  Information for Pre-Law StudentsIf you are considering law school, UWM will provide you with a solid foundation to help you reach your goal. Of course you must do your part by meeting the rigorous admission standards of the law schools to which you apply. It is important to note that the term "pre-law" does not refer to a major. It is a career classification that allows the Pre-Professional Advising Office to identify students who may benefit from special advising services. Law school students have a wide variety of undergraduate backgrounds, including the whole range of majors in the College of Letters and Science, as well as majors in such fields as business, engineering, fine arts, nursing, etc. No matter what your major, it is critical that you take challenging courses and that you do well in them. Preparation for law school is a continuous process. It involves: 1) Planning an undergraduate curriculum that will help you develop the skills necessary for the successful study of law; 2) Learning about the study of law and the widely diverse career paths available to lawyers; and 3) Participating in activities (extracurricular, volunteer, internships, related employment) outside the classroom that contribute to your personal growth and development. Skills deemed most essential by law schools are written and verbal communication skills, the ability to organize materials, analytical reasoning skills, and habits of thoroughness, intellectual curiosity, and scholarship. Courses in composition, literature, mathematics, science, philosophy (including logic), history, political science and economics may be particularly valuable, but are not necessarily required. It is important for pre-law students to be aware of the academic and non-academic aspects of preparing for law school. The pre-law advisor will discuss a timeline of suggested activities with each student. New freshmen who have done well in high school and/or scored well on the ACT or SAT and transfer students with strong GPA's are advised to investigate the University Honors Program. Honors courses are especially appropriate for students preparing for law school. If interested, the pre-professional advisor will link you to the Honors Program. UWM offers a Pre-Law Mentoring Program with the Wisconsin State Bar Association. Law specialties that are available through the Pre-Law Mentoring Program include:
In addition, UWM has an exceptional opportunity for pre-law students on-campus. The University Legal Clinic (located in the Student Union) offers students internship positions and volunteer opportunities that give valuable hands-on legal experience. Students may earn academic credit through the Volunteer for Credit course for their work in the legal clinic. UWM participates in the American Mock Trial Association. Mock Trial offers students the opportunity to learn first hand about the work of trial attorneys, understand the judicial system, develop critical thinking skills and enhance communications skills. Under the direction of Bradley J. Bloch, Attorney, UWM Alumni and National Mock Trial Tournament Director, UWM pre-law students have been very successful in national competition over the past several years. This competitive team travels around the country to participate in mock trial competitions. Over 300 colleges and universities from all over the nation compete at mock trial tournaments. The UWM Pre-Law Society is a student organization that allows students to network with other individuals interested in the field of law. Regular meetings are held during the academic year, guest speakers are sponsored, and off-campus excursions are planned to attend events like the annual "Law School Forum" in Chicago. For more information about pre-law opportunities at UWM, please contact Gwyn Wallander (Pre-Law Advisor) at (414) 229-6017 or email her at: gwyn@uwm.edu. If you would like to make an appointment to see Gwyn, please call (414) 229-4654. Links to Law Programs. |
