Pre-Law Pathways

The American Bar Association argues that “there is no single path that will prepare you for a legal education.”

A liberal arts education provides a strong foundation for law school. From English to philosophy, or criminology to environmental science, many programs in the Kakos School of Arts and Sciences can prepare you uniquely for law school, and help you explore how you’ll want to use your law degree. Students interested in pursuing law careers in science, technology, or patents, for example, might consider choosing to major in computer science, biology, or chemistry. 

Students considering law school are encouraged to take classes in the Kakos School of Arts and Sciences, which focus on reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and writing. 

A Law Degree In Six Years

It's never been easier to transition from college to law school. Students at Manhattan  can work towards a law degree – and a B.A. – in six years through our partnership with St. John's University School of Law. When you declare your intention as a freshman, you can plan to apply to law school during your junior year, and complete your first year of law school in lieu of senior year. Make sure to discuss your plans early with your faculty and graduate school advisors. 

Faculty and Advisors To Guide You Through Your Journey

In addition to the Center for Graduate School and Fellowship Advisement, students in the Kakos School of Liberal Arts and Sciences can work with our faculty pre-law advisors, philosophy professor Dr. Eoin O’Connell, Ph.D.  and political science professor Margaret Groarke, Ph.D., to plan a course of study that will align with their interests and build a plan of study that prepares students for diverse careers in the law. 

Build Experience: Internships and Extra Curriculars

Students at Manhattan College’s Kakos School of Arts and Sciences should take advantage of our New York City location to pursue internships in a range of fields related to the law, from law firms to courthouses to law enforcement and legal advocacy groups. Since law schools look for unique and unusual preparation in their applicants, we encourage our pre-law students to explore a wide range of internship opportunities (community advocacy, political campaigns, immigrant support, biomedical research, e.g.).

Students can also participate in extracurricular networking opportunities like our Manhattan College Law Society, Mock Trial and Model UN to build community and the skills they need for law school.