PRE-LAW AT JMU
DR. JESSICA ADOLINO, DIRECTOR
ASSOCIATE DEAN
SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
PROFESSOR OF POLITICAL SCIENCE
Pre-Law at JMU
 What does it mean to be a declared Pre-Law student at
JMU?

An ADVISING system
 What does Pre-Law advising involve?
A network of advisors
 Advisor choice left up to you

Pre-Law at JMU
 2012-13 JMU Pre-Law Advisors
Bill Hawk, Philosophy and Religion
Jessica Adolino, Political Science, College of Arts and Letters
Ben Carr, Sport Recreation and Management
Elaine Chisek, University Advising, Political Science
Art Hamilton, Finance/Business Law
Kevin Hardwick, History
David Jeffrey, College of Arts and Letters, English
Howard Lubert, Political Science
Bob Roberts, Political Science
Roger Soenksen, Media Arts and Design
Daphyne Thomas, Finance/Business Law
 Why should I see an advisor?
 When should I see an advisor?
Pre-Law at JMU
 Preparing for Law School
 What matters most in law school admissions?
LSAT score and GPA
 Recommendations, personal statement, extracurricular activities,
internships or summer employment in law firms or law-related
businesses
 What do I need to remember about my JMU GPA?

Pre-Law at JMU
 Preparing for Law School
 Is there a JMU Pre-Law curriculum?
Pre-legal education has no restrictions or requirements
 Choose something you like and can do well in

Pre-Law at JMU
 Preparing for Law School
 Are there particular majors recommended for students
considering law school?
NO!
 Most common majors: political science, history, english,
psychology, criminal justice, economics, sociology,
communications, business administration, accounting, finance,
philosophy, biology, business management, international relations
 But also: mathematics, computer science, physics and every other
academic major

Pre-Law at JMU
 Preparing for Law School
 Are there any particular JMU courses recommended for
students considering law school?
Communication, including composition, language and speech
 Liberal arts, including work in the humanities and social sciences
 Critical thinking, logic, mathematics, accounting, and the natural
sciences
 Economics (micro & macro) and basic accounting
 Courses that develop independent research skills
 Courses (and other experiences) that require public speaking and
presenting of ideas before others


Get to know your professors!
Pre-Law at JMU
 Preparing for Law School
 Academic Timeline
First year
 Sophomore year
 Junior year
 Senior year


Pre-Law Opportunities at JMU
Phi Alpha Delta
 Judicial visits
 Moot court

ARE YOU A COMPETITOR?
INTERESTED IN BECOMING
A BETTER PUBLIC SPEAKER?
Sharpen your research skills?
Learn about the legal system & oral argument?
Learn more about becoming a
member of the
JMU Moot Court Team
All majors welcome!
Information session in November!
Sponsored by
College of Arts & Letters Pre Law Advising
Pre-Law at JMU
 Where should you go from here?
 JMU Pre-Law website
http://www.jmu.edu/prelaw/
 Law School Admission Council
http://lsac.org/jd/default.asp
DiscoverLaw
http://discoverlaw.org/
 Contact a pre-law advisor
 Questions?