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California Desert Trial Academy College Of Law

Mastering the Art of Legal Education: John Patrick Dolan’s Expertise as Dean of CDTA College of Law

Legal education is not just about textbooks and lectures; it's about shaping future legal minds, instilling a passion for justice, and preparing individuals to navigate the complex world of law. At the California Desert Trial Academy (CDTA) College of Law, this commitment to excellence is embodied by the remarkable leadership of Dean John Patrick Dolan. Let's delve into the expertise that makes Dean Dolan an exceptional force in the realm of legal education. 1. Seasoned Legal Practitioner: John Patrick Dolan is not just an academic; he is a seasoned legal practitioner with over four decades of experience in criminal defense. As a...

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Small but Mighty: The Advantages of Choosing a Small Law School

In the vast landscape of legal education, bigger is not always better. Small law schools, often overshadowed by their larger counterparts, offer a unique and personalized experience that can be incredibly beneficial for aspiring lawyers. Here are compelling reasons why opting for a small law school might be the best choice for your legal education journey: 1. Personalized Attention: One of the most significant advantages of attending a small law school is the individualized attention students receive. Smaller class sizes mean that professors can better engage with each student, fostering a more interactive and participatory learning environment. This personalized approach allows for...

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Breaking Boundaries: Why Nontraditional Students Should Consider Law School

In a world that continually embraces diversity and values the unique perspectives each individual brings, the legal profession is no exception. The notion that law school is exclusively for recent graduates or those on a traditional academic path is going by the wayside. Nontraditional students, those who embark on the journey to law school after gaining diverse life experiences, can offer a fresh and valuable perspective to the legal field. Here are some compelling reasons why nontraditional students should consider attending law school: 1. Life Experience as a Strength: Nontraditional students often bring a wealth of real-world experience to the table. Whether...

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Distance Learning: Direction on the Road to Success

Distance Learning: Direction on the Road to Success

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a permanent shift in the way all students, not just law students, experience the learning process. The physical move and mental transition from classroom to the bedroom have presented new challenges, if not obstacles, for teachers and students alike. Distance learning is a reality that demands students adapt to achieve and maintain academic success. Law school is much more intense than undergraduate studies and demands more time and commitment. Adhering to a predetermined and well-thought schedule that optimally takes advantage of the ways that you learn as an individual is a good way to start. Get...

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Am I Too Old to Go to Law School?

Am I Too Old to Go to Law School?

When I was in law school, one of my classmates was a gentleman in his 70s who had self-started and operated a business for over four decades. He had always wanted to go to law school and his retirement gave him a prime opportunity to realize this ambition. Based on his goals and experiences, the answer to the question may be that you are never too old to go to law school. Of course, every person’s circumstances are different. And the older you get, your reasons for going to law school may differ more from those of persons in their...

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Important Legal Terms/Bankruptcy

Important Legal Terms/Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy is a unique legal area. It is almost entirely regulated by federal law and uses distinct, specialized terminology that derives from federal law. Here is a summary of some important bankruptcy terms. *Automatic Stay Aside from getting a discharge, a primary purpose of filing bankruptcy is the automatic stay. An automatic stay is a feature of bankruptcy law that goes into effect immediately upon filing a bankruptcy petition. It forces creditors to stop all collection efforts against the debtor, such as lawsuits, foreclosures, repossessions, garnishments, and evictions, thus allowing the debtor the time and opportunity to find solutions and obtain a...

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Distance Learning In 2022

Distance Learning In 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has left an indelible mark on the American system of higher education. It has forever altered the way we view the process of instruction and learning. In some cases, there is hope that specific changes resulting from the pandemic will endure and become a permanent part of the academic landscape. Distance learning, especially a model that is a hybrid of traditional and distance learning, is expected to become even more prevalent in 2022. The California Desert Trial Academy’s hybrid model is presently and has been at the forefront of law school distance learning since it opened in...

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Gearing Up For The Second Semester Professionally – Networking

Gearing Up For The Second Semester Professionally - Networking

There is no reason to wait to begin networking simply because you are in your first year of law school. Many law students believe networking starts after law school. However, networking begins in law school and continues well into your legal career. Many believe that networking is easiest when a student is still in law school. The first important point to remember is that networking occurs everywhere at any time. Even your fellow students sitting next to you in class are potential networking partners whether they work in private practice, for the government, or a non-profit organization. Networking events offered by the state bar, non-profit...

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Gearing Up For The Second Semester Academically

Gearing Up For The Second Semester Academically

Even if you are a first-year law student satisfied with your first semester grades and feel positive with a sense of accomplishment, you likely want to improve upon this success in the second semester. Here are a few tips for improving your academic performance for your second semester of law school. *Begin anew First and foremost, start fresh with an open, positive perspective. If you were unhappy with your first semester grades, learn any useful lesson from your lackluster performance, move on, and do not dwell on it. If you were satisfied with your grades, avoid overconfidence, and do not assume that...

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Networking In Law School

Networking In Law School

When you start law school, the idea of networking takes a backseat as you focus on your 1L classes, and, more importantly, preparation for these classes. While many new law students may have some special interest in a certain area of law, they might lack the confidence to talk to strangers, let alone ask for help from them, They may even have reservations about competing with other law students for attention. What may make it difficult, especially for law students who are introverts, is the prevailing buzz about networking that takes center stage early in their academic careers. From even before...

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