Looking for a vocation with purpose-driven application? The study of law opens doors to many professional opportunities, diverse areas of practice, and skills transferable to a variety of careers—from academia and consulting to management and mediation.

WHY PRE-LAW AT SEWANEE?

What's great about Sewanee's pre-law program is that it’s not an academic track. You can major in anything you want—from Biology to Women's and Gender studies—and still be in this program. 

If you're interested in a career in law, pre-law advisors will suggest appropriate courses and offer advice about how best to seek admission to law schools. Sewanee also offers the LSAT three times each year.

The Association of American Law Schools does not prescribe specific courses or activities for preparation to study law. Undergraduates are best advised to concentrate on areas of study aimed at developing oral and written expression, language comprehension, critical understanding of the human institutions and values closely related to law, and a logical and systematic approach to solving problems.

Is law school right for me?

The decision to go to law school is a big one. It demands a great deal of personal commitment and financial sacrifice. We suggest that you do your homework, but you don't have to do that alone. Explore legal work with a summer internship through Sewanee's Career Center or participate in Sewanee’s moot court competition. 

Featured Student

Reagan Leverett, Class of 2022

I am an English and Politics double-major, with concentrations in Law & Justice and National Institutions & Policies. I’m passionate about social justice and community building, two interests that I’ve been able to pursue through the school’s Bonner program and student government. So far, I’ve been accepted to The University of Arkansas School of Law, UALR William Bowen School of Law, and Vanderbilt Law School. Wherever I find myself in school come Fall 2022, I hope to continue pursuing my passion for social activism while studying Constitutional Law. 

A Sampling of Courses

U.S. Immigration Law and Policy
Politics

This course explores U.S. immigration and immigration policy, with special attention to the period from 1996 to the present. Taking into account the ideological shifts resulting in previous immigration reforms, the course examines causes of migration, current strategies used by the U.S. government to control the flow of immigrants into the United States, the costs and benefits of immigration to the United States and sending countries, security concerns, and ethical and human rights implications.

POLS 336
Philosophy of Law
Philosophy

An examination of philosophical issues surrounding the nature of law and legal reasoning. Topics to include the following: the conditions of legal validity and the viability of natural law theory; the nature of legal normativity and its relation to other public manifestations of normativity (such as morality, religion, and etiquette); the limits and conditions of human liberty; the Constitutional status of rights to privacy; and the moral and legal justification of punishment.

PHIL 321
Constitutional Law: Civil Rights
Politics

This course examines Supreme Court cases related to equality by situating cases within varying theories of constitutional interpretation, and by assessing the socio-political implications of those decisions. Civil rights are specific governmental provisions to secure individual entitlements, as exemplified by the Fourteenth Amendment's guarantee of "equal protection of the laws." Claims centering on race, gender, sexual orientation, and disability are examined, along with other claims of equality arising from the Fifteenth Amendment's prohibition of voting discrimination.

POLS 338
Argumentation and Debate
Rhetoric

Study of the precepts, theories, strategies, and ethics of argument. Students critically analyze arguments found in speeches, public debates, and controversies, newspaper articles and editorials, television news programs, and scholarly texts. Students write argumentative essays, present argumentative speeches, and engage in class debate.

RHET 110

Contact

Andrea C. Hatcher
Professor of Politics and Director, Pre-Law Program

ahatcher@sewanee.edu

Book an appointment with Professor Hatcher

Please submit the below form to receive updates about the Pre-law program.

 

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Moot Court
A renowned mock trial program

Moot Court is a trial simulation in which students prepare for arguing cases in front of expert panels of judges. Sewanee students then compete in a statewide trial simulation in Nashville. The Appellate Moot Court Collegiate Challenge is a groundbreaking program where Tennessee undergraduates argue appellate cases with their peers.

Learn More
Sewanee Career Readiness
Unsure? You've come to the right place

No matter where you are in your career exploration process, Sewanee Career Readiness can help. You’ll get assistance with cover letters, resumes, networking, and preparing for an interview. Likewise, if you just feel overwhelmed by this new experience called adulting, swing by the office and get a pep talk from Career Readiness.

Get to know us
Center for Speaking & Listening
Next stop: eloquence and poise

The Center for Speaking and Listening will be your new favorite resource on campus. Check out this quiet space, use state-of-the-art equipment, and meet tutors ready to watch your speech and give constructive feedback. Design, develop, and practice delivering effective speeches with eloquence and confidence.

Take a look