Pre-Law
Welcome to the Moravian Pre-Law Program!
The Pre-Law Program supports the student who is interested in the wide variety of careers in law. There is no major or minor in the Pre-Law; our students can major in any field available at Moravian. The Pre-Law is a program that brings together students through active student clubs, alumni networks, and individualized advising.
Dr. Heikki Lempa,
Director of the Pre-Law Program
Overview
Following the recommendations of the organizations that are responsible for law school accreditation, there is no one major that is exclusively appropriate as an undergraduate course of study for law school. It is the philosophy of the Pre-Law Program at Moravian University to encourage students to take courses and a course of study that involves intensive reasoning, critical thinking, intense writing, and public speaking. We also recommend shadowing a lawyer by selecting a lawyer from the long list of Moravian law alumni. While many Pre-Law students choose majors in History, Political Science, Sociology, Economics, Philosophy, Global Religions, English, and Public Health, majors in Mathematics or Natural Sciences may also provide a good and interesting background for careers in the legal profession.
Guidelines
Without prescribing a major, Moravian University has identified certain areas of study and experiences that are particularly helpful for a student considering a career in the legal profession.
- A class in Philosophy that includes rigorous logical reasoning , such as PHIL 110: Introduction to Logic: Critical Thinking or PHIL 220: Advanced Logic: Sentential and Predicate Logic.
- Shadowing a lawyer. The College has a list over 100 Moravian alumni who are lawyers and ready to offer shadowing opportunities.
- LSAT Preparation course. Contact the Director of the Pre-Law Program, Dr. Heikki Lempa, for different opportunities.
Opportunities
- Rutgers Law School
- Widener University Delaware Law School
Moravian University has special early admission agreements with Rutgers Law School and Widener University Delaware Law School. We have a 3+3 program with both law schools. They are designed for incoming freshmen students to make them eligible to transfer to these law schools after three years at Moravian. The acceptance to the 3+3 program does not guarantee admission to the law schools but a set of additional criteria has to be met. We also have an Express or Guaranteed Admission Program with Widener for those students who fulfill all the degree requirements at Moravian and then continue at the Law School. A set of criteria has to be met to get admitted to the Widener Law School.
For more information, contact the Director of the Pre-Law Program, Dr. Heikki Lempa at lempah@moravian.edu.
Lehigh Valley Law Day
Every fall semester Moravian University hosts Lehigh Valley Law Day. This event is open to the students from LVAIC schools: Cedar Crest College, DeSales University, Lafayette College, Lehigh University, Moravian University and Muhlenberg College.
The event has a special Law School Admissions Panel followed by a Law School Fair, which includes over 20 law schools. Students can meet with law school admissions representatives seeking students interested in law school. Law school representatives meet with students, answer questions, and provide information about their own institutions, law school education, and the application process in general.
Student Organizations
Moravian Pre-Law Society
Moravian's Pre-Law Society is a very active organization on campus, focusing on LSAT preparation, building alumni relations, and providing students with engaging opportunities related to the legal field. Each year, the organization co-sponsors the Lehigh Valley Law School Fair, organizes talks and meetings with lawyers, and co-sponsors an annual meeting with Moravian Law alumni who hail from all over the country. Moravian Pre-Law Society also plans a variety of field trips, including trips to nearby law schools, prisons, and courtrooms.
For more information, please email prelawsociologyclub@moravian.edu.
Moravian's Mock Trial Team
The Mock Trial Team is a recent addition to Moravian University's expansive offering of clubs and organizations. Founded in the Spring of 2020, the team is recognized by the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) and competes at the collegiate level.
Mock Trial provides students with the opportunity to experience a simulated courtroom environment and to prepare a case for trial. The team is open to any student who wishes to participate, regardless of major.
For more information, contact the President of Moravian Mock Trial, Harley Bender at benderh@moravian.edu.
Phi Alpha Delta
Phi Alpha Delta is the largest professional law fraternity in the United States. Membership in PAD, provides students with access to a wide national alumni and student network, internship and mentorship opportunities, and discounts on LSAT preparation materials. The organization is notable for being the first to open membership to all genders, races, creeds and national origins.
Membership in PAD is transitionary from Pre-Law to Law School Chapters.
The Moravian Chapter of Phi Alpha Delta is currently a charter effort. We provide a strong community for students who are interested in the legal field. Membership in Phi Alpha Delta requires both national and local dues.
For more information, please email phialphadelta@moravian.edu.
More info
For more information, contact the Director of the Pre-Law Program, Dr. Heikki Lempa at lempah@moravian.edu