Pre-Law Program

Success in law school does not depend on completing any particular major or courses of study as an undergraduate. Instead, students succeed in law school when they have strong analytical skills, an understanding of history and economics, and a strong intellectual curiosity.

Green Mountain College wants to help students who are interested in a legal career. Through the Pre-Law Advising Program, students are steered toward rigorous courses oriented toward the skills and knowledge required in law school. When students successfully complete a suite of courses and requirements, the college grants the student a Certificate of Completion. This certificate becomes a permanent part of a student's file.

THE PROGRAM
To receive a Pre-Law Certificate of Completion, students must meet the following requirements:

• Successful completion of four core courses.
  
  
• Successful completion of a curriculum stressing the acquisition of written and oral communication skills, research skills, analytical skills, and the acquisition of knowledge about American society, history and government, and economics.
  
  
• Successful completion of the English competency test, usually but not always taken at the end of the sophomore year.
  
  
• An overall GPA of 3.3 or higher.
  
  
• Successful students in any major can gain acceptance to law school.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
Candidates for the Pre-Law Certificate of Completion are strongly encouraged to also demonstrate the following:
Successful completion of a research seminar in the student's major field; if no such seminar is offered, a research seminar of the student's own devising is strongly recommended.
A commitment to serving others through community service.
Successful completion of an internship in a professional setting. An internship in a law office or in the legal department of a larger organization can be particularly valuable.
Continued commitment to the Pre-Law Advisory Program through application, continued contact with the Pre-Law Advisor, and an annual letter stating the candidates progress toward these goals of the program. 

CORE COURSES
To receive a Pre-Law Certificate, students must complete the following core courses:
America Since 1960, Introduction to Microeconomics, American Government, and Logic.

SAMPLE RECOMMENDED COURSES
(For a full checklist of recommended classes, see the Pre-Law Program Advisor or the Student Catalog.)

Knowledge-oriented courses
American Business and Economic History, 1865 to the Present
Business Law I & II
Constitutional Law
Environmental Law
Intro to Macroeconomics
Law and Society
Philosophy of Law
Public Policy & the Environment
Resource and Regulatory Economics
Social Theory

Skill-oriented courses
Communication skills
Environmental Advocacy, Public Policy, and Corporate Responsibility
Professional Writing
Research skills

Directed Study in the Social Sciences
Environmental Policy Research, Writing, and Analysis
Analytical skills
Calculus I and II
Intermediate Macroeconomic or Microeconomic Analysis

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS
Apply. Most students apply by the end of their sophomore year. Students can apply at a later date by special arrangement with the Pre-Law Advisor.
Advising. Meet once each semester with the program Advisor to discuss progress.
Progress. Report by letter annually to the Pre-Law Advisory Committee on your progress toward your goals.
Complete Requirements. Complete the Certificate program requirements and receive Pre-Law Advisory Program Certificate of Completion upon graduation! 

WHAT ELSE THE PROGRAM DOES
Lots of things! In addition to helping students choose classes and experiences that will lead them toward a successful experience in law school, GMC's Pre-Law Advising programs provides LSAT preparation and pretesting, help on law school admissions letters and essays, internship opportunities in law offices and legal settings, and opportunities to attend lectures and forums by leading legal scholars and judges.

Apply Online

Sam Edwards III
Director of Pre-Law Advising Program
Associate Professor of Environmental Law and Public Policy
Phone: (802)-287-8386