Exploring Law
If you are considering law school after completion of your bachelor’s degree, you have time to thoroughly explore careers in law in your first couple of years as an undergraduate since there is no “pre-law” major.
The first year in college should be spent focusing on choosing an undergraduate major for which you have a true interest, in which you will do well, and is one you will find academically challenging. This major should also prepare you for alternative careers or graduate programs if you decide not to pursue a law degree after graduation, if you decide to take a break before starting law school, or if you do not get admitted to law school.
While getting well established academically in your desired undergraduate major (earning excellent grades) and taking a rigorous course load (one that helps you build strong communication, critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills), you should thoroughly explore law so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to pursue admission to law school. Some ways to explore law are by:
- Talking with the pre-law advisor and registering for the pre-law listserv to receive updates
- Research and reading about the legal profession
- Joining pre-law student organizations
- Shadowing attorneys in different areas of law
- Attending workshops and panels for pre-law students
- Talking with law school representatives and attending law school events
- Talking with currently enrolled law students
- Participating in law school summer enrichment programs
Following are also some useful links to resources that may also be helpful in exploring the legal profession and deciding whether law school is the right career path:
- Law School Admission Council
- Occupational Outlook Handbook
- The Association for Legal Career Professionals
- American Bar Association
- Equal Justice Works
- CLEO
- Pre-Law Magazine
Academic Preparation
All pre-law students are encouraged to carefully assess their interest in and motivation for attending law school. Students should pursue a broad, liberal, diverse, and challenging program of study. Students should register for demanding courses that challenge them to read, write, and think critically. Law schools are looking for applicants with academic excellence and the ability to perform at a high scholarly level.