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Pre-Law

Pre-Professional Programs

single-paper-background Pre-Law Program - Trail and Error class

Law schools seek students with strong liberal arts backgrounds, reflecting quality academic performance and professional maturity. There is no set pattern of courses for a pre-law student, but courses that generally emphasize critical thinking, research, and writing are useful. Exploring courses that provide a foundational understanding of the law and legal systems – even if outside a major course of
study – are recommended.

Outside Class - Courtney Chenette - Pre-Law

Preparation for Law School

While law schools welcome applicants from any academic discipline, we recommend a curriculum that prioritizes high-level reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and sophisticated writing. At Hollins, advisors will work closely with you to curate a strategic selection of courses that not only strengthen law school applications but also ensure you have the rigorous foundation needed to thrive in a legal career.

Pre-Law Catalog, 2025-26 (PDF)

The education I received at Hollins prepared me richly for the challenges I would face as a law student. The dynamic courses offered by the political science department taught me invaluable analytical and research skills — tools that I used daily in law school and that have served me well as a practicing attorney.

Tiffany Marshall Graves

University of Virginia School of Law graduate, pro bono counsel, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings

Tiffany Marshall Graves '97

My professors, coursework, and internships through Hollins developed the academic and practical skills necessary for me to excel in law school and beyond. The professors challenged me to produce my best work, the classes were varied and engaging, and my internships allowed me to make professional connections that are still benefiting me today.

Lauren Earley

Georgetown University Law Center

Lauren Earley

My distinction as a women’s college graduate gave me the tools to excel in law school and to set myself apart from my Ivy League-adorned law school classmates. Hollins gave me a confident voice, a dedication to embodying female leadership, and the skills to deftly navigate the competitive legal job market.

Elysse Stolpe

University of Virginia School of Law

Hollins Graduates and Law School

Hollins students have successfully pursued both full-time and part-time legal study, directly following graduation and with years of professional experience in between, and in some cases earned a J.D. and joint degree or certificate.

Hollins graduates have attended the following schools:
  • University of Alabama Law School (AL)
  • Ave Maria School of Law (FL)
  • Catholic University, Columbus School of Law (D.C.)
  • University of Denver College of Law (CO)
  • Florida Coastal School of Law (FL)
  • Georgetown Law School (D.C.)
  • George Washington Law School (D.C.)
  • Georgia State University College of Law (GA)
  • University of Maryland, Carey School of Law (MD)
  • Mississippi College of Law (MS)
  • University of North Carolina Law School (NC)
  • Northeastern University School of Law (MA)
  • NYU Law School (NY)
  • Pace Law School (NY)
  • Penn State, Dickinson Law School (PA)
  • University of Richmond Law School (VA)
  • University of South Carolina School of Law (SC)
  • University of Tennessee Law School (TN)
  • University of Texas Law School (TX)
  • Tulane Law School (LA)
  • Vanderbilt Law School (TN)
  • Vermont Law School (VT)
  • University of Virginia Law School (VA)
  • Wake Forest Law School (NC)
  • Washington & Lee Law School (VA)
  • William & Mary Law School (VA)

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