New support for WSU students preparing for law careers

By Adrian Aumen, College of Arts & Sciences

Salamone-mugPULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University students who aspire to careers in the legal professions have a new, centralized resource to help them achieve their dreams.

The Pre-Law Resource Center (PLRC), located in Morrill Hall 208, provides preparation assistance for students in any discipline who want to attend law school. The PLRC (http://prelaw.wsu.edu/) offers course planning and advising, peer and alumni networking, law school admissions test preparation, law-related events and scholarship help.

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Professor of political science Michael Salamone, center, reviews preparation materials with WSU students interested in law careers. (Photo by Shelly Hanks, WSU Photo Services)

“We’re providing the resources students need to become exceptional candidates for law school on their way to outstanding careers,” said PLRC director Michael Salamone, an assistant professor of political science who specializes in judicial politics.

Coordinated through WSU’s College of Arts and Sciences (http://cas.wsu.edu/), the PLRC is a single entry point for students in any major to receive guidance for designing and navigating a path to law school. Of the nearly 700 current WSU students who have expressed an interest in attending law school, fewer than 40 percent are enrolled in an official pre-law track, Salamone said.

“Long before they begin applying to law schools, students need to work diligently to build a portfolio showcasing their academic success, personal achievements and career goals,” he said. “The PLRC can help students develop their portfolios to improve their chances in law school and beyond.”

Three programs at WSU – history, philosophy and political science – offer pre-law options, but they are not required for admission to law school. Business administration, communications, criminal justice, economics, English, psychology and sociology are also popular majors among WSU students who go on to law school, Salamone said.

Virtually all candidates for law schools in the United States must complete the somewhat complex and highly competitive application process, including the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), he said.

Through the PLRC, WSU students can get advice about coursework and other ways to develop their skills and best prepare for the LSAT. Thanks to private donations, they can also apply for need-based scholarships to offset costs of a recommended test-preparation course.

In addition to a student’s GPA and LSAT score, items that law school admission committees may consider include:
• Writing skills
• Personal essay
• Grade improvements
• Work experience
• Community and extracurricular activities
• Individual character
• Letters of recommendation

WSU students can schedule appointments at the PLRC by email to prelaw@wsu.edu or by calling 509-335-7569. Drop-ins are welcome on Fridays in April, 10 a.m.-noon.

 

Contacts:
Michael Salamone, Pre-Law Resource Center, 509-335-7569, michael.salamone@wsu.edu
Adrian Aumen, College of Arts & Sciences communications, 509-335-5671, adriana@wsu.edu