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Pre-Law Program

"Saint Joseph College offers a rigorous liberal arts education, one that provides an excellent foundation for a career in law. The liberal arts develop critical thinking skills, an understanding of logic, philosophy, history and language - all elements that are necessary for success in law."
- Maura Melley, Esq. '73
Former Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, Phoenix Home Life Mutual Insurance Co.

According to the American Bar Association, the liberal arts and sciences provide an ideal academic background for the study of law. As a pre-law student at Saint Joseph College, you will benefit from the College's rich tradition of excellence. Our program is specifically designed to facilitate admission and success in law school. Benefits to our program include:

A Stimulating Course of Study
Students combine a pre-law course of study with one of 30 established baccalaureate programs. Recent pre-law students graduated with majors in English, History, International Studies, Social Work, Spanish, Psychology, the Humanities and Special Education. There is such breadth and variety to the study and practice of law, however, that any undergraduate field can be integrated to offer excellent preparation for law school. By working closely with an advisor from the selected major and with the College's pre-law advisor, you will create a curriculum consistent with your interests and with a career in law.

Thorough Preparation for Law School: Recommended Courses
Pre-law students are encouraged to combine the major of their choice with courses particularly suitable for law school preparation. The pre-law program recommends completion of the following courses: POLS 125, American Government; POLS 225, The American Legal Environment; POLS 330, Constitutional Law; PHIL 110, Logic. Additionally, students complete two of the following: ENGL 104, 105, The Art of Effective Writing I & II; ENGL 203, Oral Communication. To develop a course of study suited to your needs and interests, you will work closely with the advisor from your major field of study and with the College's pre-law advisor.

3+3 Program with Western New England College School of Law
The newest opportunity for students interested in attending law school allows students with high academic averages to complete undergraduate requirements in only three years and to begin law school in their fourth year of study. Students interested in exploring this program, jointly sponsored by Saint Joseph College and Western New England College School of Law, should meet with the pre law advisor in their first semester For further information, see the 3+3 Program fact sheet.

Advantages to Pre-Law at Saint Joseph College

• With a student/faculty ratio of 12:1, we provide an optimal learning environment. Small classes and individualized attention encourage close mentoring relationships with our outstanding faculty.
• Preparation for LSAT and the law school application process
• We maintain a strong network relationship with alumnae already successful in the field of law. The pre-law program offers a Pre-Law Society which hosts special on-campus meetings and events with alumnae.

Strong Record of Placement in Law Schools
Pre-law graduates of our program have attained personal, academic and professional success, both in law school and in subsequent legal careers.

Internship Opportunities
An internship in legal practice is strongly recommended. The Saint Joseph College pre-law program provides ample opportunity to put educational theory into practice through work at:

• Area law firms
• Government agencies (including the Attorney General's Office, the Public Defenders' Office, state and local courts, and the Probation Department)
• Business legal departments
• Community and civic organizations

Career Opportunities
Graduates of our program have advanced to a variety of legal careers. Typically, attorneys specialize in one or more of the following areas of legal practice:

In addition to working as practicing attorneys-at-law, lawyers are often employed in fields such as business administration, public administration, higher education, law education and legal scholarship, judgeships and court administration, not-for-profit administration, labor relations.