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Faculty: Dr. John Lucas (PY)

There is no formal pre-law program or curriculum at Pierce College or at most other undergraduate institutions; thus, the pre-law designation normally is used only until the pre-law student selects a suitable major field of study. In most instances, the later study of a specialized area of law in law school is not related directly to the law student’s undergraduate major field of study. However, students contemplating a career in law should emphasize the development of strong communication (especially writing) and critical thinking abilities while studying at the undergraduate level.

With few exceptions, individuals becoming lawyers earn the Juris Doctor (JD) degree by attending law school for the equivalent of three academic years of full-time study. Prior to entering law school, students must have been awarded the bachelor’s degree and taken the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Since admission to law school is highly competitive, pre-law students should earn the best grades possible. The LSAT, a one-day national examination offered several times each year at numerous testing sites, is usually taken early during the senior year of undergraduate study.

The pre-law advisor can share information about law schools and provide direction, from a pre-law perspective, concerning baccalaureate institutions as well as Pierce College courses and programs of study. Students should contact the appropriate transfer institution regarding transferability of credits and specific institutional, including departmental, requirements.

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