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Thomas Jefferson School of Law

701 B Street, Suite 110

San Diego, CA 92101

(619) 297-9700

www.tjsl.edu

Serving the Community Through Inclusion and Diversity in Legal Education

"Our goals are lofty, but straight-forward: building the best, most far-reaching California-accredited law school. We are building on the 50-year tradition of educating successful practitioners, judges, and public servants—graduates who serve as leaders in the community.” —Linda M. Keller, Dean and Professor of Law

President and General Counsel Karin Sherr adds, “I joined Thomas Jefferson School of Law (TJSL) after a successful time in private practice because I believe strongly in the mission of the school and in its commitment to providing access to justice and access to a legal education for traditional and non-traditional students. Studies show that the diversity of California attorneys lags far behind the diversity of the population. We are committed to helping create a more diverse legal community to serve an increasingly diverse population.”

Graduates agree. “Thomas Jefferson School of Law provides an excellent legal education from nationally recognized faculty members that really care about the students. The classrooms are state of the art in a top-notch building, in the heart of the legal community in downtown San Diego. With more than 7,000 alumni, graduates range from judges, District Attorneys and Public Defenders, to General Counsel, partners in big firms and solo practitioners.” Randy Grossman (1994), Law Offices of Randy M. Grossman.

The faculty and staff are proven, world-class professionals, a powerful blend of full-time faculty and part-time faculty who are successful practitioners in the community. Many highly successful and notable alumni return to teach as adjunct faculty. The faculty includes expert teachers and scholars who bring their deep knowledge of the law into the classroom and who support students in countless ways inside and outside the classroom. Many of the staff have been with the school for more than a decade and provide advice to students throughout their law school career and beyond.

The Law School’s approach to teaching attracts talented professionals from not only academia, but from the legal community. Keller is an example. “I was attracted to join the faculty in 2003 after a teaching fellowship at University of Miami School of Law because TJSL truly emphasizes teaching quality. At a lot of law schools, full-time faculty are focused on their own scholarship and getting published. While our tenured faculty have a strong record of scholarship, we really focus on students and providing high-quality teaching. I continue to teach as Dean, which is unusual, because that’s my first love. It’s also a great way to stay connected and get to know students.”

A Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Thomas Jefferson School of Law began in San Diego in 1969 as a California-accredited law school aimed primarily at working professionals seeking to obtain a law degree at night, opening as a branch campus of Western State College of Law. It became a stand-alone, non-profit institution in 2001. The school is also accredited by WSCUC (WASC Senior Colleges and Universities Commission), a national institutional accreditor recognized by the Department of Education. 

TJSL is unique in its commitment to diversity and providing the opportunity to earn a JD degree. Students may enroll in a traditional full-time residential program or part-time or online programs. Sherr says, “Our strength comes from our diversity. Seventy percent of our students today identify as students of color. We are committed to creating a sense of belonging for students from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences.” That commitment resonates with the students and graduates. “I chose to attend TJSL because of their focus on bringing in people from diverse backgrounds. Attending TJSL as a part-time evening student for the first two years allowed me to continue to work to support myself and my legal education.” Brenda Lopez (2011), Founding Partner, Patterson, Lopez, Banuelos, Khiterman, LLP.

Students range in age from their early twenties to their sixties. They are drawn to the school because of its location, flexible programs, inclusive community, excellent faculty and alumni network. The Law School is known for being a pathway for nontraditional students as well as a welcoming place for all students who want personal attention from faculty, mentorship, and a strong community to support them. The school attracts many students interested in criminal law as well as IP, sports and entertainment law. Fellowships in these areas offer special opportunities for students to learn about the law and practice of these areas via classes, networking, or real-world experience from externships and clinics.

Alumni are prominent, well-respected practitioners who often practice in underserved parts of the community. Alumni stay connected to the school, regularly serving as adjuncts, guest speakers, panelists, and externship supervisors. They often hire graduates to work in their successful practices throughout the state. 

The strong sense of community and commitment to success continues well after graduation. Sherr says, “What makes TJSL special is its community feel and inclusiveness. Students regularly choose TJSL because they appreciate the tight-knit community, strong relationships between faculty and students, and opportunities for practical experience.” This sentiment is shared by others. “TJSL gave me the most valuable gift—a community. That community is comprised of invaluable mentors and lifelong friends. I would not have been able to achieve success in the legal profession, or in my personal life, without the support of that community. TJSL creates the environment to form such strong bonds, and I am grateful for the opportunity.” Anna M. Romanskaya (2007), Stark & D’Ambrosio, LLP.

