Pre-Law Advising

Two ��˿�� students shake the hand of a judge who is visiting campus to lecture

Considering a career in law? Our Pre-Law Advising Office is here to help you explore law school options and pave the way to landing your dream job in the legal field!

Curious if a career in law is the right fit for you? Occidental’s Pre-Law Advising program provides personalized support to help you explore legal careers, connect with practicing attorneys and alumni across the country, and gain practical experience through internships and courses like “Lawyering for Social Justice” and “Legal Tools for Social Change.”

Why Choose Occidental for Pre-Law?

��˿��’s liberal arts curriculum provides a strong foundation for a career in law by developing essential skills in critical thinking, writing, research, and analysis. Small class sizes and close faculty support foster thoughtful discussion and help students build strong arguments and communicate effectively—key abilities for future legal professionals.

With interdisciplinary courses in fields like politics, philosophy, history, sociology, and critical theory and social justice, students gain a broad understanding of the social and ethical contexts in which laws operate. Occidental’s focus on social responsibility and justice further prepares students to enter the legal field with both intellectual depth and a sense of purpose.

Experiential learning opportunities, such as internships, research projects, and community engagement, allow students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. Occidental’s location in the heart of Los Angeles connects students to a vibrant network of legal professionals, public service organizations, and career-building internships.

“Pre-law advising at ��˿�� is top-notch, giving students the tools to navigate the law school application process with confidence. [Pre-law advisor Leon]’s advice about honing in on what kind of law I want to pursue has been invaluable.”

Norah Ruvalcaba ’25

More about Norah

Career Pathways in Law

The Pre-Law Advising office provides students with an opportunity to hear from seasoned legal professionals through its “Legal Career Paths” speaker series. Students also have the chance to connect with Occidental alumni currently attending law school via the “Pathways to Practice” alumni panels. Through these events, ��˿�� students have engaged with attorneys dedicated to advancing climate justice, environmental protection, artists’ rights, children’s rights, civil rights, and who work for:

Big Law
State Government
Federal Public Defender
Assistant United States Attorney
Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
Los Angeles Superior Court
Public Interest Law Firms

Legal Aid Organizations
Boutique Entertainment Law Firms
Non-for-profit Organizations
Universities
High-level Policy Making Bodies
Philanthropy

Getting Pre-Law Advising at Occidental

The Pre-Law Advising office offers individualized support for current Occidental students and recent alumni interested in pursuing a legal profession. Interested students and alumni can schedule appointments with Pre-Law Advisor Marisol León, a full-time practicing civil rights attorney and visiting assistant professor with the Critical Theory and Social Justice Department.

Professor León guides students and alumni throughout their law school application journey. From developing a list of appropriate target law schools, to crafting a compelling personal statement, to strategically selecting recommendation letters, Professor León meets with students and reviews their drafts, provides them with feedback, and keeps them abreast of requirements and deadlines.

In addition to personalized counseling sessions, the Pre-Law Advising office offers “Demystifying Applying to Law School” workshops, LSAT workshops, and hosts law schools on campus. These opportunities foster a deeper understanding of law school and the legal landscape. Email Professor León at mleon@oxy.edu to join the Pre-Law mailing list and receive notifications of upcoming events and workshops.

Schedule an advising appointment

Preparing for law school

Resources

Exclusive Pre-Professional Opportunities

Occidental’s Pre‑Law Advising offers students partnerships and structured programs that deepen legal readiness and professional growth. Students receive tailored support through faculty-guided curricula and access to competitive fellowships—complete with advising on internships, leadership development, and research opportunities. Courses like “Lawyering for Social Justice” or CTSJ’s “Social Justice Practicum” connect Occidental students with real-world internships and experiential learning environments, building hands-on experience in legal and policy settings.

Recommended Courses

There’s no required pre-law curriculum at Occidental, but many students find certain courses especially valuable in developing the core competencies valued by law schools—such as sharp analytical thinking, compelling written communication, and confident speaking abilities.

Explore Course Recommendations

Student and Alumni Outcomes

Occidental graduates have gone on to attend prestigious law schools across the country, including top-tier programs at UCLA, UC Berkeley, Yale, Columbia, and Stanford Law School. Our alumni are thriving in diverse legal careers, working in areas such as corporate law, public interest law, immigration advocacy, and domestic violence support. This success reflects the strong preparation and mentorship Occidental provides to help students pursue meaningful and impactful roles in the legal profession. The top five law schools Occidental students attend are:

UCLA
UCSF
UC Davis
UC Berkeley
USC

���˿���