Empire College of Law

09/10/2026

Our 3L Moot Court class at their final night in the courtroom this summer. Such a great group.

These students will be our ECL inaugural graduating class of 2027. 

08/19/2026

3 days into your first week!

Brace for your first cold call. It doesn’t have to be a good answer. It just has to be an answer. Nobody remembers who

Start your outline the first night, not the week before finals. Every note you take from day one is the thing you’ll actually be studying in December.

Save one classmate’s number before you leave the building. You will text them “wait, what page is she on” before the month is out. Better to have the number already.

08/18/2026

The people behind the degree showed up Thursday night.
President Sperow, Dean Illsley, Professor Loring, and Admissions Director Shiro welcomed students, incoming students, faculty, staff, alumni, family, and local industry leaders to Empire College of Law’s Fall 2026 Open House.

Spring 2027 applications are open.
Link in bio. 👆👆👆

08/10/2026

Academic Regalia. The stole, the hood, the tam. This is what it looks like when the hard work pays off.

1Ls. Are you ready? Your journey starts in 1 week.

Continuing student? Let’s go!

Bring your will to learn, and we’ll take it from there!

08/05/2026

You have thought about it for years. The degree. The career change. The thing you keep putting off because the timing was never right.

Empire College of Law was built for people who stopped waiting for perfect timing. Evening classes. A California Accredited program engaged in the Northern California community.

Spring 2027 applications are open.
Apply at montereylaw.edu — link in bio.

08/01/2026

It’s summer!

Bodega Bay. A long drive. The last stretch before harvest turns this whole county busy again.
 
Take it in and enjoy.
 
If you’re new, Orientation is Monday, August 3.

If you’re returning, we hope you’re enjoying your much deserved time off.
Classes begin August 17, and when they do, this college starts its fifty first year of teaching law in Santa Rosa.
 
You are walking into legacy, an institution rooted in community.

07/29/2026

To our students tonight: day one is behind you.
However it felt in there, it is not a prediction. Everyone walks out of day one thinking the same thing.
Rest. Tomorrow is the last one.

If you are an alum who has been in that room: leave a note below. They will read it when they come up for air Wednesday night.

07/28/2026

"At 88 years old, Libby Downey is two years into her Masters in Legal Studies at Monterey College of Law, proving it’s never too late to chase a lifelong dream."

Empire College of Law, a branch of Monterey College of Law, has been in Sonoma County for more than 50 years, a California-accredited night law school. A significant share of the Sonoma County bar came through this college. Now an MCL campus, our model remains: evening classes, working students, local practitioners on the faculty, active community leaders.

If you have been waiting for the right time, Libby is proof there is no such thing.

Read her story on KSBW: https://www.ksbw.com/article/monterey-woman-88-dream-attending-law-school/73275619

Libby Downey, an 88-year-old retired nurse and public servant, is two years into her law degree at Monterey College of Law, showing it’s never too late to pursue a dream.

06/29/2026

Success in law school—and in the legal profession—is built one step at a time.

06/25/2026

For nearly 60 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County has been transforming lives by providing local youth with mentorship, educational opportunities, and a safe place to learn and grow.

In this SideBarMedia episode with Ron Johnson, President and CEO, listeners will discover how community organizations create lasting impact through leadership, advocacy, and service.

For law students, it's an insightful look at how legal professionals can partner with nonprofits, influence public policy, and help strengthen the communities they serve.

Tune in: https://sidebarmediaca.podbean.com/e/boys-and-girls-clubs-are-the-foundation-of-our-future-with-ron-johnson/