Students are drawn by the Law School’s academic credentials, but also by an environment that stresses the value of the individual person in relation to a greater community. Graduates often note that TJSL’s emphasis on the individual person is carried on and put into practice in the challenging environment of the law. “At TJSL, the concept that the law was a profession of relationships was ingrained in me. In my practice, I have found time and again that a critical part of being a great advisor and advocate is the innate understanding that people are not just a part of the equation of each issue we address, but they are at the center of it. The incredible faculty and team members at Thomas Jefferson modeled that concept every day I was there, and I will forever be grateful for them.” David Majchrzak (2002), Shareholder and Deputy General Counsel, Klinedinst San Diego.

A Standout Among Law Schools

The Law School’s successful alumni are a testament to the fulfillment of the school’s mission of opportunity and excellence. “Thomas Jefferson School of Law gave me the opportunity to study law at night and maintain my career during the day. The professors not only taught me what I needed to pass the bar on the first attempt, but also demonstrated that they cared about my success even well after law school. I have opened my own firm and become a leader in the legal community. But for TJSL, none of it would have been possible.” Renée N.G. Stackhouse (2008), Trial Lawyer/Owner, Stackhouse, APC.

The Law School continues to innovate to foster greater opportunity for students. This fall, Thomas Jefferson School of Law becomes the first fully residential law school in California to offer a fully asynchronous online JD program. This effort will make the Law School’s academic program available to students from well beyond its present geographic region, and ensure that students with work, family, or other responsibilities will be able to pursue a legal career via a flexible, rigorous distance education program. The program will contribute to diversifying the legal profession and providing access to justice, particularly in rural areas, small towns, and other underserved communities that do not have sufficient legal resources. 

The Law School also stands out among the California-accredited law schools because it offers students the opportunity to learn from a full-time, tenured faculty as well as experienced legal professionals who provide real-world experience and knowhow combined with personal attention to each student. Its cumulative bar pass rate, above average among California-accredited law schools, reflects the focus on bar preparation from the first day of law school through graduation. Graduates find the school a valuable resource through free post-graduation support. Elective courses include opportunities to experience law as it is practiced in the office, the boardroom, the negotiating table or the courtroom through clinics and externships. The Law School also offers the opportunity to study abroad in Nice, France, where students take several classes related to international law while learning another culture.

This well-rounded education is part of a flexible course allowing students to seek a legal degree starting in the fall or the spring, attending full-time or part-time, and during the day or evening. The classroom education is coupled with opportunities to participate in co-curricular activities such as law review and competition teams such as Moot Court, Mock Trial, and ADR. Students can also supplement their learning by joining one of many active student organizations that often connect with local affinity bar organizations. 

“The beauty of TJSL is that every student gets out of their experience, exactly what they put in. I learned from brilliant professors that helped prepare me for the Bar Exam and the actual practice of law. TJSL is committed to every student’s success, and the alumni base is full of mentors looking to help current students reach their goals!” Christopher Reilly (2019), Ogletree Deakins Nash Smoak & Stewart, P.C.

The Law School also provides outreach programs that not only train students in the field, but also provide services to people in need within the community. The Law School has several live-client clinics, aimed at providing representation by students, under the supervision of attorneys, for the underserved. These include clinics for veterans and for lower-income inventors and businesses seeking non-profit or business advice as well as patent or trademark protection. For example, recognizing the obstacles veterans face due to past mistakes, the Veterans Legal Assistance Clinic navigates the intricate legal process to clear criminal records, providing individuals with a fresh start and improved job prospects. Another area of expertise of the veterans clinic lies in upgrading the discharge status for veterans with less than honorable discharges. By assisting them in improving their military discharge status, the clinic opens doors to enhanced benefits and expanded opportunities for veterans seeking to rebuild their lives. 

The Law School also sponsors self-help clinics, providing limited assistance and information for low to moderate income businesses and individuals. Students provide public service through externships and the Pro Bono Honors program.

Graduates note that the Law School’s inclusive environment is great preparation for the challenges facing young JDs entering a demanding profession. “When I attended Thomas Jefferson School of Law, I was met with an environment that challenged me to be my best. The professors were leaders in their field, whose teaching nurtured my love of the law and made me excited to practice law as an attorney. The career services counselors were invaluable in helping me prepare for the legal career I wanted. As I look back, I smile because I know that Thomas Jefferson School of Law prepared me not only to pass the bar the first time, but also gave me the confidence to be the best lawyer that I can be.” Yahairah Aristy (2004), Deputy Public Defender, Office of the Primary Public Defender.