University-wide Pre-law Advising
What is the best major for those seeking to eventually attend law school?
There are a number of articles and studies one may look to for what the “better” law school preparatory major is
Here are a few of the most recent ones:
However, there are no rules on law school majors.
There is no “perfect major,” one that law schools clamor for when reviewing applications.
In fact, several jurists have stated that one’s choice of baccalaureate major does not matter. Law schools are, however, seeking certain skills and experiences.
Here are a few:
- Critical thinking/reading
- Oral & written communication
- Collaborative & individual problem solving
- Broad knowledge base
- Editing
- Exposure to the Law
- Organizational and management
- Solo problem solving
- Public/volunteer service
- Relationship building
- Research (beyond mere search engine searches)
What kind of jobs are there for non-courtroom lawyers?
There are many non-litigation roles lawyers play. They include, but are by no means limited to:
- Compliance Officer
- Judicial clerk
- Equal Opportunity Officer
- Law school professor
- Estate planning attorney
- Lobbyist
- Federal law enforcement officer
- Patent attorney
- Human Resources Director
- Tax attorney
Paying for law school
Post-secondary students at all levels know that higher education is an investment in one’s future and that the loans taken for that study accumulate interest and need to be repaid. For that reason, it is essential that those going on the law school to spend the time informing themselves on some of the ways to pay for law school. Here are some helpful sites:
- Student Loan Repayment and Forgiveness
- Financing Law School
- Access Group
Study Abroad
During your undergraduate studies at ESU, consider studying abroad. Why? The academic and intercultural experiences abroad enhance your growth as an individual, affords you new perspectives, language-skill enhancement and the interpersonal aspects considered by many law school admissions officers. For more, contact the International Study Programs office.
LSAC Account
You will need an account with the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) in order to register for the LSAT and apply for law schools. LSAC works as a hub for law school applications and provides information about dates, times, and information about the LSAT.
For additional information
About the University-wide Pre-law Advisor
Before his career at ESU, Dr. Christopher Brooks' experience included working with multi-national organizations in the legal and business industries. That work was with international law firms, companies, academia, and the German Constitutional Court. At ESU Dr. Brooks teaches legal, constitutional, and intellectual history courses, with research and writing that crosses the disciplines of history, law, business, and politics.
Some of his non-ESU work related to the law:
- Federalist Society, Harrisburg, PA Chapter – Vice President, 2014 to present
- Northeastern Prelaw Advisors Association – At-Large Board Member (2019 to 2021)
- Pennsylvania Bar Association Judicial Evaluation Commission, Investigative Panelist (2023 to present)
- Pennsylvania State Advisory Committee to the US Commission on Civil Rights (2020 to 2024)
Contact Us
Contact Information
- Campus Address
- Stroud Hall
- Phone:
- (570) 422-3913
- Fax:
- (570) 422-3937 (Fax)
- Title of Department Leader
- Pre-Law Advising History & Geography
- Name
- Christopher Brooks
- E:
- cbrooks@esu.edu
