The goal of the Pre-Law minor is to prepare La Salle University students to be admitted to a law school, with the main objective being of dramatically increasing the likelihood of being admitted into a nationally ranked top-tier law school. To meet that goal, courses in the Pre-law minor aim to develop students’ skills in logical reasoning, critical thinking, and critical reading so as to enhance their scores on the Law School Aptitude Test (LSAT). Additionally, while allowing students latitude to meet their individual interests, the minor provides foundational knowledge in the areas of law which students will encounter in law school. Finally, the minor ensures students understand the development of the legal system from an interdisciplinary perspective.
The minor also encourages students apply their classroom learning to actual legal challenges. As such, students have the option, as their capstone course, to gain practical experience as interns in the legal field prior to graduation. Ultimately, we want our graduates to excel in law school and eventually in their legal career. More importantly, you will be part of a learning community which will encourage you and mentor you as you explore your career options.
You will work with our pre-law advisor, and will automatically become a member of the La Salle Pre-Law Society. You will also have the opportunity to hone your skills as a future lawyer as part of the La Salle Mock Trial team. And our mentorship does not end when you graduate. Our faculty is constantly available for you to provide guidance. Once La Salle, always La Salle.
Students will work with our pre-law faculty, who are dedicated to your success. They will be more than professors; they will be your career mentors. In addition to having advanced degrees, many of them have worked either as lawyers or in government service. They encourage internships and will assist you in finding the right internship for you. They will coach you; they will guide you; and they will advise you, both in your coursework but also as you start to prepare your law school application.
Your faculty team in the Pre-Law minor include both scholars and practitioners. Our Philosophy team will coach you in how to read and think critically. Our History and Political Science teams will assist you in understanding both the theoretical and historical foundations of law. Professor Thomas served more than 20 years with the US government, six years of which were at the Pentagon where he worked closely with lawyers in developing cyber policy and becoming immersed in contract and intelligence law. Professor Staffieri, the former General Counsel, SEPTA, is still an active lawyer. He has argued before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and is the advisor for the La Salle Pre-Law Society.
Over the years, La Salle students have attended law schools across the county. Our alumni provide themselves as having earned their juris doctorate from law schools like Temple, Rutgers, Drexel, George Washington, Catholic University, Howard University and Emory University. We frequently have also had alumni receive partial or full-scholarships to attend law school.
Students with this minor can pursue careers as: