Thinking about Law School

EMU has a long and proud history of sending graduates to outstanding law schools in Michigan and around the country and seeing them become leaders of the legal profession.  If you’re thinking of joining that tradition, you might want to check out this prelaw resource from the American Bar Association. You should also make sure to talk with one or more advisors on campus. Dr. Barry Pyle, the university’s designated pre-law advisor, has a great deal of expertise and experience and is always happy to talk with you about your goals and how to achieve them.

If you are interested in working as a professional in a legal setting without having to go to law school and become an attorney, you should check out EMU’s paralegal program.

Because this webpage is hosted by the Political Science department, it’s important for us to make it clear that you don’t need to major in political science to go into law.  In fact, you can be accepted into and succeed in law school from pretty much any major here at EMU.  Whatever your major, you should take courses from a range of disciplines in order to expand your breadth of knowledge and sharpen your critical reasoning, communication, and research skills.

That said, the Political Science department does have a lot to offer students who are thinking about law school. All of our courses will expose you to information, concepts, and ways of thinking that will serve you well in law school and beyond, but several are especially relevant. PLSC 217 and PLSC 385 cover the U.S. judicial system in depth, PLSC 301 provides a survey of the major areas of civil law, and PLSC 312, 313, and 317 all involve the reading and analysis of numerous Supreme Court opinions on constitutional issues.  We even offer a course on international law (PLSC 341), though less regularly.

Furthermore, we host two outstanding academic teams that travel to compete against colleges and universities from around the country. In Mock Trial, you learn about case strategy, rules of evidence, preparation of witnesses, and trial technique. In Moot Court, you conduct extensive legal research and then present oral argument before a panel of practicing attorneys (and sometimes judges). Both teams are coached by our Dr. Pyle with help from team alumni and are open to all EMU students, regardless of major.

 

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