advanced LegalResearch and LAW R501–Advanced LegalWriting.

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This program provides a team of three lawstudents to represent Empire College Schoolof Law in the annual Roger Traynor MootCourt Competition. Under the guidance offaculty coaches, the team will research andwrite an appellate brief analyzing an actualcase before the California Appellate Courts.After submitting their written brief, the teamwill participate in oral arguments beforeappellate judges and attorneys. Empire LawSchool has a tradition of excellence andsuccess in this statewide competition.Prerequisite(s): Completion of LAW R504–Moot Court.

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This course will survey the law governing theformation, operation and dissolution ofnonprofit organizations, tax implications, aswell as duties of in-house counsel and boardmembers. Specific topics to include: forma-tion; pre-incorporation activities; ongoinglegal considerations facing non-profit corpo-rations in all of their dealings, ranging fromcontracts, fundraising, HR, and more (alsoknown as 501(c)(3)s). We will go througheach “department” of a non-profit, whetherlarge or small, or whether functions are donein-house or contracted out. Prerequisite(s):Successful completion of first-year courses.

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We will analyze and discuss notable trials.Throughout the ages, trials have reflected theculture and values of the society in whichthey took place. Analysis of the facts, legalissues, societal interest and rules help usunderstand the considerations giving rise towhat are often controversial and influentialresults. Twenty trial cases will be discussedincluding Sacco and Vanzetti, Scopes, TheScottsboro Boys, The Nuremberg Trial,Martin Luther King, Jack Ruby, DanielEllsberg, and Larry Flynt. We will concludewith a comparison of the impeachment trialsof Andrew Johnson and William Clinton.Each student will be asked to write a paperon one case. Prerequisite(s): Completion ofLAW I401– Introduction to Law and LAWI402–Legal Research and Writing, orequivalent.

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Application of the California Rules ofProfessional Conduct, the ABA Model Rulesof Professional Conduct and relevant casematerials; examination of disciplinarysystem; relationship between disciplinaryand legal malpractice liability; duties ofattorneys with respect to clients, the courts,opposing parties and the public; problemsarising from conflicts of interest.Prerequisite(s): Completion of second-yearrequired coursework.

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)01 �&,0:5�� =��-�� 8 ��

The law of real property; historical back-ground; common law estates and interests;statute of uses and modern conveyancing;concurrent ownership; landlord and tenant;deeds and delivery; boundaries; recordingacts and title search; contract for sale of land;easements, servitudes and other land userestrictions; adverse possession; landowners;rights, including air, water, mineral andlateral and subjacent support. Prerequisite(s):Completion of second-year requiredcoursework.

)01 �&+0:5�� 2 ��

Covers the general scope of monetary (i.e.,various forms of damages) and non-monetary(i.e., traditional equitable relief, etc.) rem-edies; including coverage of the principlesgoverning the general use of equitable rem-edies; general scope of interpleader anddeclaratory relief, constructive trusts, andequitable liens; principles governing uses ofand defenses to specific performance and in-junctions; equitable conversion; the technicalaspects of injunctions. Prerequisite(s):Completion of third-year required course-work (or if an Accelerated Student,concurrent enrollment in third-year courses).

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This clinic provides students working withself-represented litigants. All cases are in theareas of family law. SHAC offers free legalservices to persons who have a related casein Sonoma County. Students will meetindividually with parties and assist themwith filing the complex court documents fordivorce, paternity, custody, support. Studentswill learn Essential Forms, DissoMaster,drafting of pleadings and local courtpractices, and communication skills withindividuals going through emotional familylaw issues. A supervising attorney willoversee the work. Prerequisite(s): Completionof second-year required coursework preferredand Good Academic Standing. Prefercompletion of LAW R502–CommunityProperty.

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This course will examine some of the rapidlyevolving legal issues specifically affecting thelives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans-gender (LGBT) people, particularly inCalifornia. Substantive issues to be coveredinclude employment discrimination andsexual harassment; discrimination againsttransgendered and gender non-conformingpeople; parenting issues; recognition of les-bian and gay relationships, includingmarriage, civil union, and domestic partner-ships; freedom of speech and association;homophobia in schools; and immigrationand asylum issues for LGBT people. Studentswill examine these issues with a particularfocus on constitutional doctrines, particu-larly equal protection and due process/privacy, utilizing case law, legal theory, newsarticles, and film to better understand howthe law has developed, the current legalframework, and the practical impact thisframework has on those governed by it.Prerequisite(s): Completion of first-year re-quired coursework; completion of LAW603A/B–Constitutional Law recommended.

