Prepare for Law School

Students at Willamette considering law school should major in any field they are interested in. Law schools care more about whether a student is academically successful than that they major in a specific discipline. The best major is one that suits your strengths and that challenges you to build analytical, communication, and reasoning skills.

• First and Sophomore Year
  • Choose courses heavy in reading, logical reasoning and writing.
  • Develop a strong relationship with your faculty as these are potential letters of recommendation for the future.
  • ConsiderWillamette’s BA/JD Direct Admission Program.
  • Utilize the capitol by participating in an internship, working for a state official, or watching the legislative session or an oral argument.
  • Take Philosophy 140, Symbolic Logic. This class will help you tremendously on the Law School Admission Test.
  • Pursue activities that strengthen your resume such as student organization involvement, leadership experience, summer jobs and internships, tutoring, mentoring, volunteering, and public service. 
  • Draft a resume and take it to the Career Development Office for review and fine-tuning. 
• Junior Year
  • Sit in on a class at Willamette Law. 
  • Prepare for and take the LSAT. It is recommended that students prepare three to four months prior to taking the LSAT.
  • Research and visit law schools you are interested in; attend a law school fair in Portland or Eugene.
  • Begin to prepare your application materials, including your personal statement.
  • Ask for letters of recommendation.
• Senior Year Fall Term
  • If needed, retake the LSAT.
  • Register for the Credential Assembly Service and order transcripts from all institutions where you have received undergraduate credit.
  • Sign up for a law school interview if the school you are applying to requires one.
  • Complete the FAFSA and any institutional financial aid or scholarship applications.
  • Complete and submit your law school application.
• Senior Year Spring Term
  • Attend an admitted law student event.
  • When you decide on a school, contact all of the other schools that accepted you to inform them that you will not be attending.
  • Let your advisor know your plans for attendance. 
  • After graduation, have your final transcript sent to the law school you plan to attend.