JSerra to Prep Students for Law School

is adding another professional track for its students, this one appealing to future lawyers, the school announced.

Starting in fall, the school will offer a Pre-Law Professional Magnet Program, following in the footsteps of its other magnet programs targeting future and .

JSerra’s law-specific courses will be taught by a Chapman Law School adjunct professor, Patrick Ahle, who has more than 20 years of experience as a prosecutor and has also served as a volunteer judge pro tem.

“Students completing the key law courses offered by the Law Magnet Program will be better prepared prior to their arrival at their law school of choice,” Ahle said in a press release. “The first year of law school is considered one of the most difficult graduate school years. Completing the pre-law program in high school will assist the students in their transition from undergraduate to graduate school.”

Students enrolled in the program will be required to take courses in criminal law, contract law, trial advocacy, leadership, honors English and constitutional law. Students will also participate in speech and debate.

In addition, Chapman Law School will allow JSerra students to use its mock court facilities. John Eastman, the Henry Salvatori Professor of Law and Community Service and former dean of Chapman Law School, will serve as a faculty adviser for the program.

An informational meeting is set for 6 p.m. Thursday, July 12 in the JSerra Center Room.