Pre-Law Advising

I serve as the pre-law advisor for political science students at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. This page offers general advice for anyone thinking about law school, whether you are still in high school, studying at another university, or one of my former students.

Why I Advise Pre-Law Students

As an undergraduate, I worked as a law clerk for Judge John S. Adams of the Superior Court of Orange County in California, and I seriously considered going to law school myself. I ultimately found that academia was a better fit for me, but the law has remained at the center of my work: I study judicial politics and teach courses on constitutional law, civil liberties, and the judicial process. Helping students decide whether law school is right for them, and then helping them get there, is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.

General Advice

  • There is no pre-law major. Law schools admit students from every field. Choose a major that interests and challenges you, and in which you can do well.
  • Your grades matter from the start. Law schools see a GPA calculated from all of your undergraduate coursework, so your first semester counts as much as your last.
  • Learn to read and write well. Take courses that require close reading of difficult texts and substantial writing, and take feedback on your writing seriously.
  • Get to know your professors. You will need strong letters of recommendation, and the best letters come from professors who know you and your work well.
  • Explore the profession before you commit. Talk with lawyers, look for internships or jobs in legal settings, and make sure law is a career you actually want.
  • Don’t rush. Taking time between college and law school is common and can strengthen your application.
  • Plan ahead for the LSAT. Give yourself several months of focused preparation, and aim to have your score in hand before you apply.
  • Apply early in the cycle. Most law schools admit on a rolling basis, so applications submitted in the fall generally have an advantage over those submitted near the deadline.
  • Think carefully about cost. Law school is a major financial investment. Compare scholarship offers, employment outcomes, and total cost before choosing a school.

If You Are Still in High School

You do not need to choose a “pre-law” college or program. Look for a school where you will be challenged, where you can earn strong grades, and that you can afford, since minimizing undergraduate debt will make law school more manageable later. Once you arrive, find your campus’s pre-law advisor early.

If You Are a Student at Another University

Your own campus’s pre-law advisor is your best resource, since they know your institution’s courses, organizations, and opportunities. Most colleges have one, often in the political science department or the career center. The resources below are a good place to start as well.

Meeting with Me

One-on-one pre-law advising is available to current UTC students. Stop by during my office hours, which are posted each semester, or email me at trevor-samaha@utc.edu to set up an appointment.

Current UTC students can also find a complete guide to preparing for and applying to law school on the Guidance for PSPS Pre-Law Students Canvas page (UTC login required).

Helpful Resources