Pre-Law
Paving the Way for a Legal Career
The Pre-Law Program guides and supports you as you explore whether you have a vocation for a legal career. If you do, we equip you with the knowledge, skills and experiences necessary to excel in law school.
-
#23
Best Value Schools national ranking for 2022
-
100%
Pre-Law minors accepted into law schools in 2021
-
8-0
Mock Trial Team's record at the 2021 AMTA Regional Tournament
Student Spotlight
Arianna Pearson enjoys the University of Dayton’s pre-law program because its experiential learning opportunities allow student to explore the legal profession. “I was a participant in Dayton’s Mock Trial team and this gave me a feel for what it’s like to be a civil or criminal litigant.”
Student Spotlight
Arianna Pearson enjoys the University of Dayton’s pre-law program because its experiential learning opportunities allow student to explore the legal profession. “I was a participant in Dayton’s Mock Trial team and this gave me a feel for what it’s like to be a civil or criminal litigant.”
A High-Quality Education
PLW 350: Introduction to Legal Research, Writing and Analysis is a legal writing course taught by a career law clerk to a federal judge. This course will give you an un-paralleled head start on your first-year law school legal writing course.
Learn MoreRequired experiential learning assists students with vocation identification and exploration of career options as future legal professionals and professional experience while working toward their undergraduate degree.
Learn MoreStudents who participate in this certificate program are exposed to the LexisNexis legal research platform and basic legal research techniques, both of which are typically reserved for law school.

Explore
Visit Campus
Interested in learning more about pre-law? We'd love to meet with you. Schedule an academic appointment by calling our department at 937-229-4229. You can also choose to schedule a general campus tour and admission presentation.
Mock Trial
Student teams compete in simulations of real trials, advancing through local, regional and national competitions. Team members are assigned roles of attorneys and witnesses.
The Pre-Law Minor
With one-on-one mentorship students will earn a minor in preparation for law school.

Experiential Learning
Real-World Experience
Through practical learning opportunities like internships and co-ops, you can build your resume, gain practical experience and prepare for a successful career.
Next Steps
28
essential skills courses offered to prepare you for law school