Pre-Law News
Updates from Loyola's Pre-Law Society
Hi!
As we begin the spring semester, I have been reflecting on the purpose and direction of the Pre-Law Society and the kind of community we hope to continue building together. The start of a new semester always feels like an opportunity to reset, grow, and recommit ourselves to supporting one another in our academic, professional, and personal journeys. One of my goals as president is to ensure that the Pre-Law Society remains a space where students feel encouraged, connected, and inspired as they explore their interests in the legal field. I am especially excited to see our Spring Peer Mentoring Program already underway, with mentors and mentees beginning to form meaningful relationships that reflect our shared commitment to learning from and supporting one another.
I am also excited about the opportunity for members to participate in our TREK to Maryland Legal Aid. This organization has been an incredible partner to the Pre-Law Society through our semesterly expungement clinics. Visiting their office allows students to experience what public interest law looks like in practice, meet attorneys and staff, and better understand how the law can be used to support and advocate for members of our community. Opportunities like this remind me why service and justice are such central parts of both Loyola’s mission and the legal profession.
One of the events I am most proud that the Pre-Law Society helps facilitate each semester is our Expungement Clinic, which will take place on April 19 at the Loyola Clinical Center. Students who participate have the opportunity to observe attorney-client conversations while volunteer attorneys provide pro bono legal services to help individuals expunge misdemeanor charges from their records. This work reflects Jesuit values of caring for the whole person and standing with members of our community in meaningful ways. Being part of an experience that can help open doors and remove barriers for others is something that continues to inspire me, and I hope many of our members are able to be part of it. Sign-ups will be posted on The Bridge soon, and space will be limited.
For members interested in business law, the Pre-Law Society will also be hosting a Business × Legal Clinic on March 19 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM in partnership with the Simon Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. This event gives students the opportunity to observe attorney-client conversations while small business owners from our community receive legal guidance related to their businesses. I love that this event highlights another way legal knowledge can be used thoughtfully and practically to support others, while also allowing students to explore a different area of law.
I feel incredibly grateful to serve as president of a community that is so committed to service, growth, and supporting one another. The Pre-Law Society continues to be shaped by the passion and engagement of its members, and I am really looking forward to everything the rest of this semester will bring!
As always, feel free to reach out to me anytime at sgcapone@loyola.edu
Blessings,
Sophia
“Should I go to law school?”
In this month’s newsletter I thought I would provide the answer to this for everyone in written form, as well as a bit of a warning.
This question is rarely phrased to me so directly, but sometimes, in fact, it is. It invites a conversation with a lot of weight, and it occurs regularly. Yesterday I had “the conversation” once in the morning and once in the afternoon, with an alum and a senior respectively. Once I get past the “you’re really asking me this?” initial thought, I do the best I can to help. The only way to proceed is with humility and strict adherence to the “do no harm” principle.
Here provided in written form, what I often say is that the expense of law school is very high. It’s typically three years of your life that are more or less monopolized, and it costs a lot of money. It’s not very compelling to me if someone else is paying for you to attend, because whether you take out student loans or deliver a bill to a family member, it still costs a lot of money for you or someone close to you. Scholarships and living at home can change that calculus, but even still, you will have an income hovering near zero as a student.
Setting aside a few rare apprenticeship pathways (that seem even rarer in Maryland than where I’m licensed in Washington), law school remains the exclusive route to becoming a lawyer. So, the present question is usually better framed as “Should I become a lawyer while considering all the costs of law school?”
Having established that, this is a very easy answer for some people. The answer is for many “Yes”, and my school of thought is that if you have the ability and motivation, go. Life might get in the way later and if you want to be an attorney take the direct path from point A to point B.
For others, there are attractive job offers, as in both cases I noted above. For the senior this is the usual start working versus graduate/professional school decision. Sometimes not going to law school is called a “gap year”, which to me is akin to not calling college “the real world.” College is the “real world” and there are no “gaps” in your life, so far as I have been able to identify. Gaps might also be called “getting a job.” The purposes are more varied than that of course, such as volunteering with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, accumulating money, or teaching a language overseas. Recognize though, that if the “gap” is pulling you strongly away, you likely have further career discernment to do.
Back on point. I hope readers saw my first line as tongue in check. There is no “yes” or “no” answer any single person can deliver about your becoming an attorney. This is where the note of caution comes in. Ask lots of people this question in a serious way. Four is good but six is better. I’m, and I’m sure other lawyers, are much more comfortable answering this question for you if you synthesize it with many discussions.
