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22 August
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A Debate Team Ace Becomes an Award-Winning Trial Lawyer: Speech Communication Alum John Dolan Honored With Laurence H. Tribe Award

Posted by Elisa Cortes
in Uncategorized

When Lucy Keele heard John Dolan debate for the first time, she knew he was going to be one of the best. “All of us are born with a quotient of critical thinking, but those who come with a big dose of it and happen to be loquacious are natural-born debaters,” said Keele, a Cal State Fullerton professor emeritus of speech communication. “John was one of the four most innately talented debaters I ever had the privilege to coach.” John Dolan ’71 (B.A. speech communication) In his first year on CSUF’s debate team, Dolan qualified for the Novice National Debate Tournament and placed...

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

Posted by Elisa Cortes
in Uncategorized

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

Posted by Elisa Cortes
in Uncategorized

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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26 January
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Breaking Boundaries: Why Nontraditional Students Should Consider Law School

Posted by Elisa Cortes
in Uncategorized

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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18 February
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Am I Too Old to Go to Law School?

Posted by cdtalaw
in CDTA, First year law students, Uncategorized
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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31 January
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Distance Learning In 2022

Posted by cdtalaw
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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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18 February
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Best Courtroom Movies – True Believer

Posted by cdtalaw
in CDTA, Uncategorized
Best Courtroom Movies – True Believer

Long before he was Iron Man, Robert Downey, Jr. played a young lawyer in the movie “True Believer” in support of James Woods, whose character was based on Tony Serra, a noted criminal defense attorney in California during the latter half of the 20th Century. In 1983, Serra won an acquittal for Chol Soo Lee, a Korean-American immigrant, who had been convicted of murder in 1973 and sentenced to life imprisonment in San Francisco. The film inspired a spin-off television series, Eddie Dodd, starring Treat Williams in the title role. In 1970, Serra successfully defended Black Panther leader Huey Newton in a murder trial. He had many other high-profile criminal clients including organized crime boss, Raymond...

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04 February
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Laws Every American Citizen Should Know

Posted by cdtalaw
in CDTA, Uncategorized

Our rights as Americans, if not humans, are legitimate, collective, or moral codes of freedom or privilege. The Bill of Rights further defines these rights and prohibits Congress from enacting laws that restrict these rights. In furtherance of the protection of these rights, individuals who are American citizens must know and be aware of the following specific hallmark laws, rules, and regulations. Freedom of Information Act The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) gives every American the right to see and use records from any government establishment to promote transparency and accountability. Any individual may request information under FOIA. Federal agencies must disclose any information requested...

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28 January
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Best Courtroom Movies – Anatomy Of A Murder

Posted by cdtalaw
in CDTA, Uncategorized
Best Courtroom Movies – Anatomy Of A Murder

Almost any movie featuring Jimmy Stewart would be high on my list of must-see films, but a courtroom drama featuring him would be at the top of the list. Michael Asimow, UCLA law professor and co-author of Reel Justice: The Courtroom Goes to the Movies (2006), described the film as "probably the finest pure trial movie ever made." Anatomy Of A Murder directed by distinguished director, Otto Preminger, was written by former Michigan Supreme Court Justice John D. Voelker under the pen name Robert Traver. The novel was based on a 1952 murder case in which Voelker represented the defendant. The judge in the film was played by Joseph N. Welch,...

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

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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.

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.

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.

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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