Prelaw Guide

The practice of law is an ancient, noble, and proud profession. Some of the world’s most admired people have been lawyers, from the Roman philosopher and republican theorist, Cicero, to Peter Angelos, the highly regarded asbestos attorney and owner of the Baltimore Orioles, to several presidents of the United States. The profession can offer fulfillment and maybe even high income. But it’s very competitive, from applying to law school all the way through to retirement.

This guide will help you understand what the practice of law demands from you and, ultimately, help you decide whether you want to pursue it. Here are some steps to get started.

1. First, think about how you might answer these questions:

  • Why do you want to be a lawyer? What drives you to apply to law school?
  • Do you have preconceived notions about getting into law school, attending, passing the bar, practicing law?
  • Do you intend to practice as an attorney, or will you use your law degree as a tool in other fields?
  • Do you intend to use your law degree by working as a civil servant (political, social or government work)?

Take some time to consider these questions practically as well as thoughtfully. If you’re not yet ready to consider them, keep them in mind as you approach your application to law school, and talk with a prelaw adviser, fellow students, law students and lawyers to get a better sense of your answers.

2. Review this prelaw guide. It covers how to prepare and apply to law school, get financial aid and career options. It will answer many of your questions and help you formulate others. Remember, this is only a first step to take as you formulate questions about your plans and intentions.

3. Make an appointment to see a Towson University prelaw adviser any time before the end of your junior year. We recommend that you read the prelaw guide before speaking to your adviser.

Principal Prelaw Adviser
Jonathan Hensley
jhensley@towson.edu
Liberal Arts (LA) 3224 
410-704-2850

4. Join Towson’s Prelaw Society .  Formed in 1987, its leaders bring many fascinating and educational speakers to campus, including prominent area lawyers, judges, and state's attorneys.  Meetings have featured mock law school classes and visits to the United States Supreme Court.  The Society publishes the online Prelaw Blog throughout the academic year.

5. Investigate law schools. Admissions officers from various law schools, including University of Baltimore and University of Maryland, visit Towson every fall, usually in October. You can attend these information sessions and hear about their law school programs. This information is helpful even if you aren’t yet sure you want to go to law school.

The Prelaw Advising Program at Towson University is not a major. It is not designed to allow students to pre-professionalize while they are undergraduates. It assists students through the very beginning of a process that can at various times be frustrating and exhilarating, maddening and stimulating.