I dug around some LSAC reports and found that among the 2024-25 law school applicant class around half consulted about their decision to attend law school with close family members, and a little under that with attorneys. That’s a start (Who is this half, by the way, who doesn’t talk to a family member or attorney about law school?), but I would go much further than siblings and parents. About 25% ask a current law student and the same number holds for Pre-Law advisors and law school admissions staff. I think all these numbers should be higher. Collective wisdom in the best Jesuit tradition of discernment will lead you to the answer.
Begin as early as you can with your thinking. Talk to people, watch and observe lawyers, read about the profession. Workin it if you can, through a part-time job, summer position, or an internship. A great start is to attend events sponsored by the Pre-Law Society. We’re going to the Maryland Legal Aid office this spring and are soon to announce on campus attorney speakers and other events. Attend that stuff and gather all the different perspectives you can. Starting early is better than arriving late. That way when the time comes, whether you are a senior already accepted, or years into your working life, you’ll have a repository of experiences you can draw from.
Matt Beverlin
Pre-Law Advisor
Political Science Department
By: Ifeoma Ezeani
Astrid Schmidt-King joined Loyola University Maryland in 2015 and currently serves as an Associate Teaching Professor. She teaches courses including The Global Environment of Business, International Management, Cross-Cultural Interactions in Business, Sustainability Management, International Business Law, The Legal Environment of Business, Commercial Law, and Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility.
Professor Schmidt-King earned her B.A. from New York University in 1999, her J.D. from University of Baltimore School of Law in 2002, her LL.M. from American University Washington College of Law in 2006, and her M.A. from Freie Universität Berlin in 2017.
During her time at Loyola, she has served as Director of the International Business (IB) program and as Academic Director of the Sellinger Scholars Program. She chaired the Building a Better World Through Business initiative from 2016–2021 and served on the Pre-Law Advisory Board from 2021–2025. She currently serves as a faculty mentor for the Loyola Consulting Group, faculty moderator for the Women in Business Club, and Sellinger representative on the University Community Engagement Steering Committee.
1. What motivated you to design a career around the intersection of global business, law, sustainability, and ethics?
I am not sure I consciously designed my career as much as I grew into it. From a young age—around fourth grade—I knew I wanted to attend law school. I was drawn to international law, only to later realize that what many people call “international law” is often more closely aligned with public policy.
I began working in immigration and refugee law because it felt deeply international—the movement of people across borders. Over time, I started to widen that lens to include not only the movement of people, but also the movement of goods, services, and capital. At the same time, I discovered how much I loved being in the classroom—serving as a professor, mentor, and co-learner alongside my students.
Bringing together international law, global trade, sustainability, and ethics happened organically. I became increasingly aware of the private sector’s potential to serve as a vehicle for positive change—something I may not have fully appreciated earlier in my career. Curiosity guided me at each stage. I did not map it out in advance; rather, I lived into each chapter, and the intersection emerged naturally.
2. What does “building a better world through business” mean to you in practice?
As a college student, I once saw business and international relations as separate worlds. I imagined pursuing policy or international affairs, while business felt like “the other.” It was only later—first as a practitioner and then as a professor in a business school—that I came to appreciate the profound intersection between the two.
At a Jesuit institution, I see business not only as an opportunity, but as a responsibility. When we consider the major actors in society—governments, nonprofits, NGOs, and the private sector—business plays a powerful and influential role.
“Building a better world through business” means preparing future leaders to recognize that they are agents of change. Profit and strong performance matter. But so do people, communities, workers, and the planet. Businesses can do well and do good simultaneously. Ultimately, it comes down to the individuals who make up organizations—their vision, values, and willingness to see business as a force for impact.
3. Based on your time on the Pre-Law Advisory Board, what do you think most students misunderstand about law school?
One common misconception arises when students base their interest in law school on a single experience. For example, a student may work at a law firm, not enjoy it, and conclude that law school is not for them.
However, the legal profession is incredibly diverse. You can work in a firm, in policy, in advocacy, in government, in unions, in nonprofits, or in academia. One particular practice area or environment does not define the entire field.
If an experience does not align with your passion, use it as data—not as a verdict. It may simply mean that a specific setting or practice area is not the right fit. Do not let one experience diminish a broader calling or curiosity about the law.
4. What habits should Pre-Law students develop now to succeed in their first year of law school?
I strongly believe in routine—with flexibility. Not rigidity, but disciplined structure. Effective time management is essential, not only to complete your work, but to do it with integrity and excellence.
Equally important is managing your time in a way that protects your well-being. Law school can feel overwhelming. There is a tremendous volume of reading and analysis, and it is easy to fall into a cycle of constant work. Establishing healthy routines now—sleep, exercise, reflection, balance—creates a foundation for long-term success.
