Do you want to be a change agent in society or to join the profession of world leaders such as Barack Obama, Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi? Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Delano Roosevelt? Do you want to dedicate your life to helping others?
If so, DePauw’s Law Pathway is for you.
Law school graduates have innumerable career paths open up to them. With a law degree, you can work in industry, nonprofit management, health care, politics, journalism or public service. You can represent huge corporations or individuals. You can practice law in a courtroom or even preside over one; apply the law in an administrative setting; be an advocate for a cause; or use your knowledge of the law in virtually any industry.
HOW DOES A DEPAUW EDUCATION RELATE?
The liberal arts, DePauw-style, expose you to a broad range of academic subjects and prepare you to hone your critical-thinking and communication skills; deepen your understanding of other cultures and others’ experiences; create empathy; encourage creativity; and broaden your perspective. Lawyers use those same skills, regardless of where or how they practice the law.
Through its Law Scholar Program, DePauw partners with the Indiana University Maurer School of Law in Bloomington and the McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis to enable DePauw graduates to move smoothly into one of those schools, which value the liberal arts as top-notch training for future lawyers.
Says Greg Canada, assistant dean of admissions for The Maurer School: “Successful graduates of DePauw University have mastered certain skills that are associated to their field of study — critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, analytical precision. These same skills tend to indicate success in law school — and success in the legal profession.”
Hear Christopher Tucker '08, corporate counsel - Cummins Inc., share why his liberal arts education was a strength when applying for law school.
Christopher Tucker '08
DePauw students traveled to the Indiana State House for a tour, to witness two oral arguments in the Supreme Court and to visit with 5 Justices of the Supreme Court (including Chief Justice Loretta Rush.)
Indiana State House Trip
Vernon Jordan '57 speaking in 1986 on his DePauw University experience.
Vernon Jordan '57
Students are admitted to law school from almost every academic discipline. No matter what you major in, the broad range of academic pursuits at DePauw will prepare you to attend law school and practice law.
You may choose to major in subjects that are considered to be traditional preparation for law school, such as history, English, philosophy, political science, economics or business, or you may focus your undergraduate studies in areas as diverse as art, music, science, mathematics, computer science, engineering or education.
Here are some courses with content that is related to law or the LSAT exam.
What DePauw courses should I explore?
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Phil 251- Logic
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Phil 340 - Classical Political Philosophy
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Phil 342 - Philosophy of Law
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Phil 215 - History of Philosophy: Early Modern
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Phil 230 - Ethical Theory
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Phil 232 - Environmental Ethics
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Phil 233 - Ethics and Business
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Phil 234 - Biomedical Ethics
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Phil 242 - Philosophy of Sex and Gender
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COMM 223 - Public Communication and Controversy
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HIST 265 - 20th Century US History
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HIST 300 - Law, Constitution, & Society in U.S. History
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Media Law
Internship opportunities
- Washington Media Institute
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You’ll work at one of Washington’s top media organizations. - D.C. Witness
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If you land this journalism-focused internship, you’ll be exposed to the law and courtrooms and get a leg up when you apply to law school.
Community engagement/volunteer opportunities
Putnam County Counsel in the Court Program, a partnership between DePauw University, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (Indianapolis office), District 10 Pro Bono, Indiana Legal Services and the Putnam County Courthouse. This program provides free legal advice and help with documents and civil legal filings on the first Tuesday of every month at the Putnam County Courthouse.
You will have the opportunity to assist with intake and witness the law firsthand while building your professional network.
Study abroad
We encourage you to study abroad for a semester or for a shorter duration during winter or May term. The American Bar Association likewise encourages study abroad, where you will gain “an understanding of diverse cultures within and beyond the United States, of international institutions and issues, of world events, and of the increasing interdependence of the nations and communities within our world.”
WHO ARE ALUMNI ENGAGED IN CAREERS RELATED TO BUSINESS?
- Emily Zoch Campbell ’03 , a lawyer at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
- Kraig Kinney ’92 , state director and counsel of Emergency Management Services at the Indiana Department of Homeland Security
- Vernon Jordan ’57 , civil rights activist and adviser to presidents
WHAT OTHER OFFICES AND PROGRAMS MIGHT I CONNECT TO?
The Kathryn F. Hubbard Center for Student Engagementis your primary source for pre-law questions and advice. DePauw’s other centers also are great resources, and virtually every academic department can provide a sound foundation for a legal career.
WHO ELSE CAN TELL ME MORE AND ANSWER MY QUESTIONS?
- Colleen McCracken Renick, PH.D
Assistant Director of Graduate and Professional Advising and Pre-Health Advisor
Kathryn F. Hubbard Center for Student Engagement
