Pre-Law is not a major at The University of Alabama. Rather, Pre-Law is in part a curriculum designed to give students the best possible undergraduate preparation for admission to and success in law school. Students preparing for a legal career must develop excellent skills in oral and written communication, in addition to critical and analytical thinking.
Pre-Law is, however, more than just academic preparation. The program is designed to help students decide if law school is the right choice for them. Students are encouraged to join the Pre-Law Student Association, to talk to lawyers, professors, and advisors, and to possibly enroll in an internship or do shadowing with a professional. Students are also encouraged to make arrangements with the University of Alabama School of Law or any law school in which they have interest for a tour of the law school or to sit in on a law school class.
Pre-Law is also designed to help students prepare for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). All students planning to pursue a legal education are required to take the LSAT. Intensive preparation for this test is vital for success and students are encouraged to select courses that will help them succeed on the LSAT.
As part of the Pre-Law Program, it is essential for students to take courses in which they develop skills in writing, critical thinking, reading comprehension, research, communication skills, analysis, and logic. In addition to the skills developed through academic coursework, students should put forth an effort to develop a deeper understanding, commitment, and dedication to their pursuit of attending law school.
While there is no specific major required for admission to law school nor specific classes that a student should take if planning to attend law school, UA Pre-Law has identified a number of classes that could be beneficial in developing the skills necessary to excel in law school. You are encouraged to discuss the value of any of these classes with your Pre-Law advisor prior to registration.
There is no “best” major for law school. In fact, law schools choose students from a wide range of academic disciplines. Law schools seek students who are academically prepared for law school and who have excellent grades and competitive LSAT scores. Students planning to attend law school should select a major that reflects their interests and abilities. The choosing of a major is important and should only be done after careful consideration. We encourage all students to seek the counsel of advisors, career counselors, and professors, and to make personal assessments of their strengths and weaknesses before deciding on a major.
The Pre-Law Program has created a ListServ in order to distribute announcements of events, requirements, and other information via email. In order to receive these emails, including information regarding the administration of practice LSATs; law school fair information; visiting law school admissions officers; upcoming PLSA events and announcements; and all other pre-law related information, you must sign up for the Pre-Law ListServ.
After clicking on the link, choose “Join or leave the list”
Then enter your name and email address and click “Subscribe.” You should receive a confirmation email shortly thereafter from the listserv.