Pacific Coast University School of Law

History

Pacific Coast University, School of Law, was founded in 1927, before the California State Bar itself was formed. The University originally offered graduate programs in Business and Diversity as well as Law, but the former schools, as well as an undergraduate college, fell victim to the Great Depression of the 1930s. The law school, however, survived not only the Great Depression, but also World War II, thanks to Professor Carl Manson, who taught all the classes when the other professors went off to war. During the post-war years, Dr. Manson assumed the duties of the dean, a position he held until his death in 1980. Under Dean Manson’s leadership, the University operated successfully in the Long Beach area for over three quarters of a century. The University has graduated hundreds of attorneys who serve in the areas of private law practice, public service, and as judges and leaders in the legal community.

Under the subsequent stewardship of Dean Irv Schleimer, elevated to his post from the PCU faculty in 1981, the University continued to meet its goal of providing an affordable, quality legal education to a diverse group of working men and women. Dean Schleimer officially retired from PCU in 1999 and was succeeded by Dean William J. Lewis. Both a graduate of PCU and an 18-year faculty member, Dean Lewis continued to carry on the time-tested traditions of the University.

PCU continued to operate as a non-profit opportunity-mission law school dedicated to the overarching objective of expanding diversity, equity and inclusion in the legal profession for many years. PCU’s vision is the democratization of the Bar by providing an affordable, high-quality legal education to those members of society who –- by reason of race, ethnicity, gender or socioeconomic background — have historically been excluded from or marginalized in the legal community.

More recently, PCU’s Board of Trustees has decided, due to challenging economic realities, to cease all operations of the law school as of June 2026. While the circumstances surrounding this decision were exceedingly difficult for all those involved, it was taken with the confidence that PCU’s legacy will endure through the achievements of our graduates and the meaningful contributions they continue to make in the field of law and to the broader community.

A Message from the Dean

It is with deep regret that the dean of Pacific Coast University School of Law (“PCU”) hereby announces the decision of the law school’s Board of Trustees to cease operations upon conclusion of the academic term ending in June 2026. This difficult decision was taken after thorough consideration of the school’s financial position and the challenges posed by the evolving landscape of legal education. Since its founding almost a hundred years ago, PCU has served as a nonprofit institution dedicated to providing affordable and accessible legal education to its students. The advent and rapid expansion of distance-learning instruction, however, has made it increasingly difficult for the school to remain competitive in the current marketplace. Despite the tireless efforts of our faculty, staff and Board of Trustees, it has become clear that the school’s financial position is not tenable in the long term.

We recognize the significant contributions of our students, alumni, faculty, staff and the broader community who have been part of PCU’s legacy. For generations, PCU has played an integral role in shaping legal minds and promoting access to justice, and we are proud of the impact our graduates have had in their communities.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported PCU throughout its history. While this chapter is coming to a close, the spirit of our mission will endure in the accomplishments of our alumni and the values we have championed.

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