Illinois Wesleyan
Pre-Law

Passion for Justice

A Solid Foundation

Whether you dream of attending law school or working in a law-related career, Illinois Wesleyan’s liberal arts curriculum is an excellent preparation for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and law school.

Pre-Law at IWU isn’t a major; it’s a program affiliated with the political science, business, sociology and philosophy departments. You’ll benefit from courses that require you to read challenging works, write papers demonstrating organization of complicated materials, and develop your speaking skills.

The Pre-Law Pathway

The IWU Pre-Law Pathway offers students meaningful opportunities throughout their college career to engage with faculty, community leaders, and ideas that will develop their critical thinking skills and build their resumes in preparation for applying to and entering law school. From our nationally-recognized Ethics Bowl team to our unique Trial Class capstone, Illinois Wesleyan supports pre-law students at every step along their journey from undergraduate to successful law school student. 

 

The Pre-Law Pathway Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Summer 3 Year 4
Fall Semester   
  • Case Method Class
  • Pre-Law Speaker or Alumni Visit
  • Legal internship or Pre-Law class
  • Trip to University of Illinois College of Law
  • Law School Applications due
  • Third resume
Spring Semester
  • First Resume
  • Pre-Law Class
  • Sophomore Tea 
    (Political Science)
  • Advising and Planning

Pre-Law and the IWU Experience 

 

Opportunities to Explore
 
Ethics Bowl
Ethics Bowl
The Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl (IEB) is a team competition that combines the excitement and fun of a competitive tournament with an innovative approach to education in practical and professional ethics. The IWU team has qualified for the national tournament five times since the team was founded in 2011. 
Case Law Method
Case Law Method
Several courses available to pre-law students offer additional developmental training in the law. These courses feature the case law method in which students learn to use the IRAC (Issues/Rule/Application/Conclusion) briefing tool.
Internships
Internships
Our pre-law students intern at a wide variety of sites in the public and private sectors. Career advisors at the Hart Career Center are available to help students search, apply, and interview for internships related to their goals and interests.  
Trial Class
Trial Class
Through engaging in a trial simulation, students develop critical thinking and public speaking skills, as well as a knowledge of legal practices and procedures.
Jeff Becker portrait 

“During most of my time at IWU, I was a psychology major. I had seriously considered going to grad school in some discipline of psychology, but then I took business law, which opened my eyes to what a fun and intellectually stimulating path law would be. From that point forward, I knew law school was coming next.” 
Jeff Becker '01
One of Billboard Magazine’s 2019 Top Music Lawyers 

The IWU Advantage

A Sampling of Courses Related to the Pre-Law Program:

Illinois Wesleyan graduates have been accepted to law schools across the nation, including:

  • American University
  • Boston University
  • Case Western Reserve University
  • Chicago-Kent School of Law
  • DePaul University
  • Drake University
  • Emory University
  • George Washington University
  • Georgetown University
  • Harvard University
  • Indiana University
  • John Marshall Law School
  • Loyola University
  • Marquette University
  • Northwestern University
  • Rutgers University
  • Saint Louis University
  • Tulane University
  • University of Chicago
  • University of Colorado
  • University of Florida
  • University of Illinois
  • University of Iowa
  • University of Miami
  • University of Minnesota
  • University of Notre Dame
  • University of Southern California
  • University of Tulsa
  • University of Virginia
  • University of Washington
  • Valparaiso University
  • Washington University
  • Yale University

 

Contact

Jim Simeone
Professor of Political Science
jsimeone@iwu.edu or (309) 556 3126

Where Do You Want To Go Next?