About the Program
What majors do law schools look for?
"Follow your interests" is the resounding answer. Law schools value academic performance over area of study and do not require any specific classes or majors. Since William & 玛丽 highly values the liberal arts, you are guided away from considering your undergraduate program to be pre-professional and W&M does not offer a dedicated pre-law track. Instead, this flexible approach to a broad curriculum is paired with an active pre-law advising program that includes full-time faculty and W&M Law School students.
You will receive guidance in curriculum planning and assistance with the law school admission process.
If you are curious about pursuing law, you can begin with the American Legal Process (GOVT 372) and Civil Rights & Civil Liberties (GOVT 373).
What Makes Us Different
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Top 10 Law Admittance
W&M undergraduates and alumni are consistently admitted to the top 10 law schools in the country.
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Set Up for Success
W&M undergraduates and alumni are, on average, accepted to 3-4 of the law schools they've applied to (twice the national average for law school acceptances).
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Alumni and Local Connections
The pre-law program regularly connects current students with alumni and local attorneys and firms who routinely welcome them as interns.
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W&M Law
William & 玛丽's pre-law program often partners with the William & 玛丽 Law School, which offers Juris Doctor (J.D.) and Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees.
Applied Learning
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Courses
Take courses on the topic of law with Symbolic Logic (PHIL 301), Commercial Law/Business Organizations (BUAD 342) and Economic Analysis of Law (ECON 460).*
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Internship Opportunities
Intern at the Center for Racial and Social Justice, the Parents Engaged in Learning Equality Special Education Advocacy Clinic or the Virginia Coastal Policy Center.
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Publication Opportunities
Get your law-related papers published in undergraduate journals including Pi Sigma Alpha Undergraduate Journal of Politics and the Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research.
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Application Assistance
Receive help with applying to law school — from when to apply to what is needed. Attend application workshops and join the pre-law advising email list.
Hear from a Student
"I'm passionate about law and protecting children's rights. I've had the opportunity to study at both of W&M's campuses. On the main campus, I am developing the foundation of my education in law and society, and at the Washington Center, I study the impact of public health policies in Washington, D.C."— Elienai Tesfaye '25, sociology major with a concentration in criminology, law and society from Lorton, Virginia
Outcomes
William & 玛丽 students have been accepted at a wide range of law schools including the top law schools in the country. It is important to point out that many students enter law school after some considerable work experience (William & 玛丽's pre-law program supports these alumni during their admissions process too). About half of the entering class of a typical competitive law school undertakes several years of work experience or post-graduate education before matriculating.
Talk to Us
Want to learn more? We want to connect with you.
Pre-Law Advising Program
Contact Us
- Ask the faculty: Contact the Pre-Law Advising Program
Upcoming Events
Courses Disclaimer
*Courses listed are examples. Course availability changes each semester.
