Introduction:
San Joaquin College of Law (SJCL) is a private, non-profit law school located in the heart of Fresno, California. Established in 1969, SJCL has a rich history and has produced many distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions to the legal field. In this blog post, we will explore some fun facts about SJCL that you may not have known before.
The Campus:
SJCL is located in a historic building in downtown Fresno, which was originally built in 1923 and served as a post office. The building was later renovated to accommodate the needs of a law school. The campus is equipped with modern amenities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, a computer lab, a law library, and a moot court room. The campus also features a beautiful courtyard that is perfect for relaxing and studying.
The Faculty:
SJCL has a dedicated faculty of experienced attorneys who are committed to providing their students with a high-quality legal education. The faculty includes practicing attorneys, judges, and legal scholars who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the classroom. Many of the faculty members have published articles and books on various legal topics and are recognized experts in their respective fields.
The Alumni:
SJCL has produced many distinguished alumni who have gone on to achieve great success in their legal careers. Notable alumni include James Ardaiz, who served as a judge on the California Court of Appeal, Fifth District, and as a Fresno County Superior Court judge; D. Lowell Jensen, who served as an Assistant Attorney General of the United States and as a judge on the United States District Court for the Northern District of California; and Michael A. Canzoneri, who served as a judge on the Fresno County Superior Court.
The Clinics:
SJCL offers several legal clinics that provide students with practical experience in a variety of legal fields. The clinics include the Small Business Legal Clinic, the Immigration Legal Clinic, and the Elder Law Clinic. Students who participate in these clinics work directly with clients and gain hands-on experience in legal research, drafting legal documents, and advocating on behalf of their clients.
The Bar Passage Rate:
SJCL has a strong record of success when it comes to preparing its students for the bar exam. In 2020, SJCL had a bar passage rate of 70% for first-time test takers. This is higher than the statewide average for California law schools and is a testament to the quality of education that SJCL provides its students.
The Student Organizations:
SJCL has several student organizations that provide students with opportunities to get involved in extracurricular activities and connect with their peers. The student organizations include the Black Law Students Association, the Women’s Law Association, and the Criminal Law Society, among others. These organizations host events throughout the year, including guest speakers, social events, and community service projects.
The Community Outreach:
SJCL is committed to serving the local community and provides several programs and initiatives to support this mission. The law school offers free legal clinics to the public, including a weekly immigration clinic and a monthly bankruptcy clinic. SJCL also hosts community events, such as the Central Valley Dispute Resolution Symposium, which brings together legal professionals to discuss alternative methods of resolving disputes.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, San Joaquin College of Law is a reputable institution that has been providing students with a high-quality legal education for over 50 years. With its historic campus, experienced faculty, distinguished alumni, practical clinics, and strong commitment to community outreach, SJCL is a great choice for anyone interested in pursuing a legal career.
