Pre-Law Advising Program

Maybe you always dreamed of being an attorney…

You had your own briefcase as a kid and you never miss an episode of Ally McBeal. You are a good orator and enjoy debating important issues with your friends, and maybe as a member of the debate team. You believe that the law can be both stimulating and rewarding and want to take the next step as a serious college student.

What's the next step? When you become a St. Mary's student, join the Pre-Law Advisory Network (P.L.A.N.), a student-run organization dedicated to helping St. Mary's students succeed in law school.

Last year a record number of law school applications were submitted, making the competition for admission, particularly at the top tier schools, very tough. Additionally, the average age of law school applicants rose to about 26 years old. Therefore, before you begin the application process, carefully consider the reasons why you want to go to law school and become a lawyer.

Good reasons to attend law school.

• I have an interest in the judicial system, a legal specialty, or in implementing critical thinking techniques in my future career.
• I want to utilize or develop the skills including analyzing information, writing, probing issues, debating, and negotiating.

Reasons NOT to attend law school.

• I am undecided about my career plans
• Some of my friends are going so…
• My parents really want me to go.
• It seems like an exciting, fulfilling, and lucrative profession--at least from what I see on TV and movies.

Timetable to Prepare for a Career in The Law

First-year Students and Sophomores

• Join the student-run Pre-Law Advisory Network (P.L.A.N.) Club.
• Define your career goals. Visit Career Services (www.smcm.edu/careercenter) to explore careers in law by speaking with practicing lawyers about their careers through St. Mary’s Career Network and volunteering in a law-related field.
• Work toward developing the skills and abilities sought by law schools by taking challenging courses and/or working in positions that enable you to develop and demonstrate specific skills and participating in activities which enable you to develop and demonstrate maturity, motivation, and leadership.

Juniors—First Semester

• Begin exploring law schools and the application process by attending graduate and professional school fairs, participating in PLAN events, and reviewing law school directories for profiles of specific schools.
• Pick up a copy of the latest LSAT/LSDAS Registration and Information booklet for test dates, filing deadlines, and a sample test.
• Arrange to work for a law firm, private corporation, or government agency in an internship position.

Juniors—Second Semester

• Register and prepare for the upcoming LSAT, given in June.

Seniors: Concentrate on completing your studies AND the law school application process.

• Meet with the Pre-law advisor to discuss your application plans.
• Request catalogs and applications from law schools in which you are interested.
• Begin writing law school essays/personal statements, for specific applications.
• Approach professors/staff/former employers to request letters of recommendations.
• Apply early. (Historically, early applicants have fared better in the admissions process, since most schools have rolling admissions policies; you should submit applications well ahead of published deadlines.)

Where Have St. Mary's Students Gone to Law School?

In the past few years, St. Mary's graduates have been admitted to an impressive array of law schools. Including at those listed below. (Hard work does pay off!)

Who to Contact

Alane Vinson, Pre-law advisor in Career Services (avinson@smcm.edu)
Professor Susan Grogan, P.L.A.N. Faculty advisor (segrogan@smcm.edu)