Pre-Law

If a law-related career may be in your future, Augustana’s liberal arts curriculum is the best preparation for the Law School Admission Test and law school. Studying at a liberal arts college will develop your ability to think critically, to read and comprehend complex materials, to communicate effectively, and to research and defend a position or argument.

Pre-law at Augustana is not a major; it is a program affiliated with the political science department, which offers several law-related courses and is one of the most globally focused departments at the college. It provides extensive coursework in international and comparative politics, and serves as a key resource for several of the our international study programs, especially Asian studies and Latin American studies.

In addition to political science, the pre-law program is closely associated with communication studies, business administration, sociology and economics. You are free to choose the academic major and electives that align with your career goals. If you would like to declare an interest in pre-law, fill out this form to contact an advisor.

Distinctions

Citizenship and leadership opportunities. Beyond the rigorous academic program and liberal arts background, Augustana’s community and learning environment are ideal for pre-law students for important social reasons. Students here are encouraged to develop their citizenship and leadership qualities. In the competitive law school admission process, these characteristics combined with strong mentoring and high scholastic ability make our graduates stand out.

Outside the classroom. Students interested in law school often participate in the Pre-law Club. Activities include LSAT practice, guest speakers and law school visits. Other activities sponsored by the political science department that may interest pre-law students include Model United Nations, Model Illinois Government and the Politics Club.

Internships. Pre-law students often use their $2,000 Augie Choice funds to support law-related internships, including experience with legal services agencies.

Alumni support. Our engaged alumni fund scholarships, offer advice, and recommend internships and positions at the firms and companies where they work. They share a deep appreciation for their preparation in the classroom and faculty mentors. In return, they welcome opportunities to pay it forward with current students.

Recent graduates

Recent Augustana graduates have attended the law schools at the universities of Illinois and Minnesota, DePaul, Drake, Elon, Marquette, John Marshall, Loyola, Michigan State, Northwestern, Notre Dame, Texas Southern, Valparaiso, Wake Forest and Washington, among others.

Charlotte Newport ‘25 is a J.D. candidate at the University of Texas School of Law. 

Collin Mendoza ‘24 is a J.D. candidate at the Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law.

Ayradi Catron '23 is J.D. candidate at The University of Iowa College of Law in Iowa City.

Molly Fank '23 is a J.D. candidate at Case Western Reserve University School of Law.

Joe Marcucci '23 is pursuing a law degree at the University of North Carolina School of Law.

Monica Thompson '21 is an associate attorney at Evans & Dixon, LLC, in  St. Louis, Mo.

Maggie Jokinen '20 is a corporate associate at Sidley Austin LLP in Chicago. 

Luke Sawicki '20 is an associate attorney at Marwedel, Minichello & Reeb, P.C., in Chicago.

Nicholas Zammuto '19 is an associate attorney at the Chicago-based law firm Heyl Royster Voelker & Allen, P.C., specializing in commercial litigation, bankruptcy and professional liability.

Jake Schoeck '19 is a corporate and private equity associate at Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough in Charlotte, N.C.

Tim Maroder ’15 is senior corporate counsel for Caterpillar Inc., in Peoria.