Another critical habit is cultivating sustained focus and curiosity, even when material feels dry or challenging. It is easy to engage deeply when you enjoy the topic; it is harder when you do not. Training yourself to remain disciplined and intellectually curious—especially when it is difficult—is an investment in your development.
5. Why is legal literacy important, even for students who may not attend law school?
Legal literacy empowers people. The more you understand the laws that shape your society, the more agency you have. You can better understand where you align, where you disagree, and how you want to engage as a citizen.
Legal knowledge does not require law school to be meaningful. It helps individuals think critically about governance, rights, and responsibilities. It also allows you to identify where you might “move the needle” even incrementally—whether through advocacy, informed dialogue, or professional practice. Legal literacy strengthens communities and deepens civic engagement.
6. What ethical challenges will lawyers and business leaders most need to confront in the next decade?
Technology presents one of the most significant ethical frontiers. Artificial intelligence, data analytics, and automation are transforming both business and legal practice. Questions arise about how AI is used in drafting documents, advising clients, and making decisions. What does this mean for the attorney-client relationship? Do interactions become more transactional rather than transformational?
Additionally, increased data collection raises pressing concerns about privacy and governance.
Technology and business move rapidly, constantly anticipating what comes next. The law, by contrast, often looks backward—relying on precedent and established frameworks.
This tension can create gray areas where innovation outpaces regulation. In such spaces, ethical dilemmas are more likely to emerge. While these gray areas present opportunities, they also demand thoughtful leadership grounded in ethical reflection.
7. What advice do you give students interested in law who also want to make a global or social impact?
I often ask students to consider their Magis – their “more”—the deeper impact they hope to have. Your career may fulfill many of your aspirations, but it may not fulfill all of them simultaneously. That is okay.
You might pursue a legal career that you find intellectually and professionally rewarding, while also engaging in community service, advocacy, or global initiatives outside of your primary role. For example, before entering academia, I practiced immigration and refugee law. Today, I continue volunteer work supporting global refugee rights. This complements my academic role and enriches my sense of purpose.
Impact can occur within your career or alongside it. Be, as we say, “contemplative in action.” Reflect deeply, then act intentionally. Use what you learn—intellectually and professionally—to contribute meaningfully to your community and the broader world.
By: Sophia Capone
Dr. Nathan Davis is a professor in the Political Science Department who specializes in political theory. Through his teaching, he helps students explore foundational ideas about government, justice, and the role of law in shaping society. His work encourages students to think critically about how political thought influences legal systems, public policy, and the way societies define rights and responsibilities. Understanding political theory provides valuable insight into the philosophical foundations that shape the legal profession and the decisions made within it. Read the interview below to learn more about Dr. Davis’s work and to see how political theory connects to the study and practice of law.
1. How does political science theory help us understand why laws are created and how they function in society?
That’s a big question. One way I think about it is that political theory helps us understand law and legal systems within their broader political context. For example, something I’m teaching right now looks at how Aristotle understood the idea of a constitution. Today, we often think of a constitution as simply a written collection of laws, but Aristotle believed it was much more than that. He argued that a constitution also includes how government offices are structured and how they relate to one another, as well as the characteristics of the people who hold power. In his view, the ruling group’s understanding of justice helps shape the character of a political system. I think political theory helps us see that law is shaped by political communities, but it also shapes those communities in return.
2. How do political theories explain public trust, or distrust, in legal institutions?
I tend to think about this through my own research. It’s common to assume that high public trust means a constitutional system is healthy, while low trust suggests something is wrong. Political theory encourages us to think about this in a more nuanced way. For example, Montesquieu’s work on separation of powers shows how systems of checks and balances intentionally create competition between branches of government. He believed this kind of system naturally produces a degree of skepticism, both within government institutions and among the public. From his perspective, a certain level of skepticism can actually be healthy because it helps hold the government accountable. Political theory helps us recognize the importance of trust, while also understanding the role that thoughtful skepticism can play in maintaining strong legal institutions.
3. How has your own research or teaching shaped how you personally view law and legal institutions?
Much of my research focuses on the history and development of legal systems, as well as the thinkers who studied them. One thing this work has taught me is how difficult it is to build constitutional systems that function even reasonably well. Because of that, I’ve developed a sense of appreciation for legal systems as significant achievements, even when they are imperfect. At the same time, political theory has also encouraged me to approach law with a critical mindset. By critical, I don’t mean simply pointing out flaws, but rather evaluating whether laws are designed effectively and whether they are just. Political theory has ultimately led me to see law through a balance of appreciation for what legal systems accomplish and thoughtful evaluation of how they can improve.
