Those who study law and legal issues find themselves in a unique position to help people, groups, organizations, and companies with their legal challenges as well as find solutions to complex problems. Students of legal studies acquire practical skills and learn how to prepare legal documents and conduct legal research and develop legal analytical skills through the study of legal concepts such as the rule of law, justice and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
Why Study Law and Legal Studies (Pre-Law) at CHC?
The Law and Legal Studies (Pre-Law) major at Chestnut Hill College is a unique, multidisciplinary program designed to prepare students for several legal support roles becoming increasingly popular in the legal field, including advocacy and e-discovery/litigation support. This program is for people intent on changing the world who want a legal foundation from which to operate.
The Law and Legal Studies (Pre-Law) major is designed to prepare students for careers in a variety of fields requiring knowledge of law, legal process, and existing technology. The degree also aims to teach students how to use the law as a powerful tool to serve others. While the major supports traditional pre-law and law enforcement career paths, it also responds the demand by law firms and industry for new kinds of legal professionals in fields such as public policy, regulatory compliance, trial consultancy, mediation, paralegal support, e-discovery, digital forensics, litigation support, etc.
The Law and Legal Studies (Pre-Law) major includes standard core general education requirements which serve to develop critical thinking skills and interdisciplinary awareness—both of which are essential for today's legal professional. The program also incorporates options from three related majors: Political Science, Criminal Justice and Digital Forensics, offering students pathways to current career fields in the law.
Getting hands-on training in the legal field helps students chart their future—all while helping those in need. Students can participate in a number of experiential learning activities while majoring in Law & Legal Studies (Pre-Law). Additionally, each year, a theme related to current events will bring special courses to the Law and Legal Studies (Pre-Law) program.
The major is suitable for those who want to go on to law school as well as those who wish to enter a legal career upon graduation.
Paralegal Option:
The Law and Legal Studies (Pre-Law) major also offers a paralegal track for those interested in exploring that career option. Paralegals cannot provide legal advice and must work under attorney supervision.
This program offers:
- Major: Law and Legal Studies (Pre-Law)
- Concentrations: Civil Law and Government, Criminal Law, e-Discovery/Digital Forensics
- Minor: Legal Studies
Career Outlook
Legal careers are expected to continue to grow in the foreseeable future. The United States Department of Labor reports that paralegals are expected to grow by 12% in the next ten years and opportunities for lawyers will grow 9%. In addition to traditional careers as paralegals and lawyers, law and legal studies majors are prepared to take on an array of positions including advocacy roles, claims adjuster positions, human resource roles and any field where legal knowledge is helpful
Contact info
If you are interested in becoming a Law and Legal Studies (Pre-Law) major at Chestnut Hill College, please email the Education, Advocacy and Social Justice Center at EASJ@chc.edu
