Thinking about law school or a law related career?
The Pre-Law Center at UT-Arlington is an advising and resource center that serves students in every major at the university. Whether you have known all your life that you want to be a lawyer, or simply are curious about legal studies, we can help.

Opportunities for a diverse student body
Pre-Law gatherings at UTA put students together with mentors who have walked the path earlier--including first generation law students and persons from groups who are historically under-represented in the legal profession. The Pre-Law Center connects students with organizations such as the Council on Legal Education Opportunity, and sister bar groups of the Dallas and Tarrant County Bar Associations such as the J.L. Turner Legal Association.

Mentorship and internship experiences
Pre-Law advisors and visiting attorneys assist UTA students with not only law school applications, but also key decisions on whether law school is the right plan for each individual. Through partnerships with law firms and the legal departments of companies, the Pre-Law Center matches UT-Arlington students with mentors, sets up internships, and arranges tours of law offices.

Legal studies organizations and activities
The UTA Moot Court Team has competed in national and international competitions. Their most recent trip was in spring 2012, to Vienna, Austria. Moot Court at UTA hones speaking and debating skills, while preparing students for law school-level Moot Court and professional courtroom advocacy. UTA has an active chapter of the national Pre-Law honor society, Phi Alpha Delta.

Law school preparation courses
The Pre-Law Center is a central spot to get information about LSAT dates and materials from companies offering preparation tests. We schedule reduced-cost prep courses on campus. UTA’s Center for Enterprise Development also offers LSAT courses. For students who choose to self-guide through the testing process, we have recommendations on strategies.

Finding out about law schools
The Pre-Law Center arranges several meetings each year when law school admissions officers visit UT Arlington. We also plan tours of law schools and facilitate student attendance at special-interest gatherings at area law schools.

Choosing and completing an academic major
The Pre-Law Center’s advisors are committed to having frank and helpful discussions about the law market, the demands of law school, and students’ academic interests and talents. We advise students in every academic major--not only the traditional “Pre-Law” specializations in history, political science, criminal justice, and philosophy! We have information about careers related to the law that do not involve law school, such as legal research and writing, law enforcement, government service, and employment in public and private agencies.

Interim Director of the Pre-Law Center
Dr. Elisabeth Cawthon
Department of History
Room 319 University Hall
cawthon2@uta.edu

Assistant Dallas County District Attorney Ms. Rachel Jones led UTA Pre-Law students on a tour of the Dallas criminal courts building in January 2013.