Program Description
Pre-Law Liaison: Dr. Thomas Pope (thomaspope@leeuniversity.edu)
The American Bar Association does not officially recommend any particular major or group of courses to prepare for a legal education. Students are admitted to Law School from almost every academic discipline. As such, those who intend to apply to Law School are encouraged to pursue an area of study that interests and challenges them, while taking advantage of opportunities to develop their research and writing skills.
Students should take a broad range of difficult courses from demanding instructors. Law school will build upon and further refine the skills, values, and knowledge that the undergraduate will receive from rigorous undergraduate studies. In addition, students are advised to contact their Pre-Law advisor for specific guidance in their Law School preparations.
The ABA suggests that undergraduates tailor their courses and experiences to develop the following skills:
Analytic/Problem-Solving Skills
Seek courses and experiences that engage critical thinking about important issues, challenge beliefs, and improve tolerance for uncertainty.
Critical Reading Abilities
Seek courses and experiences that expose students to close reading and critical analysis of complex textual material.
Writing Skills
Seek courses and experiences that require rigorous and analytical writing, including preparing original pieces of substantial length and revising written work in response to constructive criticism.
Oral Communication and Listening Abilities
Seek courses and experiences that develop basic speaking and listening skills by engaging in debate and making formal presentations.
General Research Skills
Seek courses and experiences that undertake projects requiring significant library research and the analysis of large amounts of information obtained from that research.
Organization and Management Skills
Seek courses and experiences that require students to organize large amounts of information, identify objectives, and create a structure for applying that information in an efficient way in order to achieve desired results.
Values of Serving Others and Promoting Justice
Seek significant experience in which students may devote substantial effort toward assisting others. Participation in public service projects or similar efforts at achieving objectives established for common purposes can be particularly helpful.
When combined with a robust major field of study, Lee University’s Pre-Law minor aims to provide students with the aforementioned skills, as well as an interdisciplinary exposure to the study of law.
