Pre-Law

"Pre-law" itself is not typically a specific undergraduate major offered at most universities. Instead, it refers to a track or focus that students can follow, often within other majors, to prepare for law school. Students who are "pre-law" usually take courses that develop skills in critical reading comprehension, writing, thinking, and analysis. They may seek out internships, activities, and other experiences related to law to strengthen their law school applications.

At Willamette, we offer a pre-law track for students interested in attending law school. Through our liberal arts curriculum, students can explore a variety of courses that provide the essential skills needed for law school. Having Willamette’s law school right on campus provides unique benefits and insights for undergraduates aspiring to a legal career.

No. Willamette doesn't offer a pre-law major. Most universities also don't offer a pre-law major. In order to get into a top law school, students can choose to study anything they'd like. However, pre-law students should develop law-related skills to prepare for the law school admissions process.

Our pre-law track allows students to connect with advisors to prepare for law school, get advice on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), and learn more about the Law School Admissions Council.

Pre-law students can choose any major they're interested in and still apply to law schools. We offer a variety of programs that could benefit students such as:

• Civic Communication and Media
• English
• Classical Studies
• History
• Philosophy
• Politics, Policy, Law, and Ethics
• Psychology
• Public Health
• Women's and Gender Studies

However, every major at Willamette provides students with skills that will help them be admitted to and thrive in law school. Depending on your career goals, having an undergraduate degree in a specific field could also be beneficial. An environmental science degree would be beneficial if you are interested in pursuing environmental law. You could also major in biology to prepare for a career in health law.

Private law firms offer a variety of jobs that don’t require a law degree, including these:

• Office assistant
• Receptionist
• Researcher
• Investigator
• Paralegal
• Litigation support
• Temp worker

Past Willamette students have worked or interned at a variety of places near campus such as:

• Legislature
• Governor’s Office
• Treasurer’s Office
• Oregon State Supreme Court
• Oregon Court of Appeals
• Marion County District Court
• Oregon Tax Court
• Department of Justice
• Local law firms

Want to get a taste for law without committing to law school? Try working at a local law firm. There are eight law firms within walking distance of the Willamette campus and 20 firms within a five-minute drive. In addition, the Oregon State Capitol, four courts, and all of the agencies that make Oregon’s government run are across the street from campus.

Our faculty and advisors will meet with you one-on-one to discuss your goals and interests. We'll help you along your journey and offer practical insights into whatever interests you. We'll offer the support you need during your legal education.