Pre-Legal Guidelines

Pre-Legal Education
Academic Bulletin

When advising a student interested in Pre-Legal Education, please note the following:

• There is no “Pre-law Major” at Allegheny. Students should be encouraged to choose a Major that is challenging and interesting to them.
• If the student wants to practice e a certain kind of law, it’s a good idea to factor that desire into the selection of a major or a minor. A student who wants to practice international law, for example, would be well-advised to develop fluency in at least one foreign language. A student interested in corporate law should have some familiarity with the world of business and economics. A student looking to practice law related to healthcare or technology, should know something about a relevant science.
• Internships and job shadowing can be arranged.
• The Pre-Law Club and Law & Policy program are great ways to explore legal and policy issues, to network with alumni, and to connect with like-minded peers. First-year students are encouraged to enroll in Law & Policy and to become a member of the Pre-Law Club.
• For more information contact the Pre-Law Advisor, K Peterson at kpeterso@allegheny.edu or visit the American Bar Association webpage: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/legal_education/resources/pre_law/3
• The following skills are considered critical for success. Selecting courses and activities to develop these skills should be encouraged.
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Reading
  • Writing and Editing
  • Oral Communication and Listening
  • Research
  • Organization and Management
  • Public Service and Promotion of Justice
  • Relationship-building and Collaboration
  • Background Knowledge
  • Exposure to the Law