What pre-law opportunities does the University of Chicago offer for undergraduates?

UChicago offers strong pre-law support for undergraduates even though it does not have a pre-law major. The main resource is the College’s pre-law advising, which helps students choose courses, plan internships, understand the law school application process, and prepare for the LSAT over time. Students also benefit from being on the same campus as the University of Chicago Law School, which creates access to law-related events, talks, and an academic environment where legal study is highly visible.

Undergrads can explore law through coursework in areas like political science, public policy, philosophy, economics, history, and sociology, all of which are good preparation for legal reasoning and writing. UChicago’s emphasis on close reading, argument, and analytical writing is especially useful for students considering law school. There are also student organizations related to law, public policy, debate, and civic engagement that can help students test their interest in legal careers.

Another major advantage is Chicago. Students can pursue internships with law firms, nonprofits, government offices, courts, advocacy organizations, and policy groups during the academic year or summer. Those practical experiences often matter more than having a formal pre-law major because they let you see what legal work actually looks like.

Students can also attend law-school-connected programming such as panels, lectures, and career events when available, and some may find research opportunities with faculty working on law-adjacent topics. The biggest strengths are its advising, writing-intensive academics, access to the Law School environment, and the internship opportunities that come with being in Chicago.