Navigating The Best Pre-Law Programs for Future Lawyers
The path to becoming a lawyer can feel overwhelming and uncertain. What are the best pre-law programs? What should your undergraduate major be? Where should you even begin? If law school is on your horizon, the good news is there are steps you can take right now to position yourself for success—and thoughtful major selection play a big role in that!
This guide will walk you through the best pre-law programs, explore the majors that can set you up to thrive in law school, and even highlight summer opportunities for high school students interested in exploring this exciting field. Whether you’re a high school student, a college undergrad, or a parent helping your aspiring lawyer, this article has everything you need to chart a winning course.
Top Pre-Law Programs in the U.S.
While there’s no official “pre-law” major, many universities offer specialized programs to prepare students interested in law school. These programs provide valuable resources, advising, and networking opportunities to help students develop the skills required to succeed in law school. We suggest one of the majors after the list of institutions below to understand next steps. Here’s a look at some of the most renowned schools with standout pre-law offerings:
1. Harvard University
Though it doesn’t offer a specific pre-law major, it provides incredible advising and career resources for students aiming for law school. Its rigorous academics, renowned faculty, and countless extracurriculars (like the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau) ensure top-tier preparation. Click here to connect with Harvard’s pre-law programming guide.
2. Georgetown University
Located in Washington, D.C., Georgetown offers a Political Economy program and Pre-Law Center that connects students to unparalleled opportunities, like internships at federal agencies or law firms. Many students start in the Walsh School of Foreign Service before engaging in a law degree as well. Click here for the pre-law advising guide.
3. University of Virginia (UVA)
UVA boasts a vibrant pre-law community stemming from its prestigious law school. The university offers specialized advising and promotes activities like the Undergraduate Moot Court. If students apply to UVA’s Law School then there are many opportunities to engage in a roadmap for global success, click here to learn more.
4. University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Known for its robust legal studies offerings, Berkeley prides itself on building students’ analytical reasoning and critical thinking skills—two essential pillars for aspiring lawyers. Institutionally they offer a pre-law pathway and to help guide those considering law, click here.
5. Yale University
Another iconic Ivy League institution, Yale’s interdisciplinary approach and proximity to its top-ranked law school make it an excellent choice for future attorneys. Sometimes there are alternative pipeline programs that lead to Yale Law School. Click here to see which options align with your interests.
6. Northwestern University
Northwestern not only offers incredible academic training but supports pre-law students with plenty of extracurricular options, from mock trial teams to legal internships within Chicago. Northwestern offers an excellent guide helping students make the decision if this is the right career path for them or not. Click here for how to apply, and click here for their guidance on how to be prepared to apply.
7. New York University (NYU)
Positioned in the heart of NYC, NYU provides its pre-law students with access to world-class faculty, resources, and networking events—not to mention the energy of Manhattan’s legal scene. The College of Arts and Sciences offers excellent preprofessional advising when students select law as their potential field of choice. Click here (be sure to pass the Google security stop) and check out NYU’s prelaw overview.
These programs are just a snapshot of the many stellar options out there. Don’t hesitate to research based on your preferences, such as location, faculty interests, cost, Bar exam pass rates, career and student services.
The Best Majors for Future Lawyers
If you’re asking “What’s the best major for law school?” the answer isn’t straightforward. Law schools don’t require you to major in anything specific. But, certain disciplines tend to hone valuable skills like critical thinking, writing, and analytical reasoning. Here are some of the best majors for future lawyers:
1. Political Science
By far the most popular major among law school applicants, political science introduces you to the structure of government, legal systems, and public policy—all foundational knowledge for legal studies.
2. English
An English major provides excellent preparation for law school by sharpening your reading comprehension and writing skills—cornerstones for argumentation and legal writing.
3. Psychology
Understanding human behavior and thinking patterns can give you an edge in areas like jury selection, negotiation, and even understanding client behavior.
4. Criminal Justice
This major directly overlaps with legal studies, giving you insights into criminal law, judicial processes, and law enforcement systems—a solid start for anyone interested in criminal law.
5. Philosophy
Few majors will give you stronger training in logic, ethics, and constructing compelling arguments—all essential for excelling in law school.
6. Government
A government major is similar to political science but often more focused on public administration and policy-making, blending perfectly with legal aspirations.
7. Economics
Economics enhances your ability to use data, think critically about policies, and understand principles of finance—all highly valuable in corporate, tax, or antitrust law.
Other honorable mentions include history, sociology, and even STEM majors for those interested in patent or intellectual property law. Choose a major that aligns with your interests while nurturing the skills law schools value most.
Summer Programs for Pre-Law Students
If you’re still in high school and thinking about law as a future career, you don’t have to wait until college to start exploring it! There are a variety of summer programs specially designed to give high school students a glimpse into the legal world. It is important to say that these programs will not provide students with a leg up at the institution for specific admissibility, however, exposure to content areas in which they will study in the future can provide students with the depth of knowledge about themselves to write more authentically throughout their academic experience.
1. Georgetown Pre-College Programs
This summer intensive offers an introduction to legal studies. Students even get the chance to partake in a mock trial and learn from law professors. Click here to look into the summer programs for high school students interested in the field of law.
2. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies
Stanford’s Law and Justice summer program explores critical issues in the legal system. You will learn about constitutional rights, ethics, and so much more. Click here to see if this program is right for you.
3. Columbia University's Pre-College Programs
High school students interested in law and debate will thrive in Columbia's immersive program, which often includes workshops, lectures, and collaborative law projects. Click here to sort by summer program, then select Law & Conflict Resolution, however students can easily check out sociology, political science, social sciences, or social impact as a precursor.
4. National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) on Law & Advocacy
This program puts you at the heart of law and trial advocacy. You’ll practice essential skills like public speaking and legal analysis while connecting with like-minded peers. Click here, then go to Programs, click on Law & Advocacy. However there are many others to choose from that provide the essential skills to preparing students for law school
5. Yale Young Global Scholars Program (YYGS)
The "Politics, Law, and Economics" session at YYGS is ideal for high school students looking to study law through an interdisciplinary lens. Politics, Law, and the Economy (PLE) is a tremendous way to see how law impacts global markets and politics. Click here to be connected to the program website and see if this program speaks to your interests.
By attending these programs, you can gain early exposure to the legal field and start building a foundation for your future success.
Final Thoughts
Pre-law programs, major selection, and early exposure to legal studies are all important steps on one’s path to becoming a lawyer. With so many options to choose from, it’s essential to thoughtfully consider what aligns with your personal interests and long-term goals.
Whether graduating high school, selecting a college major, or researching pre-law advisors, one thing is clear—success begins with preparation. Start taking the steps today that will set you on the path for a rewarding legal career.
And if you’re still unsure how to begin, reach out to College Flight Path for support in how you plan and navigate your future path.
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