Each of the fifty states in the United States has its own individual requirements for the practice of law. A student may be exempt from this requirement only by written proof showing that the student warrants special consideration because of illness, physical disability or other unusual circumstance. An employment schedule will not ordinarily qualify as sufficient reason for exemption for more than two consecutive semesters. In order to graduate in four years students must complete 84 semester units. All students are expected to complete the course in four years unless permission of the Dean is obtained to extend the period.
Attendance is a statutory requirement for admission to practice law in California.
The California Supreme Court also regulates the attendance of law students through Rule 957, which requires that students attend 80 percent of the sessions of the classes in which they are enrolled. No credit can be given for courses in which the student has been absent more than 20 percent of scheduled classes. Absences are recorded. Excessive absences may result in probation or dismissal from the law school.