Welcome LawReady™ Schools
Congratulations to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Fayetteville State University, Methodist University, Fitchburg State University, and the University of Michigan-Flint — the first undergraduate institutions that have begun to offer the LawReady program on their campuses.
Designed to meet students earlier in their undergraduate studies, LawReady provides a roadmap to law school readiness with academic skills development aligned with courses already taking place on campus, resources to assist navigating the prelaw process, and community support along the students’ journey to a legal education.
We recently sat down with Kimberly Saks, prelaw advisor and assistant professor at the University of Michigan-Flint, for a conversation about her experience of determining whether LawReady was a fit for her institution. She shared how much she appreciated having a structured and convenient way to develop and nurture students considering law and help them build the skills and network needed for success in law school or wherever their paths may lead. View the full recording and/or transcript (PDF, 169 KB)
of our conversation.
The LawReady schools are supported by our dedicated customer success team. We work closely with each school to provide a range of resources and support, including prebuilt communications to educate stakeholders, training for program administrators, and promotional tools to help recruit students. LSAC also supports faculty members as they identify and incorporate into existing syllabi various assessments that measure students’ proficiency in the skills, abilities, and personal qualities that are necessary for success in the first year of law school.
Students who participate in the LawReady program benefit from the real-time learning that occurs through ongoing faculty feedback on speaking, active listening, and personal qualities, such as conscientiousness.
Throughout the program, students build a portfolio of completed work that will demonstrate their readiness for law school. Each student’s portfolio may be included as part of their law school application.
In the coming months, LawReady students will have the opportunity to be paired with a practicing attorney to serve as their mentor. Through 1:1 or group engagements, students will get real-world insights into today’s legal practice and practical guidance about law career opportunities.
We are excited to be working with these trailblazing schools and look forward to further expansion of LawReady at more institutions this winter. We are grateful for the many insightful conversations we have had with prelaw advisors in 1:1 meetings, on the PLANC listserv, and at various APLA conferences this year. We look forward to continuing conversations at upcoming events such as the AALS 2024 Annual Meeting, the LSAC 2024 Annual Meeting and Educational Conference, and the Quadrennial PLANC Conference.
For more information about the LawReady program and ways to engage, please visit our website or contact us at LawReady@LSAC.org.
Eric Peterson is director of new product development at the Law School Admission Council. Prior to joining LSAC, he was product director, emerging services at AmerisourceBergen/Lash Group working to streamline manufacturer-sponsored patient support programs and services.