Pre-law is a fantastic first step for those wondering how to get into law school and a program designed to advise students about the opportunity of entering the legal profession.
Program Overview
We welcome students who want to explore the possibility of a legal education as well as students who have already decided to pursue a legal education. The goal of the program is to assist the student in making an informed decision about law school.
Pre-law advising includes discussing possible majors and classes to prepare for law school, guidance on the law school application process, information about the LSAT, details about specific law schools, as well as information about careers in the legal profession.
Rockhurst follows the American Bar Association's guidelines for Law School preparation which do not recommend any particular group of bachelor's degrees or courses to prepare for legal education. Thus, we do not have a specific pre-law program, major, or minor. This leaves students free to explore any undergraduate field that interests them; which can be an important factor in earning a successful GPA for admission into a Law School.
3+3 Pre-Law Scholars Program
A new Pre-Law Scholars partnership between Rockhurst University and the University of Missouri-Columbia allows students to earn a law degree in just six years. The 3+3 program gives Rockhurst students a direct entry opportunity to law school and allows them to complete their juris doctorate degree a full year sooner than a traditional law school program.
The program is open to both freshman and transfer students in any degree program. For more information, visit rockhurst.edu/prelawscholars.
Learning Outcomes
- Develop a sound foundation for legal education, the ABA recommends students acquire important skills such as problem-solving, critical reading and writing, oral communication, listening, organization, and management skills
- A dedication to serving others and promoting justice
- A broad understanding of history, political thought, philosophy, ethical theory, economics, human behavior, and diversity
- Understand the law school requirements and admission process
- Understand the career opportunities associated with obtaining a law degree
- Be accepted to law school
Program Outcomes
Rockhurst University's Wisdom Core Curriculum, along with the wide variety of liberal arts majors that the University offers, provide students interested in a career in law with excellent preparation for Law School. In particular, the core curriculum lays a strong foundation for students preparing to take the Law Scholastic Aptitude Test (LSAT) through its central focus on critical thinking and proficiency in oral and written communication. But even more importantly, Rockhurst University's Jesuit focus on learning, leadership and especially service to others, helps foster the key values that are necessary for a career in law and which Law Schools desire in prospective students.
To prepare students for Law School, we've assembled a team of advisers who will serve as a strong support system during their time at Rockhurst University. Feel free to contact any member of the Advisory Group for more information about preparing for and applying to Law School.
Lawyer
Prosecutor
Criminal Defense Attorney
Business Attorney
Intellectual Property Attorney
Government Service Officials
Paralegal
Compliance Officer
Course Map
Degree and class descriptions and requirements can be found by clicking on the course catalog listing below:
Popular Courses
This class provides students with an introduction to the American legal system, the procedures used to solve legal disputes in the court systems and the steps in planning for a career in law. Students have an opportunity to survey a variety of substantive areas of law (i.e. property, employment, torts, contracts, criminal law, and alternative dispute resolution). Legal method and reasoning are demonstrated through student writing assignments in case analysis and opinion briefs.
Overview of rules and laws governing ethical legal obligations oriented to paralegals and a survey of professional paralegal practices. Ethics topics will include confidentiality, conflicts of interests, attorney-client and work product privileges, and the authorized practice of law as well as selected additional issues. Professional topics will include, but are not limited to, interviewing of clients and witnesses, factual investigation, records collection, documentation and communication skills.
Analysis of state and federal court systems, types of litigation, preparation of pleadings and discovery documents, trial procedures, post-trial remedies, and appeals.
An in-depth examination of the law library; survey of traditional print reference materials as well as electronic sources available in determining applicable law. The process of legal research and writing of memoranda and results of legal research are also explored.
Degree Info
Enhance your overall experience by getting involved in law opportunities outside the classroom.
Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity
Learn more about our on-campus Law Honorary Fraternity.
Law School Admission Council
A one-stop resource that will help you prepare for admission into Law School.
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