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Pre-Law Advising

About the Program

pre-law advising student listening to a speaker

The Pre-Law Program is an advising program, not a degree or major. Students follow their chosen curriculum while participating in the Pre-Law Program, allowing them to explore their interests, build relevant skills and experiences, and prepare for the law school application process.

How the Pre-Law Program Supports You

  • Participate in a resilience workshop each fall
  • Connect with a practicing attorney for a Q&A in an area of law that interests you
  • Meet with a current law student for an informal Q&A about law school, the application process, and the law student experience

Your Pre-Law Advising Roadmap

Preparation for law school develops throughout the undergraduate experience. The Pre-Law roadmap outlines steps students can take each year to build their academic foundation, explore areas of law, gain experience, and prepare for the application process.

Year One: Explore & Build a Strong Foundation

Follow your curriculum plan and earn strong grades. Connect with the Pre-Law Program. Get involved on campus and choose a major and minor that develop strong writing, critical thinking, and communication skills. Meet with the Pre-Law Advisor to discuss your interests and goals. During the summer, work, volunteer, shadow, or pursue an experience that helps you explore your interests.

Year Two: Build Your Experiences

Maintain a strong academic record. Pursue leadership, service, internships, employment, or other meaningful experiences. Explore different areas of law through events, alumni, and professional opportunities. Consider taking the first 1-credit Pre-Law course. During the summer, consider a legal, government, nonprofit, business, or other professional experience.

Year Three: Prepare for Law School

Take one or both 1-credit Pre-Law courses if you have not already completed them. Research law schools and learn about the LSAT and application process. Begin identifying potential recommenders. Meet with the Pre-Law Advisor to determine your application timeline. During the summer, prepare for/take the LSAT and begin working on your résumé, personal statement, and law school list.

Senior Year: Finish Strong & Apply When Ready

Maintain strong grades and complete your degree. Take any remaining Pre-Law courses. Finalize your law school list and application materials. Request recommendations and submit applications. Work with the Pre-Law Advisor throughout the process.

UHart’s Pre-Law advising program set me up for success in law school and beyond. It helped identify my needs and provided me with opportunities. As a freshman, I built relationships with the deans of law schools in the area. By junior year, I had an internship with a top-tier law firm. The experiences that UHart’s Pre-Law advising program provided helped me put my best foot forward when it was time to apply for jobs in law school and after graduation.

Olaleye Onikuyide ’20, JD '24, Associate, Hinckley Allen

When You're Ready, Apply With Confidence

Your Pre-Law Advisor will support you throughout your undergraduate experience and the law school application process.

Application steps:

  • Prepare for/take the LSAT
  • Finalize your law school list and application materials
  • Request recommendations
  • Submit applications

For more information or if you have questions, please contact Clinical Associate Professor or English and Pre-Law Advising Co-Director Julie Sochacki, JD.