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Empire College is pleased to provideguidance to people involved in Small Claimsmatters. In agreement with the SonomaCounty Superior Court, the law schooloperates an advisory which provides help topeople with questions regarding small claimscases. Under the supervision of an exper-ienced professor, students give informationon the preparation and presentation of asmall claims action. Walk-in and telephoneassistance is available. Matters includelandlord/tenant issues; automobile sales andrepair; breach of contract and constructiondisputes. Prerequisite(s): Completion ofsecond-year required coursework or Dean’sapproval and Good Academic Standing.

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We will explore how the internet works, andhow legal principles of privacy, copyright,property, licenses, contracts, and defamationapply to social media and use of the internet.The first few weeks will be lecture and casestudy to lay the groundwork for the legalprinciples. The remainder of the class, stu-dents will pick topics to research, write andpublish blog posts, and create video and in-class presentations on the topics. We will useGoogle+ to publish the class content, and usesocial media sites like Twitter, Facebook andPinterest to explore privacy policies, Terms ofService, Fair Use Doctrine, the ComputerFraud & Abuse Act, the Stored Communica-tions Act, and related legal issues andquestions. Students will be graded on theirblog posts, presentations and a positionpaper analyzing a question of law that hasnot yet been decided. Prerequisite(s): Comple-tion of first-year required coursework;preferred completion of LAW 603A/B–Constitutional Law.

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This survey course combines all of the signifi-cant elements of three elective courses: E504,E530, and E531 and will be offered as a one-semester course incorporating three, 4- to5-week segments of each of the Bar prepara-tion courses which are usually individuallyoffered as separate electives. Taught by twoprofessors, this course incorporates LegalSkills (Performance Test section), Analysisand Insights on the California Bar Exam(“straight” Essay Questions section), andMBE Exam Preparation (MBE section).Prerequisite(s): Concurrent enrollment infourth-year required classes.

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Intentional wrongs to person and property;unintentional wrongs; negligence; duty ofpersons in control of property; tort liabilityarising from contractual relationships; liabil-ity for defective products; liability without

fault; deceit; defamation; malicious prosecu-tion; interference with contractual economicand other legally protectable relations, tortalternatives. Prerequisite(s): Completion ofLAW I401– Introduction to Law and LAWI402–Legal Research and Writing, or equiva-lent.

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The course considers litigation problems –practical, legal and ethical – that confront atrial lawyer. Emphasis is given to techniquesof client interviewing and investigation, bothinformal and by use of statutory discoveryprocedures and pleading. The student gainsclassroom experience in trial procedures fromvoir dire examination, opening statements,direct and cross examination through finalargument. Prerequisite(s): Completion of first-year required coursework, LAW 600A/B–Civil Procedure, and LAW 601A/B–Evidence.

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Covers intestacy; execution; integration; re-publication; incorporation by reference,independent significance; revocation andrevival; will contracts; testamentary capacity;lapse, ademption; satisfaction; will contests;will substitutes; nature and classification oftrusts; elements of a trust, creation of intervivos and testamentary trusts;revocable and irrevocable trusts; insurancetrusts; nature of the beneficiary’s interest, in-cluding restraints on alienation andprinciples regarding transferability; modifi-cation and termination of trusts; charitabletrusts, fiduciary administration, includingqualification, duties, standards and liabilitiesof fiduciary; management, investment andaccounting by fiduciary; powers of appoint-ment. Prerequisite(s): Completion ofsecond-year required coursework.

2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 C A T A L O G ��

�� outreach

Through an established culture of community outreach and academic service learning, EmpireCollege is committed to providing a variety of free legal services each year to local residentsthrough seven clinics: Elder Law, Disability Law, Immigration Law, Legal Aid, Small Claims,Self-Help Access Center (family law), and Agricultural Law and Environmental Compliance.

As a private college, Empire’s institutional service culture is focused on supporting thecommunity at all levels and includes the president (board member and former chairman of theSonoma County Workforce Investment Board), faculty and staff (through academic and co-curricular service-learning curriculum and personal modeling of volunteerism), and students inthe Law School’s Juris Doctor and Master of Legal Studies programs, as well as each of theSchool of Business’s occupational programs.

Through these combinedefforts, Empire College wasrecognized nationally on thePresident’s Higher EducationCommunity Service HonorRoll with Distinction in 2012through 2015. Empire was afinalist for the top award in2013. The award is the highesthonor a college can receive forits commitment to volunteer-ing, service learning, and civicengagement.

