Pre-Law Advising Overview

Our professional staff provide individualized pre-law advising resources to undergraduates and alumni who are interested in a career in the legal profession. We guide pre-law students throughout their preparatory and exploratory processes in developing the analytic and critical thinking skills necessary for law school. Students seek our assistance in selecting courses, academic programs, co-curricular and extracurricular opportunities, researching career options, and applying to law school.

At Syracuse University, there is no formal prelaw major or any specific major in which to enroll to be considered a prelaw student. Law school admissions committees do not require any specific majors. Students should seek breadth in their undergraduate programs by exploring courses offered in the liberal arts and through unique electives.

We encourage students to select a major and complimentary coursework that they enjoy yet find challenging, and that directly reflects their interests, skills, intellectual curiosity and aptitude.

The American Bar Association (ABA) has identified some of the primary skills, values, knowledge and experience which are important to enhancing one's preparations for law school. The Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) is also a reliable resource for law school exploration and application information.

As an undergraduate, you can cultivate core qualifications by choosing optimal courses, internships, work experiences, and extracurricular activities.

Pre-Law Events & Listserv

Pre-Law Advising hosts events outside of these large-scale annual events including interest meetings, alumni engagement opportunities, guest speakers, LSAT and admissions information sessions, and more. For a full list of Pre-Law events, view the calendar of events on Handshake. Current undergraduate students can stay connected by submitting a Pre-Law Listserv Request. For more information email prelaw@syr.edu to learn more or set up an appointment with an advisor through OrangeSUccess.

• John Burns, Advisor - Prelaw
• Ryan Howlett, Lead Advisor - Prelaw
• Frances Odom, Advisor - Prelaw

We are located in 342 Hall of Languages, and can also be reached at 315.443.3150.

Alumni Policy

Pre-Law Advising will meet with Syracuse University alumni to provide a one-time, one-hour advising meeting regarding topics of law school applications and admissions. For other alumni related career topics please email the Alumni Career Services team at alumnicareers@syr.edu.