College of the Pacific

Why choose the Pacific Legal Scholars Program?

Program Director Dr. Cynthia Ostberg meets with students regularly.

The Pacific Legal Scholars Program offers a number of advantages for students who are considering law school.

• We have a dynamic curriculum with numerous majors to choose from, and you will be grounded in Pacific's nationally acclaimed general education program.
• Law-related courses are taught by outstanding faculty who share a passion for teaching law at the undergraduate level.
  • Special lectures are given by law faculty during undergraduate years.
  • Students receive individualized attention from experienced and dedicated faculty.
• Our program will prepare you for the rigors of law school and expose you to law practitioners in the community, giving you a realistic idea of the types of professions your law degree can lead to.
  • Through the one-unit seminars courses, students learn concrete, practical skills for navigating law school, such as how to take notes in a law class, which are often taught using the Socratic method.
  • The program provides a wealth of opportunities to meet law professionals, observe events such as mock trial competitions, and gain hands-on experience through internships in the surrounding legal community.

In short, as a Pacific Legal Scholar you will become a "law-school ready" student with the skills and knowledge to succeed.

Accelerated Degree Programs

• Complete a Bachelors and J.D. Degree in six years (or choose the 4+3 option).
• Successful candidates are assured admission at Pacific McGeorge School of Law.

Internship Opportunities

• Participate in internship opportunities in the surrounding legal community.
• Conduct undergraduate research, working with faculty in the legal field .
• Interact with Pacific alumni for connections and exposure to various legal careers.

Scholarship Opportunities

• Since students in the program are honors students, they may qualify for the Regents Scholarship award of $10,000 per year.
• Qualified students in the 3+3 program receive a one-year scholarship from the law school during their first year at Pacific McGeorge.
• When students attend Pacific McGeorge they will be given various small scholarships, such as a one-year book stipend and/or reduction in housing fees.

Phi Alpha Delta

At the University of the Pacific, students can participate in one of the oldest professional fraternal organizations. Phi Alpha Delta helps students prepare for law school and also provides various social activities for meeting other students at Pacific who are interested in pursuing legal careers.

Special Events and Activities

California Supreme Court Justice Ming Chin (center); College of the Pacific Dean Thomas Krise (far left); Cynthia Ostberg (lower left), Director of the Pacific Legal Scholars Program; and Provost Phil Gilberton with Pacific Legal Scholars students following a special speaking event on campus.

The Pacific Legal Scholars Program cosponsors and hosts a number of law-related field trips and events at both the Stockton campus and at Pacific McGeorge in Sacramento.