Whittier Law School, founded in 1966 in Los Angeles as the non-profit stand-alone institution originally known as Beverly Law School, is, for the fifth consecutive year, ranked as one of the most diverse law schools in the nation.

In 1975, the Law School became part of Whittier College, established by Quakers in 1887 and named after the famous poet John Greenleaf Whittier. Both institutions are now respected non-sectarian institutions of higher learning. Quickly thereafter, in 1978, the Law School received accreditation from the American Bar Association (ABA). Continuing our path of national recognition, the Law School became a member of the Association of American Law Schools in 1987.

In 1997, Whittier Law School moved to the bustling city of Costa Mesa in Orange County. An area growing in economic strength and tourism, the Law School established itself as the first ABA law school in Orange County. The Law School’s location in Costa Mesa, in the center of Orange County, offers the best of Southern California. Cultural and recreational opportunities abound, and the Law School’s central location between Los Angeles and San Diego provides access to the largest concentration of legal employers in the nation. Whittier Law School now boasts a network of over 4,000 alumni practicing in 48 states and 14 countries.

The Law School has nationally recognized centers in Children’s Rights, Intellectual Property Law, and International & Comparative Law, which host fellows, offer externships, and sponsor symposia and workshops. The Law School also has strengths in business law, criminal law, health law, public interest law, and trial and appellate practice as additional options for students wishing to focus their education.

Whittier Law School’s small faculty/student ratio provides opportunities for close interaction with distinguished professors, many of whom are recognized both nationally and internationally as experts in their fields. Complementing classroom instruction, the Law School offers an extensive externship program and a large menu of clinical legal education offerings. Whittier Law School’s clinics serve the public in the following areas: children’s rights, special education, family violence, health care access, and legal policy.

ABA Accreditation