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

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

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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Breaking Boundaries: Why Nontraditional Students Should Consider Law School

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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Am I Too Old to Go to Law School?

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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Distance Learning In 2022

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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Best Courtroom Movies – True Believer

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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Laws Every American Citizen Should Know

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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Best Courtroom Movies – Anatomy Of A Murder

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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Best Courtroom Movies – Miracle On 34th Street

Best Courtroom Movies – Miracle On 34th Street

Most present-day law students are probably unfamiliar with the late actress Natalie Wood who gained success and popularity as a child and adult actress before her untimely death in a drowning accident in 1981. Wood was given a starring role at the age of 8 in 1947’s Miracle on 34th Street which involves a young attorney asserting in court that a Macy’s Department Store Santa Claus is the real Santa Claus. Her assertion that this man, known as Kris Kringle “IS Santa Claus” is just one of the movie’s many highlights. The film, released in May because studio head Daryl F....

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