Overview
Trinity students who prepare for a career in law have a strong liberal arts education, focusing on strengthening their high-order learning, oratory, research, and writing skills.
While there is not any required curriculum to attend law school, students are urged to visit a member of the Pre-Law Advisory Committee to prepare for law school (e.g, course selection, experiential learning, and the application process).
Fast Facts
- Adheres to policy of American Association of Law Schools
- Students who express an interest in law school can meet with a pre-law adviser their first semester through graduation to help reach their academic, career, and life goals.
- Trinity students interested in law school have interned in the federal district courts and the U.S. Supreme Court.
- 88-94 percent of students who apply to law school are admitted
What You'll Study
Curriculum
Based on the advice of several law school deans of admissions, Trinity University does not offer a set pre-law curriculum. Any major or combination of majors will prepare a student for law school. There is no preference for one major over another. Choices in undergraduate majors are generally related to a student's interest in specific aspects of law.
Courses and Program Options
Trinity adheres to the policy of the American Association of Law Schools in providing a wide variety of courses and program options for the student intending to enter law school.
The association also recommends a general curriculum in any major that develops three basic skills or insights:
- Facility in written and verbal communication
- Critical understanding of the human institutions and values with which the law deals
- Creative power of thinking and logical reasoning
Students are advised to sample a variety of disciplines and choose a major in which they have a keen interest. Students are encouraged to solicit advice from their adviser or a member of the Pre-Law Advisory Committee regarding courses and strategies for applying to law school. They should take courses that help them understand institutions, organizations, social relationships, and economics from which legal issues arise. Classes should be chosen that relate to the development of skills required in legal analysis. Courses that emphasize moral and value issues are also recommended.
Most students take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) in June after their junior year or in early October of their senior year. The entire application process is usually completed by January in the senior year.
Microeconomics
An introduction to the economic organization of society, with emphasis on how markets, prices, profits and losses guide and direct economic activity. Throughout the course, economic analysis is applied to a wide range of contemporary problems and issues.
Philosophy of Law
Study legal theory, legal reasoning, and the role of law in contemporary society.
Media Law and Policy
Explore issues in the contemporary media policy environment, such as "freedom of the press" in relation to emerging electronic communication technologies.
Legal Concepts of Business
Studies the American legal system, principles of the law of contracts, negotiable instruments, sales, and business ethics.
Constitutional Law
A study of the U.S. Supreme Court's role in defining the nature and scope of national judicial, executive, and legislative authority. Additional topics include federalism, commerce power, and economic substantive due process. Emphasis on the development of basic legal research skills.
Civil Rights and Liberties
A study of the U.S. Supreme Court's role in defining the meaning of the Bill of Rights, selective incorporation, privacy doctrine, and the Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses. Emphasis on the development of basic legal research skills.
Political Science (Minor)
Political Science (B.A.)
Communication (B.A.)
Communication (Minor)
Economics (B.A.)
Economics (Minor)
Anthropology (Minor)
Anthropology (B.A.)
Environmental Studies (Minor)
Environmental Studies (B.A.)
Communication (B.A.)
Communication (Minor)
Faculty
Wise Counsel
Trinity students establish personal relationships with a wide range of invested, interdisciplinary faculty at the top of their respective fields.
Student Opportunities
Research Opportunities
Students have earned internships with institutions such as the Bexar County courthouse, Federal Judges, and more.
Internships
Internships in law or law-related fields are available through a number of departments.
Student Organizations
Trinity Pre-law Society
The society provides information, advice, guest speakers, and social activities.
Mock Trial Club
A competitive organization that seeks to instill members with the ideals of the legal system while teaching forensic and interpersonal skills, and that strives for success at the state and national levels. Individuals will build teamwork skills, analytical abilities, and receive coaching from Trinity alumni with extensive legal experience.
Events
Pre-Law Nacho Hour
Students can network with representatives from various law schools over a San Antonio staple: loaded nachos. Discover more about your options for law school in this informal setting.
When You Graduate
Precedent of Success
By graduation, Tigers are skilled communicators and creative thinkers, possessing critical understanding of institutions and values with which the law deals. These students are typically ready to excel at their LSATs as rising or current seniors.
Careers
Trinity has a long history of preparing students to pursue law or law-related careers. Most law school graduates enter traditional areas of law. There are also significant opportunities in areas including public affairs and business management.
Graduate Schools or Programs:
- Columbia University Law School
- Duke Law School
- Georgetown Law
- Harvard Law School
- New York University School of Law
- Stanford Law School
- University of Chicago
- University of Michigan Law
- University of Texas
Career Areas:
- Business Management
- Law
- Public Affairs
Notable Companies who have Hired Trinity Graduates:
- Akin and Gump
- Morgan Stanley
- Norton Rose Fulbright
- U.S. Department of Justice
Take the next step
Have more questions or want more information? Learn more about becoming a Tiger, and how you can accelerate what’s next for your education.