Binghamton University has been long recognized by law schools for the high caliber of its students.   Binghamton seniors consistently exceed national acceptance rates to law school.   While most Binghamton applicants have attended Harpur College of Arts and Sciences, graduates of the Schools of Management, Engineering, and Nursing, and College of Community and Public Affairs also seek a legal education.   The Pre-law Office in Harpur Academic Advising works with law applicants from all BU schools.  The number of Harpur graduates applying to law school (either as seniors or after graduation) averages 18-21 % of a Harpur College class.  Binghamton graduates attend a large number of law schools nationwide.

            While attending Binghamton, students interested in a legal career can pursue a variety of majors.  Unlike other graduate and professional programs, law schools do not require specific courses for admission.  Students should look for undergraduate courses that require substantial writing and that  develop logical and analytical thinking skills.  Law schools are looking for students with diverse backgrounds who can read and write well, and who have an understanding of the forces that have shaped the world around us. The American Bar Association recommends taking a broad range of difficult courses from demanding instructors.  More important than the choice of undergraduate major is the rigor of the course work and how well the student has performed in undergraduate school.  The position of patent attorney does require an undergraduate major in science or engineering.

            Students planning to attend law school should take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) in June of their junior year, no later than September/October of their senior year, if they plan to attend law school directly after college.  The LSAT is a challenging half-day examination offered four times each year, composed of five 35-minute multiple choice sections and one 35 minute writing sample.  The Pre-Law Office has LSAT and LSDAS (Law School Data Assembly Service) information, sample tests and test preparation materials.  Pre-Law Advisors are available to help Binghamton students and alumni with the law school application process.

            Harpur Advising offers materials and services to help all students interested in a legal career.  Students can browse in the Pre-Law Library during regular office hours, and Pre-Law Advisors are available for scheduled appointments and walk-in hours.  Announcements of pre-law meetings and programs are posted in Harpur Advising, in other locations, and in University media.  Prelaw-b, a listserv, is available to facilitate communication about pre-law information (to subscribe, click here).   The Career Development Center (CDC) also has resources about law and law-related careers.  The Harpur Advising and the Career Development Center co-sponsor the annual Law Day each fall, including a Law Fair attended by over 85 Law Schools and a Panel Discussion. 

Students are encouraged to participate in various law-related activities and organizations: 

• Internships listed through the Off Campus College and Career Development Center
• Pre-law student organizations, such as the Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity, Mock Trial Club and Thurgood Marshall Pre-Law Society, Binghamton Speech and Debate
• University Judicial Board, which enforces the University Rules of Conduct.       
• Leadership roles in campus and community organizations

Pre-law Advising
Harpur College Academic Advising Office
SW 110  --  777-6305