Overview
Clair Smith, Chair of the Division of Social Sciences
Legal Studies at Fisher
The legal studies major examines the questions of law from many angles and is excellent preparation for careers in law or law school. Students in the major are encouraged to take advantage of the Pre-Law Association, Mock Trial, LSAT prep support, and personalized advising. Legal studies students may also be interested in the 3+3 Legal Education Admissions Program (LEAP). In conjunction with the State University of Buffalo School of Law and Syracuse University College of Law, Fisher offers the opportunity for qualified students to earn a bachelor of arts degree and a juris doctor degree over the course of approximately six years of full-time study. See the Pre-law Experience section for more information.
The major in legal studies is a liberal arts program that draws on the scholarly expertise of legal practitioners as well as experts in political science, economics, and philosophy. It is multidisciplinary in its focus. The legal studies major is for Fisher students who have broad and varied interests in the relationship between law and society; who may be seriously considering attending law school or graduate school after completing their undergraduate degrees; or who are interested in an array of careers such as paralegal, lobbying, union organizing, and government service, where a solid grounding in law and legal systems is valued.
The legal studies major is designed to introduce students to substantive knowledge about law and society (broadly defined), with an emphasis on law’s societal, political, and human contexts. It aims at developing students’ analytical and communication skills, which are necessary for success in law school, graduate school, or the workplace. With planning, a student can experience a semester abroad or in D.C. and complete the legal studies major.
A minor in Legal Studies is less-extensive way to add familiarity with law and legal systems to a host of other majors. This is an excellent and practical way to distinguish oneself from others in your primary field.