Certificate of Legal Studies (CLS) Program

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Now, more than ever, professionals in an array of fields find themselves engaging with law, policy, lawyers, and legal systems. The UC Law SF Certificate of Legal Studies (CLS) program is designed for individuals who find themselves interacting with the law and want a quick yet intensive introduction to legal reasoning and understanding in order to better understand the laws and legal institutions that affect their work.

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The CLS Program

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CLS Overview

The CLS program is a 12-credit certificate program for anyone interested in learning legal studies and doctrine. As a CLS student, you may choose to pursue a general course of study or select a focus area.

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Certificate Requirements

To earn a CLS, students must complete 12 total units, including: Legal Writing for Masters Students (Fall, 2 units); Introduction to Law (Fall, 3 units); Legal Research (Spring, 1 unit); Introduction to US Legal Systems (1 unit – offered during orientation; optional but highly recommended). The remaining 5-6 units will be used as elective courses chosen with the counsel of a faculty advisor. Students can choose to focus on one specific area of specialization in their electives or pursue a general course of study.

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Enrollment Options

Full- and part-time enrollment options are available. Full-time students will complete the certificate in one semester. Part-time students will complete the program between 1-3 years. At this time, only a fall start date is available for the CLS.

Program Learning Outcomes

When you have completed the Certificate of Legal Studies (CLS) program, you will be expected to have made substantial progress towards the following skills:

  • Identify, explain, and employ basic concepts and rules of law in both core legal areas and in your own chosen coursework.
  • Identify relevant legal issues and craft legal arguments and conclusions supported by factual evidence and legal rules.
  • Retrieve, organize, analyze, and evaluate legal and interdisciplinary resources, and differentiate the types and importance of these legal resources.
CSL Events & Webinars

Apply to CSL

To Apply to the CLS program, please complete the following items:

  • Complete the Online Application Form – check the box for “CLS” on the application
  • Official academic undergraduate transcripts
  • Application fee ($75)
  • Personal essay explaining interest in CLS program
  • One Letter of Recommendation
  • Resume/CV
  • TOEFL or IELTS if applicable
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Transfer to MLS

Students who wish to continue their studies after completing the CLS may be eligible to transfer to the Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program. CLS students who wish to transfer to the MLS must:

  • Complete a CLS Continuation to MLS Application Form
  • Have earned passing grades in all CLS courses
  • Receive 2 Letters of Recommendation from UC Law SF faculty members

Contact mls@uclawsf.edu for more information about the transfer process.

Learn more about the MSL Program

Contact Us

We encourage you to tour our virtual campus, email us to schedule an in-person visit, or sign up for an advising appointment to learn more about our CLS program.

UC Law San Francisco
CLS Admissions
200 McAllister Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
+1-415-565-4880
cls@uclawsf.edu