Pre-Law

University of Illinois Chicago

The goal of pre-law studies at UIC is to give students the background necessary to be able to enter an accredited law school after graduation. Law schools require a bachelor’s degree prior to matriculation. Pre-law students must choose an undergraduate major and complete all requirements for that particular degree as there is no specific course work required to apply to law school. Because the American Bar Association does not require any particular undergraduate major, students should pursue a major in an area of study that most interests them and that they will do well in. The ABA does, however, stress that there are important skills and values, and significant bodies of knowledge, which students can acquire prior to law school that will provide a sound foundation for a legal education. These include analytic and problem-solving skills, critical reading abilities, writing skills, oral communication and listening abilities, general research skills, task organization and management skills, and the values of serving faithfully the interests of others while also promoting justice. Students who wish to prepare adequately for a legal education, and for a career in law or for other professional services that involve the use of lawyering skills, should seek educational, extracurricular, and life experiences that will assist them in developing those attributes. The pre-law advisor is available to meet with interested UIC students from any college during individual advising sessions that can be made by contacting the LAS Advising Center. Students are encouraged to meet with the pre-law advisor to discuss all aspects of the law school application process from LSAT preparation and letters of recommendation, to the personal statement and choosing the right schools.

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences