Pre-Law

Pre-Law Studies

There is no single path that will prepare a student for a legal education. Students who are successful in law school and who become accomplished professionals choose various majors at the undergraduate level; and students are admitted to law school from almost every academic discipline. Many pre-law students choose to major in Political Science, History, Philosophy or English. However, whatever major is selected, students are encouraged to pursue an area of study that interests and challenges them, while taking advantage of opportunities to develop research and writing skills. Taking a broad range of difficult courses is excellent preparation for legal education.

According to the American Bar Association, there are important skills, values, knowledge and experiences that a student can acquire prior to law school that will provide a sound foundation for a legal education: • Problem Solving • Critical Reading • Writing and Editing • Oral Communication Listening Research • Organization and Management • Public Service and Promotion of Justice • Relationship-building and Collaboration • Background Knowledge • Exposure to the Law

Emmanuel College offers many courses that develop skills in these areas. Specific advising for students interested in a career in Law is provided by the Pre-Law Advisory Committee (PLAC). The PLAC helps students determine a specific program geared to their particular aspirations. The committee is chaired by Dr. Marie Natoli in the Political Science Department. The following courses have been found to provide an excellent preparation for the Law School Aptitude Test (LSAT) and guidance for students who wish to explore a career in the practice of law:

SPCH1111 Public Speaking: Voice and Diction SPCH3111 Public Speaking: Interactive Speech PHIL1115 Recent Moral Issues (M) (ER) PHIL2108 Critical Thinking (M) PHIL2119 Symbolic Logic PHIL2203 Philosophy of Law (M) (ER) POLSC2602 Intro to Law POLSC2603 Problems of Law and Society POLSC3209 Public Policy, the Law and Psychology POLSC3607 Constitutional Law

Students are not expected to take all of the courses above, rather, students should consider their own interests and career goals.