Preparing for Law School

PRE-LAW GUIDE - Click to View!

The best preparation for law school is a challenging undergraduate program. The ABA does not recommend any undergraduate majors or groups of courses to prepare for a legal eduation. Law schools are looking for students with diverse academic backgrounds who can demonstrate analytical thinking, reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and strong writing skills. Learn more about how to prepare yourself for law school on the ABA's website.

It is important to maintain your focus on keeping a high GPA, as this continues to be one of the main determining factors in law school admission. However, there are many ways to prepare for law school outside of the classroom. Talk with lawyers practicing in a field of interest and ask them what background is helpful. You can gain knowledge and experience before you enter law school by shadowing or seeking internships. Work experience is also a good way of finding out if legal work will suit your personality and interests. Participating in campus or community activities that are meaningful to you could present you with opportunities to boost your professional skills (organization, research, public speaking, and/or working with the public) and build confidence in your decision of whether or not to pursue a legal career.

• Pre-Law Events 

  The pre-law advising office collaborates with several offices on campus to offer a wide variety of events for pre-law students, including Junior and Senior class meetings, admitted student panels, alumni talks, workshops, etc. 

  The Law School Admissions Fair is an annual event held each fall semester that brings in ABA-approved law schools from across the country. Representatives look forward to speaking with motivated pre-law students about programs, admissions requirements, and what makes their school unique. 

• Pre-Law Student Organizations
  Students are encouraged to participate in pre-law student organizations, such as:

  • Thurgood Marshall Pre-Law Society
  • Pre-Law Education Organization
  • Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity
  • Mock Trial Club 
  • Moot Court
  • Binghamton Law Quarterly
  • Binghamton Speech and Debate
• HARP 300: Current Issues in Legal Practice
  A unique opportunity for students to learn about current issues and a variety of legal practices through interaction with very successful Binghamton University law alumni in the NY Metro area. Each lawyer will discuss recent cases and dilemmas facing the legal profession in the 21st Century. Questions about the course - please contact the course coordinator, Leah Joggerst at ljoggerst@binghamton.edu.
• Internships

  The Pre-Law Advising Office provides a list of internships and summer learning opportunities that is updated regularly. The pre-law advisor is available by appointment to help students find an internship and prepare their application materials, such as the resume and cover letter.
  
  Students can also receive help finding internships by scheduling an appointment with the Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development.
  
  Students who secure an unpaid internship position can apply for funding through the Career Center, but the application process is competitive and funding is not guaranteed.

  The Harpur Law Council (HLC) Public Interest Law Summer Internship gives Binghamton University juniors and seniors the opportunity to experience the practice of law in the public sector, make informed decisions about the choice of a legal career based on their own experience, receive financial support to defray living expenses during the internship, and establish professional connections with members of the Harpur Law Council and other Binghamton University law alumni.

  The Harpur Law Council (HLC) Private Sector Summer Law Internship gives Binghamton University juniors and seniors the opportunity to experience law in the private sector; to make informed decisions about the choice of a legal career, based on their own experience; and to establish professional connections with members of the Harpur Law Council and other Binghamton University law alumni. The internship will be paid by the firm or company to defray living and travel expenses.

• Binghamton University Mentor Match Program

  An online platform connecting Binghamton students with alumni — helping to prepare them for a successful future, navigate their careers and, perhaps, explore new career paths. Click here for more information.

• Scholarships & Awards

  This page lists the scholarships and awards that are available through Binghamton University, SUNY and nationally. 

• Other Resources

  Diversity in Law School 

  • Racial/Ethnic Minority Applicants
  • LGBTQ Applicants
  • Discoverlaw.org
  • Council on Legal Education Opportunity

  Financial Aid

  • Federal Student Aid
  • WiseBorrower Personal Finance Curriculum
  • AccessLex Financial Planning Resources

  Law School and Employment Trends

  • LSAC Official Guide to ABA-Approved Law Schools
  • ABA Required Disclosures:
    • 509 Required Disclosures - Provide detailed information about each year's incoming class at each ABA-accredited law school, including LSAT and GPA quartiles, acceptance rate, race and ethnicity, tuition fees, living expenses, and scholarships, attrition, and transfers.
    • Employment Outcomes - Provide information about the employment of each graduating class from each ABA-accredited law school, including types of employment, job requirements, job locations, and the number of graduates still unemployed.
    • Bar Passage Outcomes - Provide first-time and ultimate bar passage rates for recent graduates from each ABA-accredited law school.
  • Law School Transparency 
  • National Association for Law Placement
  • Equal Justice Works