From SVSU's courses that explore the basics of the legal profession to opportunities to meet working legal professionals, the Pre-Law program sets students on a competitive path towards law school. Moot Court allows students a chance to experience reading cases and preparing arguments to present in a simulated U.S. Supreme Court, helping them develop the skills and credentials necessary to succeed at law school and beyond.
Pre-Law
Pre-Law
About
The Pre-Law program at SVSU is designed to help students who are interested in the law acquire the knowledge and skills required to succeed in law school. The pre-law concentration can be paired with any major offered at SVSU, as long as the classes stress rigorous reading, writing and critical thinking skills. During their college career, pre-law students are encouraged to develop their public speaking skills and to get involved with on-campus organizations and in the community to become well-rounded students ready to face the rigors of law school and ensure that a career in law is the right path. From offering courses and lectures that challenge our students, to competitions and community engagement opportunities that empower them to succeed, SVSU offers a robust approach to Pre-Law.
Cardinal Points
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The SVSU Moot Court Team is ranked No. 4 in the nation by the American Moot Court Association, out of more than 100 teams. At least one SVSU team has qualified for the national competition every year since the program began, demonstrating a consistent tradition of excellence.
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Pre-Law students attend the annual Law School Forum in Chicago, IL to visit with representatives from over 160 law schools.
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SVSU’s Law Club brings together students who are considering a career in law to visit law schools, network with legal professionals and prepare for the LSAT.
Highlighted Courses
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Key Electives
Click here to see a listing of programs
Programs
Majors
Other
Complementary Minors/Majors
Beyond The Books
Moot Court
Moot Court addresses the application of a substantive hypothetical case problem each year. Students read and brief actual cases, and prepare oral and written arguments for a yearly competition.
Exploring the Legal Profession (PS230)
This course addresses all topics related to law school: LSAT preparation, careers in lawyering, etc. Law school representatives, lawyers, SVSU alumni and others visit the class to discuss law school and/or lawyering. It's open to all SVSU students.
SVSU Law Club
The club focuses on helping students to prepare for legal careers by having them participate in Moot Court, the Saginaw County Mock Trial Program, meeting informally with legal professionals and sponsoring law-related speakers for the university.
After Graduation
- 5% projected growth for the employment of lawyers through 2033. (U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- $151,160 is the median yearly pay for lawyers in the U.S. in May 2024. (U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- 1% projected growth for the employment of paralegals and legal assistants through 2033. (U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- $61,010 is the median yearly pay for paralegals and legal assistants in the U.S. in May 2024. (U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics)
With a Pre-Law pathway at SVSU, students build rigorous skills in research, writing, analysis, and advocacy—preparing for law school and for roles in legal support, policy, government, business, and nonprofit sectors.
Our Students After Graduation...
Employers
Saginaw Valley State University
Warner, Norcross * Judd
The U.S. Army
Saginaw County Circuit Court
Federal District courts
Michigan Supreme Court
Graduate Programs
Michigan State University - Detroit College of Law
University of Connecticut School of Law
The University of Michigan Law School
Georgetown University Law School
William and Mary Law School
Wayne State University Law School
Career Opportunities
Attorney (Trial, Corporate, Constitutional, Elder Law, many more)
Lobbying
Government Relations
Legal Assistant
Judge's Law Clerk
Non-Profit Environmental Law
SVSU: Connect
Fully integrated into social networks, SVSU Connect is a valuable networking space dedicated to the community of SVSU students, faculty and alumni which cultivates a culture of helping and giving back. In addition to connecting with each other, students at all points along their journey can reach out to alumni mentors for guidance and insight into making the most of their SVSU experience and successfully transitioning into life after graduation.