• Seton Hall University
• Pre-Professional Advising

Deciding to pursue a career in law is a significant commitment, and it is important to fully understand what the legal profession entails before starting on this journey. A legal career can be highly rewarding, but it requires academic preparation - a passion for critical analysis, advocacy, and service to others.

The journey to becoming a lawyer begins by completing a bachelor’s degree at the undergraduate level. Law schools do not require a specific major for admission, which allows students the flexibility to choose an academic discipline that aligns with their interests and strengths. However, students are encouraged to pursue coursework that sharpens skills in critical thinking, reading comprehension, writing, public speaking, research, and ethical reasoning - all of which are essential for success in law school and the legal profession.

After earning a bachelor’s degree, the next step is to graduate from law school with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. A full-time law school program typically takes three years. The first year follows a structured curriculum that introduces foundational legal concepts such as contracts, torts, civil procedure, constitutional law, criminal law, and legal research and writing. As a student progresses through law school, they have opportunities to specialize in particular areas of interest and develop essential skills in critical thinking, legal research and writing, oral advocacy, and professional ethics.

While the academic structure of law school remains consistent across institutions, the practice of law itself is incredibly diverse. Lawyers play a variety of roles depending on their area of practice and employment setting. They may advise clients on legal matters, advocate in the courtroom, draft contracts, negotiate settlements, interpret statutes and regulations, or influence public policy.

Attorneys work in numerous professional environments, including:

• Private law firms
• Government agencies (local, state, federal)
• Corporate legal departments (in-house counsel)
• Public interest and non-profit organizations
• Judicial clerkships
• Academia and legal research institutions

Additionally, lawyers can specialize in a wide range of practice areas such as immigration law, criminal law, corporate law, intellectual property, environmental law, family law, education law, and employment law, among many others. The breadth of legal practice allows students to align their careers with personal passions and professional goals.

At Seton Hall University, the Pre-Professional Advising Center (P-PAC) is committed to helping students navigate and understand this complex and multifaceted field. We encourage pre-law students to actively explore the legal profession through academic coursework and co-curricular experiences that build relevant competencies. Participating in activities such as mock trial, the undergraduate law review, student government, legal internships, and writing-intensive courses can deepen students’ understanding of the legal field and strengthen their preparation for legal study and practice.