Pre-Law

Introduction

Dickinson has a long history of sending its graduates to some of the most prestigious law schools in the nation. Law school admissions committees agree that the most appropriate and beneficial preparation for law school is a traditional liberal arts education combined with relevant extracurricular experiences. Coordinated by the Career Center, pre-law advising at Dickinson incorporates these elements in a comprehensive approach to pre-legal studies.

Recommended Courses  Law schools do not have a preferred undergraduate major, so the courses listed below are a compilation of classes designed to introduce students to the skills and issues related to the study of law. Students may wish to use some of these courses as distribution requirements or as electives to strengthen their preparation for law school.

Economics:

ECON 100: Contemporary Economics

   or ECON 111: Introduction to Microeconomics

ECON 244: Law and Economics

History:

HIST 117, 118: American History

Philosophy:

PHILO 112: Ethics
PHILO 120: Persuading & Arguing

PHILO 121: Logic

Political Science:

POLSC 120: American Government

POLSC 220, 221: Constitutional Law I, II
POLSC 246: The Legislative Process

 

LP 248: The Judiciary
LP 255: Philosophy of Law

Sociology:

SOCIO 228: Criminology

English: Students should take several writing intensive courses to refine their writing, research, and argument-formation skills.  Possibilities include:

ENGL 211: Expository Writing

ENGL 212: Writing: Special Topics

Any of the literature courses offered by the department

Joint Baccalaureate and Law Degree Program

Students attending Dickinson have the opportunity to earn both a baccalaureate degree and a law degree through a joint Dickinson College/Penn State Dickinson School of Law program. This arrangement, also known as the 3+3 Program, allows a student to begin law school during his or her senior year of college. To qualify for this program, a student must complete all College degree requirements within three years (save for the final year's electives), attain a 3.5 cumulative grade point average, and achieve a score on the LSAT (Law School Admissions Test) within the top 30% of the national test-takers. After one year of successful study at the Law School, the 3+3 student will earn a baccalaureate degree from the College. After two additional years of study at the School of Law, the student will complete the law program and earn a JD degree.

Supporting Activities

In addition to the recommended courses and the Dickinson School of Law agreement, the Pre-Law advising and preparation includes individual advising appointments, workshops, LSAT classes, and a student-governed law group. The Career Center handles the advising for any student interested in the study of law. The Center helps students with their decision to go to law school, provides guidance in their school selection, and assists students in the completion of their applications. The law related workshops that are sponsored by the Career Center provide information on the law school application process, undergraduate pre-law preparation, personal statement writing, and the nature of a legal education.

LSAT Preparation

Since the LSAT represents a significant factor in the admission to law school, the Career Center coordinates two preparation classes for Dickinson students, which are offered before the June and October LSAT exams.  Classes focus on test-taking strategies, question analysis, and logical reviews.

The Dickinson Law Society/American Mock Trial Association

Students are also encouraged to join the Dickinson Law Society, the pre-law student group on campus. During the year, the Society invites attorneys, judges, and law students to their meetings to speak about their experiences in the field of law. Society members and others can participate in a mock trial team, which competes at a regional and national level. This opportunity provides both an invaluable introduction to the litigation process and a practical venue for students to express their interest in law.

For additional information, see:        www.dickinson.edu/bulletin/law.html