What Does Pre-Law Mean?
Students are admitted to law school from almost every academic discipline.
Traditional preparatory majors include history, English, philosophy, political science, economics, or business; however, areas as diverse as art, music, science and mathematics, computer science, engineering, nursing, and education are also welcomed.
The American Bar Association does not recommend any one undergraduate major or group of courses to prepare for a legal education. Pursue an area of study that interests and challenges you, while taking advantage of opportunities to develop your research and writing skills. Taking a broad range of difficult courses from demanding instructors is excellent preparation for legal education.
Interested in Pre-Law?
If you're interested in Pre-Law advising, mentoring, and activities or have any questions about SUNY Buffalo State's Pre-Law programming, please do not hesitate to contact us at the email address provided below. Thank you.
Patrick McGovern, Ph.D.
Pre-Law Program Coordinator
Preparation
There are important skills, values, knowledge, and experience that you can acquire prior to law school and that will provide a sound foundation for a legal education.
If you wish to prepare adequately for a legal education, and for a career in law or for other professional service that involves the use of lawyering skills, you should seek educational, extra-curricular, and life experiences that will assist you in developing those attributes.
Please see the Pre-Law Preparation page for help with key preparation issues such as:
- GPA
- LSAT
- Preparation 'Road Map'
Professionalism
"The essence of professionalism is a commitment to develop one’s skills to the fullest and to apply that responsibly to the problems at hand. Professionalism requires adherence to the highest ethical standards of conduct and a willingness to subordinate narrow self-interest in pursuit of the more fundamental goal of public service." - Sandra Day O'Connor
See the Professionalization page and the Career and Professional Education Office at SUNY Buffalo State to work on the following:
- Personal Statement
- Deportment
- Internships & Mentoring - contact Patrick McGovern, Ph.D.
Programming
There are many majors, courses, and paths that may be taken that lead to a legal profession.
The Programming page leads to some suggested classes offered at SUNY Buffalo State that may help on that path.
The Political Science and Public Administration Department offers curricular programming aimed at helping students along their chosen legal career path.