Desert’s first law school celebrates inaugural graduating class

Graduates from the Coachella Valley’s first and only law school received their diplomas during a graduation ceremony Sunday.

Eleven new lawyers get the distinction of being the first to graduate from the California Desert Trial Academy College of Law.

“They are people that want to stay here in the Coachella Valley and practice law, and I think the future is bright for each and every one of them,” said John Patrick Dolan, dean of the California Desert Trial Academy College of Law.

The school was approved by the California State Bar five years ago. Before then the closest law school to the desert was about 70 miles away.

“It’s only a night school you so you are able to work during the day and you don’t have to drive a lot. You get to be closer to your family so it is very convenient,” said Beatriz Mercado who is one of the 11 graduates.

“Our law school is designed for people who work full time so it is Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday nights and all day Saturday. People still work a full-time job and usually have families plus go to law school for 20 to 30 hours a week, so they need to be dedicated,” Dolan said.

Many of the graduates are already working in some fashion within the local legal system.

All 11 graduates are planning on taking the three-day California State Bar exam in late July.

JOE GALLI CAN BE FOUND ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER.