Pre-Law Program

You’ve set your sights on a career in law, and we’ll help you reach your goal. No matter what you major in, our Pre-Law Program will prepare you with the academic record, skills, and experiences to make you a competitive law school applicant.

Benefits of the Pre-Law Program

You’ll get personalized advising to choose the right classes and build a strong foundation for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and law school. With one-on-one guidance and coaching, we’ll help you stand out in the law school application process and set you up for success after graduation. As a Pre-Law student, you’ll take part in hands-on, engaging activities every semester, like meeting and learning from real lawyers, attending career and internship workshops and building professional skills that will give you an edge long before law school begins. 

Do I need a specific major to join the Pre-Law Program?

You can join the Pre-Law Program no matter what major you choose but if you’re thinking about a career in law, we encourage you to take classes that build strong research, writing and problem-solving skills – exactly what law schools are looking for. These types of courses will help prepare you for the LSAT and give you a head start on what to expect in law school. 

Here are some majors that are popular with aspiring law students: 

Questions? Email us at prelaw@montclair.edu.

Law School Admissions Timeline

Timeline Steps

It’s never too early to begin preparing for the law school admission process. Academic performance, regardless of major, will be used as evidence to demonstrate your readiness for law school.

  • Meet with your Pre-Law Advisor. Identify courses, professors and student organizations that support your interests. Form and reflect on career goals.
  • Create a JD account on LSAC.org to start getting recruited by law schools.
  • Attend law school admission events and apply for law school pipeline programs.
  • Enroll in courses that are challenging as well as exciting. Build relationships with professors in class and during office hours. Pursue research and writing projects.
  • Volunteer for leadership positions and community involvement.
  • Get to know more law schools at admission events. Participate in the Mock Trial Competition.
  • Apply for full-time and part-time internships. Take Logic and other courses that require critical thinking.
  • Start preparing for the LSAT by using the Khan Academy and LSAC’s LawHub LSAT practice tests.
  • Visit law school campuses and apply for law school pipeline programs in NJ and across the U.S.
  • Participate in the Mock Trial Competition and other leadership activities.
  • Apply for LSAC Fee Waiver and request testing accommodations on LSAC.org, 12 weeks before your official LSAT test date.
  • Request letters of recommendation from professors and your internship supervisor.
  • Meet with your Pre-Law Advisor about law school application materials and strategy.

Find and apply for law school scholarships on AccessLex.org and LSAC.org.

A student works on a laptop at a long table in a colorful study space with a bright mural on the wall behind her.

Pre-Law Society

Montclair’s Pre-Law Society is a networking organization that helps students build a strong community by bringing together current students and alumni working in the legal field. Members can attend events on how to succeed in law school and take part in a Court Case Spotlight series, where faculty break down real Supreme Court cases and major trials making the news. 

The Pre-Law Society also offers hands-on experiences like mock trial competitions, trips to New Jersey law schools, and LSAT prep workshops. You can easily get involved by joining the Pre-Law Society and the Pre-Law Program through Montclair’s Engage platform, which you can access from your NEST account.

Man in a suit at a career fair speaking with another individual.

NJ Law School Admissions Day

Each fall, Montclair hosts NJ Law School Admissions Day. Law school representatives from New Jersey, New York, and across the U.S. gather at Montclair to meet with students, and talk about their programs and how to prepare for success in the law school admission process.

Have Questions? We’re Here to Help.