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Pre Law

Pre-Law is a label for students who intend to go to law school upon completion of their undergraduate degree. While there is no pre-law degreee or specific course requirements for law school, several recommendations and guidelines can benefit aspiring law school students. Some are outlined below.

Pre-Law Society

An important resource for pre-law students is the University of Arkansas Prelaw Society. The organization's mission is to help prepare students for the rigors of a legal education. Membership is open to all UA students. For more information, contact Dr. Bill Schreckhise at 575-4931.

Choosing a Major

What is the best major for pre-law? This is one of the most common questions among pre-law students. For many, the answer is surprising: law schools prefer no specific major, nor does the American Bar Association recommend a particular major. The best major is one that you find interesting and stimulating, one you would choose even if you were not going to law school. Such a major will likely yield a higher grade point average, an important criterion in law school admission. You also want to choose a major that will help you develop the necessary skills to be a successful law student and legal practitioner. These skills include reading, writing, researching, and critical analysis.

Courses

While the American Bar Association does not recommend a specific major, it does encourage undergraduates to take courses that can enhance the important "lawyering" skills mentioned previously. According to the ABA's statement on "Preparation for a Legal Education," potential law students should possess these skills:A broad understanding of history, particularly American history, and the various factors (social, political, economic, and cultural) that have influenced the development of the pluralistic society that presently exists in the United States; A fundamental understanding of political thought and theory, and the contemporary American political system;A basic understanding of ethics and theories of justice;A grounding in economics and an understanding of the interaction between economic theory and public policy;Some basic mathematical and financial skills, such as an understanding of basic pre-calculus and an ability to analyze financial data; A basic understanding of human behavior and social interaction; and an understanding of diverse cultures within and beyond the United States, of international institutions and issues, and of the increasing interdependence of the nations and communities within our world.

Legal Studies Minor

Numerous courses at the University of Arkansas teach students the knowledge and skills recommended for law school. Moreover, to provide some guidance and focus for students interested in law, the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences offers a minor in legal studies. This program of study is designed to prepare students for law school and to help them explore the study of law and the judicial process. The legal studies minor requires completion of 18 semester hours, to include the following courses:

OR

and 12 hours chosen from the following:

 

Pre-Law Timeline:

Freshman/Sophomore Year
Junior Year
Senior Year

Fulbright College and UA School of Law 3/3 Program

The UA School of Law at Fayetteville and the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences jointly administer a six-year program whereby highly qualified students may enter law school after their third year of college. Students in Fulbright College are eligible for the 3/3 program under the following conditions:

More Information

Department of Political Science at (501)575-3356
Carl Riley, Fulbright College Dean's Office, (501) 575-5219
Law School Admission Council