Cailín Pachter, Director, Pre-Professional Advising
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 and may choose to major in subjects that are considered to be traditional preparation for law school, such as history, English, philosophy, political science, economics, or business, or in areas as diverse as art, music, science, mathematics, computer science, or theatre. Whatever major is selected, students are encouraged to pursue an area of study that interests and challenges them while taking advantage of opportunities to develop their research and writing skills. Taking a broad range of difficult courses from demanding instructors is excellent preparation for law school.
The ABA has identified the following core skills, values, knowledge, and experience which are important for you to acquire prior to law school and will provide a sound foundation for a legal education.
- Problem Solving
- Critical reading
- Writing and editing
- Oral communicaiton and listening
- Research
- Organization and management
- Public Service and promotion of justice
- Relationship building and collaboration
- Background knowledge
- Exposure to law
There are many ways to develop these attributes while at Muhlenberg, both in and outside of the classroom.
All students who elect to participate in the pre-law program or who seek advice and direction regarding pre-law studies or applying to law school should contact Cailín Pachter in the Pre-Professional Advising Office.
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