In 2015, the Empire College Board ofDirectors was recognized by the SonomaCounty Board of Supervisors with a JeffersonAward for Public Service. A nationalrecognition system designed to highlightpublic service in America, the County’sprogram recognizes the value of non-profitorganizations, boards, commissions andadvisory bodies, as well as individual effortsfor Excellence in Community Leadership andCivic Engagement.


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Note: Registration occurs in Weeks 9-12 each semester.

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Week 1 May 1-5Week 2 May 8-12Week 3 May 15-19Week 4 May 22-26Week 5 May 29-June 2

Memorial Day Holiday – Monday, May 29Week 6 June 5-9Week 7 June 12-16Week 8 June 19-23Week 9 June 26-30Week 10 July 3-7

Independence Day Holiday – Tuesday, July 4Week 11 July 10-14Week 12 July 17-21Week 13 July 24-28Week 14 July 31-August 4Exams August 7-17Vacation August 18-27

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Week 1 August 28-September 1Week 2 September 4-8

Labor Day Holiday – Monday, September 4Week 3 September 11-15Week 4 September 18-22Week 5 September 25-29Week 6 October 2-6Week 7 October 9-13Week 8 October 16-20Week 9 October 23-27Week 10 October 30-November 3Week 11 November 6-10Week 12 November 13-17Week 13 November 20-24

Thanksgiving Holiday – Thursday & Friday, November 23 & 24Week 14 November 27-December 1Exams December 4-14Vacation December 15-January 1

��

2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 C A T A L O G ��

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Week 1 August 28-September 1Week 2 September 4-8

Labor Day Holiday – Monday, September 4Week 3 September 11-15Week 4 September 18-22Week 5 September 25-29Week 6 October 2-6Week 7 October 9-13Week 8 October 16-20Week 9 October 23-27Week 10 October 30-November 3Week 11 November 6-10Week 12 November 13-17Week 13 November 20-24

Thanksgiving Holiday – Thursday & Friday, November 23 & 24Week 14 November 27-December 1Exams December 4-14Vacation December 15-January 1

Note: Registration occurs in Weeks 9-12 each semester.

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Week 1 January 1-5New Year’s Day Holiday – Monday, January 1

Week 2 January 8-12Week 3 January 15-19Week 4 January 22-26Week 5 January 29-February 2Week 6 February 5-9Week 7 February 12-16Week 8 February 19-23

President’s Day Holiday – Monday, February 19Week 9 February 26-March 2Week 10 March 5-9Week 11 March 12-16Week 12 March 19-23Week 13 March 26-30Week 14 April 2-6Exams April 9-19Vacation April 20-29

EMPIRE COLLEGE SCHOOL OF LAW

3035 CLEVELAND AVENUE

SANTA ROSA, CA 95403

For additional information visit:www.empcol.edu/school-of-law

Phone 707-546-4000 Fax 707-284-2814

Date of Publication: August 15, 2017

Period Covered:August 15, 2017 - December 31, 2018

JURIS DOCTOR:Accredited by the

Committee of Bar Examinersof the

State Bar of California

MASTER OF LEGAL STUDIES:Accredited by the

Accrediting Councilfor Independent

Colleges and Schools

Rev. 8.15.17

ADDENDUM TO 2017-2018 CATALOG

EMPIRE COLLEGE SCHOOL OF LAW CATALOG

Tuition Policies

For all classes starting on and after January 1, 2017, tuition is charged at a rate of $747.00 per unit including Clinical Education units. Based on this current rate, the total tuition cost for the 86 units required for graduation from the Juris Doctor program is $64,242 (an average of $16,060.50 for each of the four years). The total tuition cost for the 36 units required for graduation from the Master of Legal Studies program is $26,892 (an average of $13,446 for each of the two years). Tuition is subject to change.

Books and Supplies

Students should budget an average of $800-$900 per year for books and supplies. Empire College maintains a bookstore for the use of its students.

Library Fee

The Library Fee is $70.00 each semester a student is enrolled, and is payable at the beginning of each semester. The Library Fee entitles the registered student to the use of the library facilities and its research and reference materials including computer software, online databases.

Lexis Nexis/Westlaw Password Fee

After students have started their first-year core classes (Criminal Law, Contracts, and Torts) they will be assigned user numbers for both Westlaw and Lexis Nexis, which are on-line legal research programs. The Law School has arranged for its students to receive these passwords for a total of $125 per year—a fraction of the normal cost.

ExamSoft Fee

Students who register to use their laptops with ExamSoft software pay a per semester use fee. This fee is passed through from the vendor directly to students. The rate effective with the Summer 2016 exams is $20 per semester.

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