Pre-Law Information

Pre-Law offers preparation for undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing entrance to law school. To become a lawyer, students must first complete an undergraduate degree and then continue on to law school. To be clear, the Pre-Law program is not an academic major, but rather a track of courses designed to provide law school preparation. Law schools agree there is no single undergraduate major that best prepares students for their programs. So Gonzaga Pre-Law students major in whatever academic programs interest them—from Art to Women’s Studies, and everything in between. Students who intend to go to law school can take Pre-Law courses that emphasize critical analysis of difficult reading material, logical thinking, and writing clear, effective prose. These skills are necessary to score well on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) and meet the intellectual challenges of law school.

The Pre-Law Advisor suggests a choice of courses appropriate for the interests and needs of each Pre-Law student. For a list of common pre-law courses, please visit our Pre-Law brochure.

Beyond standard academic ability, law schools also seek students whose personal experiences and extracurricular activities indicate dedication, ambition, and high ethical standards. Therefore, Gonzaga’s Pre-Law program offers the following special services:

- Pre- Course for the LSAT: This course has helped students raise their test scores by an average of 20 percent by identifying typical types of test questions, teaching students how to best answer these questions, and providing actual practice tests.

- Internships: Available through the Political Science Department’s Public Affairs Internship Program, these unpaid, 15 hours per week openings provide contact and experience with legal operations in local law firms, the Washington State Attorney General’s Spokane Office, and various state legislators.

- Introduction to Gonzaga Law School Faculty: Regardless of a student’s desire to attend Gonzaga’s Law School, it is helpful to speak with law school professors about the realities of the legal profession. The Pre-Law program can introduce students to the Gonzaga Law School’s faculty and Dean, providing access to their wealth of experience as educators and practicing lawyers.

- Information on Law Schools: Vital facts and figures about various law schools’ particular strengths, weaknesses, and admission standards are available to students as they search for law schools.

- Debate and Mock Trial Teams: In addition to the above services and courses, Gonzaga’s nationally recognized Debate program is designed and promoted as pre-law training in analytical and critical thinking, argumentation, and legal research. Participating on the award-winning Mock Trial team offers students experience in trial advocacy, character study, and oratorical skill. Local attorneys often assist students in preparing for regional and national competitions.

For more information, please contact: Joe Gardner, Advisor, Pre-Law Program, gardnerj@gonzaga.edu, (509) 313-6774 or (509) 313-3627