Male student in the Loras College library look through book shelves

Pre-Law

Pre-law is not a major, however, Loras has designed a sequence of courses to help prepare you for the application and admission requirements to the specific law programs you are interested in after earning your bachelor’s degree at Loras College.

Law School Professional Information

For students considering a career in the law, Loras offers a diverse, in-depth, and individualized pre-law program. Following the recommendations of law schools and the American Bar Association, Loras does not have a pre-law major.  There is no one “right” major for a legal career, and the liberal arts education at the core of the Loras curriculum serves as a fantastic foundation for law school. 

Developing critical reasoning, writing, and effective oral communication skills are key to success in law school and legal career.  In addition, Loras offers a variety of undergraduate courses for students to explore and pursue their specific interest in law, and to help discern their vocation.  Law-focused courses are offered in a variety of fields (e.g., Business, Criminal Justice, Politics, English, and Communication) and are open to all students. 

Beyond courses, pre-law advising and unique co-curricular opportunities distinguish the pre-law program at Loras.

For More

All American Bar Association
Law School Admission Council

Drake University’s

3+3 Accelerated Dual Degree

Loras College students can earn both a bachelor’s degree and a law degree in six years thanks to a new partnership with the nationally-recognized Drake University Law School.

The cooperative 3+3 program streamlines admission for qualified Loras undergraduates to apply to Drake University Law School during a student’s junior year. Loras students accepted to Drake Law as part of this program are guaranteed a $5,000 scholarship annually, renewable for three years, in addition to any other scholarships awarded.

The first cohort of Loras students may apply for admission to the 3+3 JD program at Drake University for the fall of 2024.

Drake Law

Application Requirements

To qualify for the 3+3 program, students need to be on track to complete their general education, major requirements, and a minimum of 90 credits by the end of the junior year.

Students in the 3 + 3 program should take the LSAT in October or December of their Junior year and apply in January after fall grades are available. However, later applications, including those from June LSAT-takers, will be considered.

Next Steps

Work with your advisor early to meet Loras’ requirements for the program. You should also learn more about Drake Law by attending one of the Drake Law open houses, scheduling a personal visit, or attending a recruiting event.

The Loras 3+3 advisor is Prof. Christopher Budzisz. He can be contact via email.

University of Iowa’s

3+3 Accelerated Dual Degree

Loras partners with top-ranked University of Iowa College of Law to allow qualifying students to obtain their bachelor’s degree and the juris doctorate in six years.

Qualifying Loras students can apply early for law school admission at the University of Iowa College of Law. Loras will count the credits from the students’ successful first year of law school towards completing their bachelor’s degree at Loras. 

As such, students will receive their BA/BS degree from Loras and their JD from the University of Iowa. 

UIowa Law

Application Requirements

To qualify for the 3+3 program you need to be on track to complete their general education, major requirements, and total credit count by the end of the Junior year.

Students in the 3 + 3 program should take the LSAT in October or December of your Junior year and apply in January after fall grades are available. However, later applications, including those from June LSAT-takers, will be considered.

Candidates in 3+3 are considered alongside Iowa Law’s regular pool of applicants.

Next Steps

Work with your advisor early to meet Loras’ requirements for the program. You should also learn more about Iowa Law by attending one of our Explore Iowa Law open houses, scheduling a personal visit, or attending a recruiting event.

The Loras 3+3 advisor is Prof. Christopher Budzisz. He can be contact via email.

Get Involved

At Loras, you have amazing opportunities to gain hands-on legal experience, such as moot court, internships, and other student organizations. This strengthens your understanding of trial procedures and connecting with like-minded peers.

Through Loras’ robust offerings, you can confirm your interest in law, stand out on law school applications, and get a head start on developing skills that will propel your legal career.

St. Thomas More Pre-Law Society

Organization for all pre-law students.  The St. Thomas More Society hosts speakers, workshops and events on the law school admissions process, and networking events with legal professionals.. All to help you make an informed decisions about pursuing a career in the law.

Learn More <Duconnect>

Moot Court

Moot Court is an intercollegiate academic competition in which you perform the role of attorneys in oral argument in a fictitious case before the US Supreme Court.  While the case problem is fictitious, the case involves real areas of constitutional law and U.S. Supreme Court precedents.  Students learn the constitutional law involved and develop and present their own oral arguments.  Moot Court simulates what occurs in the U.S. Supreme Court, and is a fantastic opportunity to develop skills in reading and applying the law.  Loras students participate in regional and national intercollegiate competition.  Loras is only 1 of 2 such programs in Iowa and 1 of 4 programs across Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

Internship Opportunities

As part of your pre-law experience at Loras, you can pursue internships that encourage you to apply what you are learning through your coursework in a professional setting.

There are unpaid internships available at the State of Iowa Public Defender’s Office, the Dubuque County Attorney’s Office, Iowa District Court Administration, Legal Services of Iowa, and occasionally paid internships at private law firms.

Places Loras students have interned previously:

    • Blackhawk County Courthouse
  • Iowa Public Defender’s Office
  • Iowa Legal Aid
  • Reynolds and Kenline
  • Boffelli and Spannagel
Loras Criminal Justice Class visiting the Dubuque Co Courthouse

Common Majors

You may choose a major in any field and take the required prerequisite courses for your desired professional track. Our pre-law faculty advisors guide you on course sequencing and work with you to develop a study plan depending on your major and desired professional pathway.

While a specific major is not required, many pre-law students choose a humanities major.

Advising Matters

All students interested in a legal career have access to pre-law advising. This advising offers support in pre-law course selection, internships, LSAT preparation, and the law school application process.

Through tailored guidance and mentorship, pre-law advising empowers you to make informed decisions and succeed in your legal education and career aspirations.

Academic Guidance

  • Regular advising sessions with the pre-law advisor
  • Campus visits from local law professionals
  • Opportunities to investigate opportunities within the legal field
  • Resources on career choice, schools, and admissions requirements

Get in Touch

Christopher Budzisz  PhD

Associate Professor of Politics

Contact & Profile

Get Into Your Program

  • Meet admission officers from law schools when they visit campus
  • Visit a variety of law schools
  • Mock interviews and application workshops

Get the Right Experience

We encourage and guide you to secure internship hours or a part-time job in law enforcement, courthouse, law office, city government, non-profit organization, city attorney’s office, or related field, shadowing professionals in a variety of settings, and help you find volunteer and leadership experiences during your time at Loras.

This provides an opportunity to confirm your calling, build the foundation towards a well-rounded legal professional and leader, and develop a competitive law school application.

Straight Talk from a Duhawk

The pre-law pathway has helped me focus on my future plans, with the help of a wonderful group of advisors and professors who understand my path to law school.

— Connor Reilly