Is there a pre-law curriculum?

Answer 1

Hello,

Most schools do offer a pre-law curriculum, whether it is a formalized degree track or a set of guidelines and recommended classes. A pre-law curriculum often includes survey courses on the criminal justice system, debate-oriented classes on sociology or similar disciplines, and other topics.

However, MANY law students and lawyers, including me, will tell you that a pre-law program is not at all necessary to get into law school or be successful in legal practice. In fact, it can be argued that non-legal work and schooling, prior to law school, are viewed more favorably by admissions committees seeking to build a law school class where students enrich the learning environment with a distinctive perspective or experience.

That said, becoming a lawyer is often an arduous and unintuitive grind—it takes patience, focus, and a very practiced tolerance for sifting through minutiae. If you are sure during your college years (or earlier) that you want to dedicate your academic and professional efforts to practicing law, directing your education there on a longer, earlier timeframe might boost your confidence, keep you at a competitive edge, and/or give you the expertise to truly excel within your chosen field.