Philosophy Department
Thinking about Law School?

Preparation for Law School

The goal of law study "is to bring the whole of human insight to bear on the study of law and its institutions." - University of Michigan Law School Bulletin, The University of Michigan.

A lawyer is involved with people, with their cultural, social, political, and economic institutions, and above all with their hopes and dreams. As such, a lawyer has the responsibility to preserve the rights of individuals and to secure justice in a democratic republic. Law in the United States reflects the dynamics of power, and thus of conflict, within American society. In order to resolve conflict, lawyers need skill in analysis, breadth of vision, and commitment to justice.

If you are interested in a career that requires precision in thinking, research, and writing, and you want to be involved with people and their social, political, cultural, and economic aspirations, you might consider the study of law.

While law schools do not identify specific courses that must be taken before admission, they do stress completion of challenging courses that help you to understand the wide range of human institutions and values with which the practice and the study of law are concerned. You are also expected to acquire the ability to think analytically and to write and speak with clarity.
Among disciplines cited as valuable in pre-law study are philosophy, rhetoric, english, history, political science, sociology, psychology, economics, computer science, and engineering.

General recommendations concerning preparation for law school
• There is no one "right" major for law school. Major in the area(s) that interests you. You're more likely to do well and have the grades and passion for learning that law schools look for.

• Create a balance in your academic life -- challenge yourself in your selection of courses and in the number of hours you take, but don't go overboard.

• Seek breadth in your academic curriculum by taking courses outside your field. Your advisor can help with this.

• Take courses and other opportunities to develop your writing skills. You'll be doing a lot of writing in law school.
• Strive for a high GPA, but not by taking only "easy" classes.

• Get involved on campus or in the community in groups that interest you.

• Consider studying abroad.

• Check into the possibility of doing an internship.

• Begin preparing for the LSAT well in advance.

• Take the mock LSAT when it is offered to get a feel for the real test.

• Begin doing readings related to law.

• Consider alternatives to law school or additions (eg. a dual degree) such as MBA, MPP, MPA, or MA.

• Visit law schools when you have the chance. If you're in a city that has a law school during your vacations or for other purposes, stop in and ask to sit in on a class, talk to students or see the people in admissions to get a feel for the school. Even if you are not considering that particular school, the visit will give you a comparative base.

• Get to know your professors and advisors. They can be a resource for readings, classes, community/campus opportunities, and even internships or jobs. Also, they'll be writing letters of recommendation for you some day!

• Take advantage of campus cultural and academic opportunities.

For more answers to your questions, visit Pre-law FAQs.

• Plan ahead and don't procrastinate!