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Legal Careers Start Here

USI offers a more personalized and hands-on pre-law advising experience than most programs. You’ll work closely with your advisor to choose courses, extracurriculars and internship opportunities that strengthen your law school application.

Versatile Training for a High-Demand Profession

USI students converse at the county courthouseIn a nation of laws, there's need for people with legal training in almost every field. Adding a pre-law minor to your major program of study opens doors to a future law career.

As a pre-law student at USI, you'll:

  • Learn the basic skills needed to be a good lawyer
  • Find internships with local law firms, courthouses or political offices
  • Have access to an affordable LSAT prep course from an institution that regularly sends students to top-notch law schools

Prepare for law school with a pre-law course of study from USI.

Start Your Fall 2027 Application
Applications for Fall 2028 open August 2027

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Rebekah Hamilton in her USI graduation regalia

Law School Ready

Rebekah Hamilton '24, student at McKinney School of Law

While at USI, political science major and pre-law minor Rebekah Hamilton received support from the Brooks Inns of Court Pre-Law Scholarship. She took advantage of USI's many experiential learning opportunities, including serving as an Associate Justice for the Student Government Association. After graduating from USI, she received a full-tuition scholarship to Indiana University's McKinney School of Law.

Mock Trial at USI

Offered as both a class (POLS 429) and a competitive team, students learn trial fundamentals like witness examination, opening and closing statements and rules of evidence. While not required, students interested in team competition are encouraged to take the class.

The team competes in simulated civil or criminal trials based on cases from the American Mock Trial Association, with students serving as attorneys or witnesses. Judges evaluate performance and case knowledge.

Mock Trial builds skills in public speaking, teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving and is a great fit for anyone looking to challenge themselves, gain confidence and explore the legal field.

USI mock trial team group photo

Where Are USI Pre-Law Graduates Now?

USI graduate Brenden Davidson portrait

Brenden Davidson '15, Defense Attorney in the U.S. Navy JAG Corps

Brenden graduated from USI's political science program in 2015 after completing the Indiana State Senate internship program and a summer internship in the Indiana Governor's Office. He served two tours of duty in the U.S. Navy before receiving his law degree from the George Washington University School of Law and being selected for the Navy JAG Corps, where he represents Sailors and Marines facing court-martial convictions and administrative separations. His experiences at USI helped shape the trajectory of his career.

Dedicated Program Coordinator
Scholarship Partnership with McKinney School of Law
20
Students in Average Class

Course List

Pre-law courses provide a strong foundation of skills needed to be a successful lawyer:

  • Mastery of language
    Language is the lawyer's working tool. USI pre-law coursework will help you learn to write logically and persuasively and speak in formal settings.
  • Understanding of human institutions and human nature
    The law regulates human activity and shapes our institutions. Pre-law courses are designed to help you understand how and why people behave as they do.
  • Creative and analytical thinking
    Good lawyers do more than just advise clients on what is and isn't legal. In USI's pre-law program, you'll learn how to research and gather facts, reason, and analyze so you can successfully accomplish client objectives.

See Pre-Law Course List

Why Choose USI?

USI offers a wide array of resources and people dedicated to helping you succeed:

  • Dedicated advising center in the College of Liberal Arts
  • Opportunity for connection with classmates in the Liberal Arts Themed Learning Community
  • Career guidance and job and internship opportunities through the Career Success Center

USI boasts a vibrant campus and community with many activities on offer.

  • A full calendar of student events and athletic competitions by USI's 19 NCAA Division I teams
  • Clubs and organizations, including the Pre-Law Club
  • Opportunity to witness a live oral argument heard by the Indiana Court of Appeals on USI's annual Law Day

USI offers a quality education you can afford that provides a great return on your investment.

  • $20+ million in annual scholarships from the USI Foundation, with opportunities for additional aid through the Barbara and Howard Trockman and Brooks Inn of Court Pre-Law Scholarships
  • The Law Scholar Program, offering two USI students or alumni each year program admission and a half-tuition scholarship to Indiana University's McKinney School of Law
  • LSAT scores of USI students consistently higher than average

USI provides a healthy and secure environment for your education.

  • A recently remodeled Recreation, Fitness, and Wellness Center, with cardio and strength training areas, recreational courts, a running track, and climbing wall.
  • Support for your physical and mental health through USI's on-site medical clinic and counseling and psychological services
  • Safe spaces monitored 24/7 by USI's Public Safety department and local law enforcement, with access to the Screagle Watch safety app

Your future awaits at USI. We can't wait to meet you!

Start Your Application