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Pre-Legal Program
The American Bar Association (ABA) recommends that students considering a law degree "seek courses and other experiences that will engage them in critical thinking about important issues...and that will give them experience in structuring and evaluating arguments." At Dordt University, we offer classes that develop this skill—and so much more.
Program Overview
Dordt’s Pre-Law program emphasizes a combination of theory and practical application. That includes discussing how we as Christians should live our lives in obedience to our callings. You’ll not only learn the 'why' and 'how,' of law, but also the 'so what' aspects of the field. You’ll learn to practice law in a way that fulfills you while also glorifying God in your work.
All of your study is part of a Core Program that will help you develop the excellent speaking, writing, and reading skills that make up much of what lawyers do.
What can I do with a focus in pre-legal from Dordt University?
Pre-Law at Dordt will help you learn to think like a lawyer and interact within a legal environment. This foundation will set you up for success as you pursue further education through law school. You may pursue a career as a lawyer, a paralegal, or a legal assistant. Whatever you choose to do professionally, Dordt’s Pre-Law program will prepare you for the next steps.
Some Dordt University pre-law students have even had the opportunity to intern with local law firms or at the district attorney's office. These internships allow students to work beside professionals in the workplace, learn what it is like to have a job in that field, and test out classroom principles in real-life situations. They may also receive academic credit for their experience.
Admission to law school relies on good grades, a high LSAT score, and a quality personal statement/resume. Much of your success in these areas will depend on your effort, but Dordt provides a supportive environment that allows you to develop needed skills.
Lawyer
A Lawyer advises and represents their clients in courts, before government agencies, and in private legal matters.
Human Resources Representative
Human Resources Representatives assist with the hiring, administration, and training of employees while ensuring that the organization adheres to local, state, and federal employment regulations.
Actuary
Actuaries help businesses and clients minimize the cost of a risk by assessing the financial costs that the risk may entail.
Career Preparation
Dordt University's 2023 Career Outcome Rate was 99.4%! “This data point tells us that Dordt graduates are prepared for the careers of their choosing,” said Amy Westra, director of Career Development. “A Dordt education provides students with industry-relevant courses and connections that make a difference.”
Pre-Legal Program
Along with learning the basic facts and information about various topics in the pre-legal program, Dordt challenges its students to learn more important things pertaining to Christian faith and worldview.
The public's perception of lawyers is often formed by the heated courtroom drama of shows like Law & Order. In reality, any area that involves regulation or a significant investment of money needs lawyers who dedicate their entire practice to dealing with specific issues. You don't have to make the choice between law school and pursuing your passion in a specific field. Law can be a means to finding a fulfilling job in almost any field.
Dordt will give you tools with which to craft a life of service to Christ. It will enable you to engage our culture as a Christian instead of encouraging you to flee our culture or assimilate into our culture. You can build life-long friendships with other students who will help you to grow in your faith walk with Jesus. Dordt is committed to educating 'the entire you' from a biblical viewpoint.
Every professional school has their own entrance requirements, so at Dordt, students work with the pre-professional advisors to determine which courses they need to prepare them for their professional school.
Law schools look for students with skills in writing, analysis, and logical argument, skills that can be developed in almost any major. A Dordt education, regularly ranked near the top of Regional Colleges in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report, allows you to choose from a wide variety of high-quality programs in many fields of study.
In addition, Dordt offers several writing-intensive courses, a course in logic, and an argumentation and persuasion course that Dordt graduates who have gone on to law school have found particularly helpful. We also offer a variety of law-oriented courses taught by lawyers on faculty that, while not designed to simulate law school, do help you get a taste of the legal field to decide if law is the career for you.
Ready to take the next step?
Faculty
With experience in a variety of fields, our faculty members are equipped and ready to help you succeed.
Science and Technology Center
When studying pre-legal, you'll have the opportunity to spend time in Dordt's Science and Technology Center. Informally known as the "Science Building," the Science and Technology Center is home to Dordt's 180-seat lecture hall.
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Student Stories
Dordt students and alumni use their gifts to make a difference in the world. Check out their stories to see how Defender Nation lives out our mission to work effectively toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life.
Lessons for a Lifetime
Jay Kroese and Gail JansenJay Kroese emphasizes how well Dordt prepared him for after graduation.
Jay Kroese and Gail Jansen
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Related Program Options
Still looking for the right fit? Here are some additional program options that we think might interest you or are often paired with this program. You can also view the programs page to keep exploring your options.