4. What skills from studying political theory translate well into legal careers?
Political theory develops important skills that are highly relevant to legal careers. It strengthens analytical reasoning, careful interpretation of arguments, and the ability to construct and evaluate arguments independently. These are all essential parts of legal work. Beyond technical skills, political theory also helps students engage deeply with political language and concepts. It encourages reflection on ideas like representation, justice, legislation, and rights, which are central to legal practice. On a broader level, political theory constantly asks questions about fairness, justice, and what is right. While this may not always feel like a technical skill, I think it is an essential part of preparing for a legal career and something that anyone pursuing law should take time to reflect on.
2026 Discover Law Undergraduate Scholars Program
Recognizing that there is a shortage of historically underrepresented students entering the field of law, the School of Law created the Discover Law Program to provide an immersive experience for undergraduates interested in pursuing a career in law, expose students to critical thinking and help them develop reading and analytical skills, and provide an in-depth and thorough experience in a four-week residential summer program.
This award-winning intensive summer program, now in its 13th year, has given hundreds of bright young scholars a taste of law school life and opened their imaginations to careers in law. For these promising future lawyers, the experience is already paying off.
Learn more about the program HERE.
Participants will receive a monetary stipend to offset expenses.
The Discover Law application deadline is Friday, March 13, 2026.
Through the generosity of campus and community partners, the Discover Law program is at no cost to participants. Preference is given to:
- Academically promising historically underserved and first-generation college students
- Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and above
Favorable consideration will be given to students who can demonstrate a record of academic achievement in spite of economic challenges, social or cultural disadvantages, linguistic barriers, extraordinary family circumstances, or personal responsibilities.
Students must submit a completed application package, which will include:
- Background information,
- A personal statement of their interest in the Discover Law Undergraduate Scholars Program,
- An official transcript,
- One letter of recommendation (up to 3 letters accepted, only one is required)
- A resume.
- OPTIONAL: Adversity statement
Discover Law is intended for undergraduate students who have completed first year (freshman), sophomore, or junior year, but who will not begin their senior year prior to the end of the program.
Program dates: Saturday, May 30 through Friday, June 26, 2026. Participants will receive a monetary stipend to offset expenses.
For more information, please visit the Discover Law website:
https://law.buffalo.edu/discover-law.
CLEO 2026 Pre-Law Summer Institute Program Application Deadline April 1st
The Council on Legal Education Opportunity, Inc. (CLEO) is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Pre-Law Summer Institute (PLSI)—our premier six-week Summer 1L preparation program designed to expand access to the legal profession.
For over 57 years, CLEO has supported aspiring law students who demonstrate determination, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to pursuing a legal education. Many students with marginal LSAT scores and GPAs would not gain admission to law school without CLEO’s guidance and the academic foundation provided by PLSI. While participants must meet established academic requirements, CLEO thoughtfully considers the challenges students have overcome on their path toward attending law school.
Program Format & Host Institution
PLSI 2026 will begin with a three-week virtual introduction to law school, followed by an immersive on-campus experience hosted by Penn State Dickinson Law in Pennsylvania. This structure provides early academic acclimation and a rigorous simulation of the first-year law school environment.
Key Program Details
- Application Deadline: April 1, 2026
- Rolling Admission: Final selections made by April 15, 2026
- Program Cost: $2,500 for in-person participation (non-refundable)
- Application Fee: $30 (non-refundable)
- Enrollment: Limited to 40 students
- Deposit: $200 due within two weeks of acceptance (non-refundable)
- PLSI Dates: Tuesday, May 26 - Thursday, July 2, 2026
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution prior to the start of the program (2026 graduating seniors planning to begin law school in Fall 2026 are eligible).
- Obtain LSAT scores and a CAS subscription via the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). When applying, students must select #5096 – Council on Legal Education Opportunity, Inc.
- Submit an online application by April 1, 2026, including a typed, double-spaced personal statement.
We invite you to share this opportunity with your students who have demonstrated academic promise, leadership potential, and a strong desire to enter the legal profession. PLSI offers a transformative experience that strengthens the pipeline of capable future attorneys.
For full program information, please visit CLEO’s website here: https://cleoinc.org/plsi/
Thank you for your continued partnership in helping students prepare for successful legal careers.
Sincerely,
Bernetta Hayes
Pre-Law Summer Institute Consultant
Council on Legal Education Opportunity, Inc. (CLEO)
BHayes@cleoinc.org
