Overview
Hello! You have made a very important choice in considering to pursue a career in the field of law. It is imperative that you set out on the right path, and take advantage of the many resources that are offered to UB students seeking entrance into law school.
On this Web site and within this “Student Guide,� you will find lots of information regarding the Pre-Law process. There are several main categories, and within each you will find a more in-depth section for further inquiry. Also note that many words will be hyperlinked, so you can shuttle easily from one area of interest to another.
I would encourage you to review these pages. Furthermore, plan on meeting with me so we can discuss your particular situation and interest. You can find my contact information under the Advisement tab on this Web site. I would encourage you to meet with me regularly to ensure you’re on the right track.�
Majors, Minors and Courses, Oh My!
In short, students can take ANY undergraduate major and pursue law school. The American Bar Association has a helpful summary regarding academic selection on their Pre Law Web site. (Opens in new window). There is neither a specific Pre-Law major nor a specific major that will make you more competitive for Law School. Law schools are looking for students with diverse academic backgrounds who can demonstrate analytical thinking and reasoning skills and strong writing ability. I would encourage everyone to read the “Selecting Courses” link below under “Read More” to discuss how you can ensure you’re preparing well for law school and possibly for the LSAT.
There is no set of ‘required’ pre-law courses for students who want to attend law school. Of course, in some fields of legal specialization, it is important to have certain knowledge or skills. For instance, if interested in Patent Law, it will be helpful to take science or engineering courses.� Fluency or deep understanding of at least one foreign language is important if pursuing International Law. More on choosing helpful classes (Opens in New Window) for preparation for the LSAT, Law School, and career specializations.
Students should select a major in which they have a true interest, because they will be more likely to excel in their classes and earn high grades. UB offers numerous majors and minors, and students also have the option of pursuing a special major, if they are unable to find a major that meets their interests. UB does offer majors in Political Science (Public Law), and Social Sciences Interdisciplinary (Legal Studies), but students should not limit themselves to these areas. Further, majoring in these areas does not give an advantage over students in other majors.
For more information on academic programs, consult the Undergraduate Catalog.
Read More (all links below open in same window):
More about double majors, minors, and enchancing your transcript