Whittier Law School was founded in 1966 as Beverly Law School to provide an intensive legal education program, especially for women and older students.
In 1975, Beverly Law School joined Whittier College, a nationally recognized liberal arts college, forming Whittier College School of Law. The American Bar Association awarded accreditation in 1978, followed by admittance to the Association of American Law Schools in 1987.
In 1997, Whittier Law School moved to Costa Mesa and on April 24, 1998, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony M. Kennedy formally dedicated the campus. In April 2017, the Whittier College Board of Trustees announced its decision to cease recruitment and enrollment operations. Whittier Law School ceased all operations in July 2020.
Whittier Law School's 4,500 graduates, living in 48 states and 14 countries, continue to form an important part of the larger Whittier College community.
Assistance with academic records is provided by the Registrar's Office. Support for the Whittier Law School Alumni Association is provided by the Office of Alumni Relations.
Questions about the Law School’s history may be directed to the Office of Communications.
