CDTA: If You’re Looking For Something Completely Different
While traditional law schools emphasize learning the “law” from textbooks, treatises, hornbooks, and a library full of other legal, literary resources, the California Desert Trial Academy (CDTA) educates, trains, and develops students utilizing classroom, online, and human guidance resources to promote an educational platform equally focused on the hard skills, or substantive law, and the soft skills. If you’re looking for something completely different from traditional law school substantive learning programs, CDTA may be the choice that offers the difference you’re truly seeking.
The California Desert Trial Academy opened in September 2012, offering a unique approach to legal education in the 21st Century. Co-Founder and Dean John Patrick Dolan, a distinguished legal advocate in his own right, had the vision to go beyond what law schools had done for over 100 years, which is to teach students only the substantive law.
Dean Dolan’s dream was for each graduate of the CDTA to be more than just a glorified legal scholar, but to be a true attorney-advocate. This vision consisted of students reshaping their focus from a book-intensive collection of information to a participation-based human experience that provides learning tools for achieving practical success practicing law.
The tools that students learn and develop at the CDTA help them effectively practice law from the moment they graduate. Learning the soft skills allows them to communicate and work effectively with others to analyze problems and provide solutions for clients. CDTA doesn’t just train lawyers, but it transforms students into attorney-advocates with an emphasis on teaching them the practice of law, rather than just the knowledge of the law.
More law schools are now trying to do what CDTA has done since its inception – teach students how to transition into successful legal practitioners. This includes direction about running a business. This includes teaching skills that enable graduates to be prepared and ready should they choose to be sole practitioners.
The California Desert Trial Academy has served the residents of the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley for nine years. It won’t be long before we joyously and proudly celebrate our tenth anniversary! At CDTA, The California Desert Trial Academy (CDTA) is a 21st Century law school tailored to meet the needs of working people. Any lawyer must study and know the law. We believe that practical experience in tandem with legal knowledge is the best road to a successful, rewarding, and prosperous legal career. At CDTA, we train, educate, and develop students to be exceptional attorneys and trial advocates. Call us today at (760) 342-0900 or find out more online here.