"Lewis University's Pre-Law Program provided me with a great legal foundation before my first day in law school, and the Mock Trial Team gave me great real-world experience. I learned how lawyers structure arguments and how to become a good advocate."
Lewis is the perfect place to prepare for law school. Pre-Law Curriculum
While there is no set curriculum for our pre-law students, the best undergraduate preparation for success with both LSAT testing and law school itself includes challenging coursework that develops your comprehension skills, critical thinking and the precise expression of ideas. Many of our pre-law students find it especially helpful to choose undergraduate majors in Political Science, English, History, Philosophy of Law, Philosophy and Criminal/Social Justice. Students with specific career interests that relate to the application of law in business, technology, science, research and so forth, are encouraged to choose majors or minors linked to those areas as well. We recommend the following coursework for our pre-law majors:
06-300 Writing for the Professions (3)
06-310 Advanced Writing (3)
09-236 History of Illinois (3)
09-325 United States Since 1941 (3)
09-381 History of England and Great Britain after 1450 (3)
10-242 Argumentation and Debate (3)
10-400 Mass Media Law (3)
15-310 Philosophy of Law (3)
15-299 Logic (3)
18-200 American National Government (3)
18-210 State and Local Government (3)
18-322 Mock Trial–Forensics (1-2)
18-327 Mediation (1-2)
18-371 Constitutional Law (3)
18-372 Civil Liberties (3)
23-250 Business Law I for Accountants (3)
23-251 Business Law II for Accountants (3)
61-250 Business Law I (3)
81-110 Introduction to Criminal Justice (3)
81-200 Court Systems and Probation (3)
81-430 Elements of Criminal Law (3)
81-445 Criminal Procedures/Rules of Evidence (3)
90-301 Legal Research, Analysis and Writing for Paralegals (3)
90-302 Interviewing and Investigation for Paralegals (3)
From Lewis to Law School
Acceptance into law school is generally determined by a comprehensive evaluation that includes:
- Your Law School Admission (LSAT) score
- Your academic record (including the relative rigor of your undergraduate study)
- Your GPA
- Your written personal statement (specified by each law school)
- Faculty recommendations
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Accelerated Law Dual Degree Program with the John Marshall Law School
Lewis University has partnered with The John Marshall Law School in Chicago to provide students with an accelerated dual law degree program. Fast-track your way through law school by getting undergraduate credit for your Juris Doctorate (JD) coursework. And you'll earn both your bachelor's degree and your JD in just six years, an entire year faster than traditional seven-year programs.
The John Marshall Law School accepts a number of exceptionally well-qualified Lewis University students at the end of their junior year based on a comprehensive evaluation. Successful applicants typically have a GPA and LSAT score above the prior year's entering class average - a high standard to achieve. But if you do, after your first year at The John Marshall Law School, you will have earned enough elective credits to receive your bachelor's degree from Lewis and be a year ahead of schedule toward your JD degree.
Students who fail to meet this standard and receive early entrance may still qualify for admission into The John Marshall Law School or another law school after traditional graduation from Lewis. Students who successfully enter John Marshall's JD program but do not complete it for any reason can apply for readmission to Lewis University and finish their bachelor's degree. Lewis University will consider all courses completed at John Marshall with a grade of "C" or above for transfer as elective credit. After a student earns at least 128 Lewis University total semester hours, they will earn their bachelor's degree from Lewis.
Learn more about our Accelerated Law Dual Degree Program with this helpful FAQ.
When Should You Take the LSAT?
Students planning to enter law school in the fall semester after graduation from college should take the LSAT at the end of their junior year or the beginning of their senior year. The Pre-Law Program strongly encourages students to participate in and complete a comprehensive preparatory program prior to taking the LSAT. This preparation can be in the form of self-guided study using a preparation manual, tutorial study in a group or with a faculty member, or a specially designed, commercially available preparation course. The LSAT may be taken more than once so students are urged to take the exam earlier rather than later. Multiple test takers should know that LSAT will send all scores to the designated Schools of Law. However, the manner in which the law school handles the scores will depend on the policies of the particular institution. Some will consider only the most recent score, some the highest score, and some law schools will average the scores. With this in mind, students should check with those law schools to which they will be applying to ascertain the advisability of retesting. Pre-law students are encouraged to meet with a pre-law advisor. The advisor can assist in reviewing course schedules and providing information on the LSAT, LSAT preparation programs, specific law schools, and the law school application processes. In addition, pre-law students are encouraged to participate in the activities of the Pre-Law Club, the Mock Trial and Mediation teams and to join Phi Alpha Delta, the national legal fraternity.
Your Pre-Law Advisor
Any student who is considering law school should meet with their pre-law advisor as early as possible. They will help you select specific undergraduate coursework to help you succeed in your future career. Your advisor will also help you stay on top of LSAT preparation courses, law school application dates, and help you develop your personal statement and application.
Contact Dr. James Houlihan to set up an appointment at (815) 836-5313 or at houhihja@lewisu.edu.
