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Pursuing a Law Degree as a Non-Traditional Student

triciawitkower
Mar 42 min read

For many aspiring attorneys, the path to law school is linear—college, LSAT, law school, and then the bar exam. But for non-traditional students, the journey often looks very different. If you’re considering a legal education later in life, while working, or after pursuing another career, you’re not alone. California Desert Trial Academy College of Law in Indio is an excellent choice for non-traditional students who are ready to embark on this transformative journey.

What is a Non-Traditional Law Student?

A non-traditional law student is anyone who doesn’t fit the typical mold of someone attending law school right after earning their undergraduate degree. You may be returning to school after years in the workforce, juggling family responsibilities, or making a complete career change. Your experience and perspective can be an incredible asset in law school and beyond.

Why Choose CDTA College of Law?

CDTA College of Law, the only law school in the Coachella Valley, offers a flexible and supportive environment that caters to non-traditional students. Here’s why it stands out:

  1. Part-Time Evening Program – Many non-traditional students balance work and family obligations. CDTA offers evening classes, allowing you to continue working while earning your law degree.

  2. Small Class Sizes & Personalized Attention – Unlike larger law schools, CDTA fosters a close-knit community where students receive individualized support from faculty and staff.

  3. Real-World Legal Training – CDTA emphasizes practical, hands-on legal education, preparing students for the realities of practicing law from day one.

  4. Accessible and Local – For those in the Coachella Valley, CDTA provides a local option for legal education without requiring relocation or a lengthy commute.

Challenges & How to Overcome Them

Balancing law school with other responsibilities can be challenging, but with the right mindset and strategies, you can succeed:

  • Time Management is Key – Create a structured schedule that includes study time, work, and family obligations.

  • Leverage Your Experience – Your life experience can give you an advantage in understanding legal concepts and applying them to real-world scenarios.

  • Seek Support – Whether through classmates, professors, or family, having a strong support system can make all the difference.

  • Stay Organized – Keeping track of assignments, deadlines, and court cases will be crucial for academic success.

The Reward of a Legal Education

Attending law school as a non-traditional student is a commitment, but the rewards are substantial. A law degree can open doors to new career opportunities, provide the skills to advocate for yourself and others, and allow you to make a meaningful impact in your community.

If you’ve been thinking about pursuing a law degree but have hesitated because you’re not a “traditional” student, know that CDTA College of Law welcomes and supports students from all backgrounds. It’s never too late to follow your passion for justice and the legal field.

Are you ready to take the next step? CDTA College of Law is  be the perfect place to start your legal journey.




 
 
 

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Statement of Nondiscrimination

Consistent with sound educational policy, CDTA College of Law does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, disability, medical condition, age, marital status, political affiliation, gender identity, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

CONTACT INFORMATION

California Desert Trial Academy College of Law
45-290 Fargo Street
Indio, CA 92201
(760) 342-0900

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California State Bar Standard and Required Disclosure

The method of instruction at this law school for the Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree program is principally in physical classroom facilities.

Students enrolled in the J.D. degree program at this law school who successfully complete the first year of law study must pass the First-Year Law Students Examination required by Business and Professions Code 6060(h) and Rule VIII of the Rules Regulating Admission to Practice Law in California as part of the requirements to qualify to take the California Bar Examination.

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A student who passes the First-Year Law Students Examination within three (3) administrations of the examination after first becoming eligible to take it will receive credit for all legal studies completed to the time the examination is passed. A student who does not pass the examination within three (3) administrations of the examination after first becoming eligible to take it must be promptly disqualified from the law school’s J.D. degree program. If the dismissed student subsequently passes the examination, the student is eligible for re-enrollment in this law school’s J.D. degree program, but will receive credit for only one year of legal study.

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Study at, or graduation from, this law school may not qualify a student to take the bar examination or to satisfy the requirements for admission to practice in jurisdictions other than California. A student intending to seek admission to practice law in a jurisdiction other than California should contact the admitting authority in that jurisdiction for information regarding the legal education requirements in that jurisdiction for admission to the practice of law.

Copyright CDTA California Desert Trial Academy College of Law. All rights reserved. The Desert’s first and only Law School. Proudly serving all of Southern California; accepting applications from Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties.

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