Pre-Law Western Michigan University www.wmich.edu/cas/advising/
Why choose a career in law?
Through the law, we attempt to resolve conflicts and preserve the basic principle of justice. To work in the field of law is to engage in work with a rich historical tradition and great contemporary significance. The practice of law in the United States is highly diverse, with lawyers representing many different kinds of clients and contending with a broad range of legal issues. In the broadest sense, law is a central and binding element in our society. It provides a framework by which we are governed, and reflects common values. To work in the field of law is a challenging, fulfilling career which allows for continued personal growth, service to others, and an opportunity to influence social change.
How do I prepare for a career in law?
Attorneys must act as advocates within the legal process, provide counsel on what the law requires, be skilled at both oral and written communication, and negotiate effectively. A bachelor’s degree and the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) are the minimum requirements for application to law school. No specific major or degree is required by law schools. As long as a student receives a quality education featuring critical analysis, logical reasoning, and written and oral communication, any WMU major is appropriate. Courses which stress writing and/or require students to use reasoning are highly recommended. Also valuable are courses which develop an awareness of the structure and processes of government, such as national government, legal environment, and judicial processes. Acquaintance with the structure and development of American business, the American historical experience, economics, and logic is advisable. The most important step you can take is to choose a major (and minor) in disciplines which inspire you to do your best. Admission to law school is highly competitive. Because a student’s undergraduate record is a good predictor of performance in law school, substantial weight will be afforded to grades received and the rigor of chosen coursework.
Law School Admissions Test
The second consideration in the evaluation of an applicant is the LSAT (Law School Admissions Test), assessing reading ability and comprehension, writing and reasoning. The test does not stress particular academic content and no advantage or disadvantage results from majoring in any particular major. All law schools require the LSAT and its role in determining admissions cannot be overemphasized. Maturity, accomplishments, goals and meaningful life experiences (as articulated in a well-written personal statement); graduate school or professional work; and letters of recommendation also are considered, however GPA and LSAT scores, are the primary factors used to predict a candidate’s likelihood of success in law school.
Practice LSAT
Students are advised to practice taking the LSAT numerous times before taking the actual test. Practice LSAT exams are available from the pre-law advisors, as are opportunities to take practice LSAT exams in exam-like conditions on campus numerous times a year. Never take the official LSAT as a practice activity. Law schools will have access to and will judge every LSAT score you receive.
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Elective Courses
Potential Careers for Law School Graduates
When choosing general education, major, minor, or elective courses, consider taking any of the following: • Accountancy 2100, Principles of Accounting • Business 1750, Business Enterprise • Business 2200, Introduction to Global Business • Communication 1040, Public Speaking • Economics 2010, Principles of Microeconomics • English 1100, Literary Interpretation • English 2520, Shakespeare • English 3050, Pre-Professional Writing • English 3150, English Bible as Literature • English 3200, American Literature I • English 3300, British Literature I • Finance and Commercial Law 3800, Legal Environment
• History 1000, Early Western Civilization • History 1010, Modern Western World • History 2100, American History to 1877 • Philosophy 2200, Critical Reasoning • Philosophy 2250, Deductive Logic • Philosophy 3130, Philosophy of Law • Political Science 1050, Critical Thinking about Politics • Political Science 2000, National Government • Political Science 3200, American Judicial Process • Political Science 3250, Criminal Justice Policy • Political Science 4200, Constitutional Law • Political Science 4210, Gender and Law • Political Science 4220, Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
Law school is great preparation for hundreds of careers, including: • Affirmative Action Officer • Artist/Entertainer Representative • Contracts Negotiator • Editor • Ethics Advisor • Foreign Service Officer • Health Care Fraud Investigator • Hospital Administrator • Legal News Reporter/ Writer • Nonprofit Agency Director • Professor • Publisher • Risk Manager • Sports Agent • Student Affairs Director • Trust Administrator • Workers Comp Examiner
WMU Pre-Law Student Support Supervised internships
Internship experiences provide an invaluable opportunity for educational growth and substantially enhance a student’s undergraduate record. Depending on specific interests and backgrounds, students may intern with sponsors from judicial, legislative and executive branches of government at the federal, state and local levels. Private sector internships, often with law firms or business corporations in the area, may be arranged as well. Academic credit may be earned for work done as an intern. Please discuss these possibilities with an advisor.
Alumni Mentor Program
Students may access a database of active alumni who have volunteered to mentor WMU students interested in their chosen occupations: www.linkedin.com/company/western-michigan-university
Suggested Internet Resources www.wmich.edu/cas/advising/pre_law www.lsac.org www.findlaw.com www.wmich.edu/politics/undergrad/prelaw
Pre-Law Society
The Society routinely sponsors discussions with judges and practicing attorneys, trips to law schools, and visits from admissions officials from various law schools. You may contact this student-led organization at PLSWMU@gmail.com.
Mock Trial Team
Participating in AMTA (American Mock Trial Association) competitions will help students learn about the American legal system and trial advocacy in particular. By participating in Mock Trial, the student will learn and sharpen such skills as problem analysis, working on a team, speaking persuasively, and thinking on one’s feet. Students have the opportunity to compete at both the regional and national level.
Advising Services
Individualized advising by professional advisors is available. For further info, see Pre-Law Advisors Nick Gauthier or Bette Ludwig College of Arts & Sciences Undergraduate Advising 2318 Friedmann Hall (269) 387-4366 Email: arts-sci-adv-office@wmich.edu www.wmich.edu/cas/advising