Academics

“The American Bar Association does not recommend any undergraduate majors or group of courses to prepare for a legal education. Students are admitted to law school from almost every academic discipline. Whatever major you select, you are encouraged to pursue an area of study that interests and challenges you, while taking advantage of opportunities to develop your research and writing skills. Taking a broad range of difficult courses from demanding instructors is excellent preparation for legal education.”

Preparing for Law School?

• Study what interests you. You can explore a range of majors and minors here at UWT!
• If you are a pre-major, talk with your academic adviser to explore your areas of interest and consider what majors/minors/courses may be a good fit: contact University Academic Advising
• If you are a pre-major, talk with your academic adviser to explore your areas of interest and consider what majors/minors/courses may be a good fit: contact University Academic Advising.
• Take courses that involve a lot of reading, writing, research and critical thinking
• Meet with Legal Pathways for pre-law advising

Maintain a good GPA

• Having a strong GPA is important when applying to law school. Make sure you have a well-balanced schedule that allows you to achieve and maintain a good GPA.  Pay attention to your grading options, and watch out for grading options that result in S or NS rather than traditional grading.
• Take classes - including internships - that you are passionate about
• This can be anything you find to be interesting; and this can likely help you achieve a good GPA.
• Consider what legal field you want to study/learn more about and take some classes in these disciplines.

See our list of law-related courses. But remember, there is no “right” major for law school. The list suggests classes you could possibly take or explore to learn more about that field.

Take courses that involve a lot of reading, writing, research and critical thinking

Courses that are heavy on reading, writing, research and analysis can help you develop useful skills for law school. In particular, consider taking several courses that require you to produce a significant research paper during the quarter.

 

Core skills recommended by the American Bar Association include:

• 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

Consider what type of law you are interested in and take some classes in those disciplines*:

• Business (Corporate Law)– Entrepreneurship, Finance, Management
• Civil Rights Law– Law, Societies and Justice, Ethnic Studies, History, Political Science
• Criminal Law– Psychology, Political Science, Sociology
• Education Law– Education, Higher Education, Early Childhood & Families
• Employment & Labor Law– Law, Societies and Justice, Policy, Political Science, Economics
• Environmental Law– Environmental Science, Biology, Geography, Civil Engineering
• Family & Juvenile Law– Psychology, Sociology, Early Childhood & Families, Social Work
• Health Law– Public Health, Biology, Biochemistry, Health & Human Sciences, Psychology
• Immigration Law– Law, Societies and Justice, History, Ethnic Studies, Diversity, Political Science
• Intellectual Property Law– Computer Science, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, Business
• International Law– International Relations, Languages, Political Science
• Real Estate Law– Business, Management, Communications, Psychology, Economics
• Sport & Entertainment Law– Business, Communications, Management, Sociology
• Tax Law– Economics, Accounting, Finance, Entrepreneurship

*The various disciplines do not indicate what you should major in. Remember, there is no “right” major for Law School. Law School accepts any and all majors. This list suggests classes you could possibly take or explore to learn more about that field. This list does not include all areas of law.

Take the LSAC Quiz- Which Field of Law is Right for You?

Which Adviser Do I Need?

There are a number of advisors and mentors on campus who can help you with pre-law advising relevant to where you are in your studies and planning.

Pre-major advisors can help you with:

• Exploring all of your options
• Choosing a major that’s right for you
• Registering for and scheduling your classes

Major advisors can help you with:

• Navigating a pathway through your chosen major
• Graduation requirements
• Registering for and scheduling your classes
• Pre-law mentors, such as faculty members and the Legal Pathways Director, can help you with:
• Law school applications, including personal statements
• Thinking about law-related career possibilities
• Planning and preparing for law school

If you are interested in Criminal Justice or are already a Criminal Justice major, contact Jill Hanson, the academic advisor for Criminal Justice.

If you are interested in Law and Policy or are already a Law and Policy major, contact Heather Hucks, the academic advisor for Law and Policy.

Advisors for other majors and pre-majors can be found at University Academic Advising

The UW Tacoma Career Development Services can help with resume writing, career advice, and job applications for both current students and alumni.

For advice on Legal Pathways, law school applications, personal statements, law school resumes, or more general guidance, you can make an appointment with Legal Pathways director: Patricia Sully, psully@uw.edu