Pre-Law Learning Community

The Pre-Law Learning Community was formerly named the Jurisprudence Learning Community.

Whether you plan on pursuing law school following graduation or are interested in learning how the law pertains to a career in public administration, policy, or politics, this nonresidential learning community is for you! You'll earn class credit while getting support for your academic, professional, and personal goals

To participate in the Pre-Law Learning Community, you must commit to a year-long course. You will enroll in GOVT 301 (3 credits)  in the fall and GOVT 399 (3 credits) in the spring.

For fall 2026, you should enroll in one of two GOVT 301 sections; GOVT 301 002 (CRN: 78348) or GOVT 301 003 (CRN: 78349). Both of these courses are sections specifically for Pre-Law learning community members for the fall semester.

For any questions about course registration, please reach out to The Assistant Director of Student Engagement, Emilee Duffy contact: eduffy3@gmu.edu 

This course, GOVT 301: Public Law and the Judicial Process:

  • goes towards the Law, Philosophy, and Governance concentration in the Government and International Politics major
  • counts as an elective in the Criminology, Law, and Society degree with the College of Humanities and Social Sciences
  • is a core course in the Legal Studies minor

Position Yourself Now for Your Future Career

  • Earn course credit (six credit commitment - three credits in the fall semester, three credits in the spring semester)
  • Attend field trips in and around the D.C. area
  • Meet and network with leaders throughout the legal profession
  • Pursue opportunities for leadership development
  • Benefit from law school admissions guidance and resources 
  • Learn alongside students with similar interests and career goals
  • Participate in career workshops and study groups with guidance from legal studies faculty and staff

This community is open to any interested sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

"Being part of PLC has been one of my favorite experiences in college so far. I have absolutely loved the curriculum for this course; it made me feel like I was truly challenging myself. I have also greatly enjoyed the activities we do outside the classroom, such as guest speaker dinners and field trips. I have been part of all the class trips, and I have had a blast. Through these experiences, I have also grown very close to my classmates; we have all become friends. PLC also allowed me to meet Professor Holman. She is a true inspiration and an amazing role model. I truly recommend that people join this learning community; if I could do it again, I would. It helped me grow even fonder of my career path!"

Lucero Lozada, Pre Law LC '26

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A woman speaks to a group of seated attendees in a meeting room while presenting at the front.

A Supportive Enviroment

The Pre-Law Learning Community will help you connect with social and academic programs designed to help students with an interest in law, such as the Black Justice Association, Patriot Pre-Law Program, and career services.

You'll also be encouraged to identify organizations and activities in the D.C. area that align with your interests and engage with them. Both individually and as a group, community members will reflect on how these experiences impact their personal and professional goals.

Help Achieving Your Goals

You can also count on easy access to school resources to help prepare you for law school or landing a great job right out of school, such as:

  • Preparation for the LSAT
  • Resume help
  • Career support
  • Guidance on internships
  • Help with personal statements
Jurisprudence - Fall 2022 dinner

Schar School learning communities students help welcome Australia’s Prime Minister to the White House.

A Memorable Year

Past and future events include: 

  • A weekly dinner series with high-profile speakers for participating LC students. Speakers have included the Associate Counsel to the President at the White House, and the Senior Advisor to the Speaker of the House.
  • An overnight trip to Richmond, VA for customized tours and meetings at the Supreme Court of VA, the state capitol building, and the University of Richmond Law School.
  • A law school admissions tour and class visit at GMU’s Antonin Scalia Law School.
  • Workshops for students applying to law school.
  • A customized field trip to DC with tours of the Department of Justice, Hogan Lovells, and the DC Courts of Appeals.

LC Campus to Career helps Schar School Learning Community students prepare for life after college. Students can join networking events, career workshops, and sessions that explore different jobs and career paths. The program also offers chances to meet alumni and get guidance on applications and entering the job market.

LC Campus to Career
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Recent News About the Pre-Law Learning Community

View all Jurisprudence Learning Community stories

Meet the Pre-Law Learning Community Director

Shea M. Holman Kilian stands wearing a gray blazer and white shirt while smiling

Shea M. Holman Kilian, J.D. and contact:

For any questions or to learn more, contact: sholman3@gmu.edu

Meet the Assistant Director of Student Engagement

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Emilee Duffy
Assistant Director of Student Engagement
eduffy3@gmu.edu