What does James Madison University pre-law advising typically include?

At James Madison University, pre-law advising typically means guidance on how to prepare for law school while majoring in almost any field, not a separate pre-law major. JMU’s pre-professional advising for law usually helps students choose courses that build strong reading, writing, research, and critical thinking skills, which are the core competencies law schools want. It also gives students practical advice on the LSAT, application timing, recommendation letters, and how to build a competitive profile during college.

In practice, a pre-law advisor usually helps you map out a four-year plan, talk through majors and minors, and make sure you are developing the skills law schools value rather than just checking boxes. At JMU, that can include discussing classes in areas like political science, history, philosophy, economics, English, or justice studies, depending on your interests and strengths.

Pre-law advising also often includes information sessions or workshops about the law school admissions process. That usually covers when to take the LSAT, how to prepare for it, how CAS and transcripts work, what personal statements should accomplish, and how to ask professors for strong letters of recommendation.

Another common part of pre-law advising is career exploration. Advisors may help students find internships, campus organizations, leadership roles, volunteer work, or legal-related experiences such as courthouse observation, law office exposure, or networking with alumni and attorneys. The goal is not just getting into law school, but confirming that law is actually a good fit.