A community that helps you build a stronger path to law school
The Schar School’s Pre-Law Learning Community combines rigorous academics, faculty mentorship, and immersive experiences to help George Mason students become stronger law school applicants.
Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors from every college, major, and campus, the Pre-Law Learning Community welcomes students from all academic disciplines. You’ll earn academic credit while connecting with legal professionals, judges, law schools, and a supportive community of peers interested in pursuing legal careers.
Why the Schar School Pre-Law Community Is Different
Every part of the program is intentionally designed to help you grow as a future law student and legal professional. You’ll deepen your understanding of the law, strengthen the skills admissions committees value, and build experiences that demonstrate your curiosity, initiative, and commitment to the field.
Academic Foundation
Develop the analytical thinking, writing, and legal reasoning skills that prepare students for law school while earning academic credit.
Professional Relationships
Connect with judges, attorneys, faculty, alumni, and law school representatives who offer perspective, mentorship, and encouragement.
A Stronger Application
Build experiences, leadership, and professional confidence that help distinguish your law school application.
Learning extends beyond the classroom through immersive experiences across Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. Students visit courts, government agencies, law schools, law firms, and public interest organizations while connecting directly with attorneys, judges, policymakers, and law school admissions professionals. Recent experiences have included the Virginia State Capitol, the U.S. Department of Justice, the D.C. Court of Appeals, and the Virginia Supreme Court, among others.
Many experiences are intentionally designed to foster conversation and mentorship, with some students even paired one-on-one with visiting speakers. These opportunities help students explore legal careers, build professional relationships, and prepare for law school.
Learn as a Cohort
The Pre-Law LC meets throughout the academic year, creating a shared learning experience that extends beyond a traditional classroom. Weekly coursework is complemented by special speakers, campus programs, networking opportunities, and field experiences that reinforce what students are learning and encourage meaningful discussion with faculty and classmates.
Fall: GOVT 301 – Public Law and the Judicial Process
Spring: GOVT 399 – Learning Community Seminar
By learning, exploring, and reflecting together, students build the academic foundation, professional skills, and confidence needed to prepare for law school.
Dinner with Leaders: Throughout the year, Pre-Law LC students are invited to exclusive dinners with prominent leaders in law, government, and public service. More than a guest lecture, these dinners provide an opportunity for meaningful conversation in a small-group setting, where students can ask questions, hear career advice, and build professional relationships. Recent speakers have included the Associate Counsel to the President at the White House and the Senior Advisor to the Speaker of the House, along with other accomplished leaders from across the legal and public policy community.
Build Your Law School Portfolio
Law schools look for more than strong grades. Throughout the program, you’ll receive guidance as you develop the experiences and materials that strengthen your application, including:
exploring legal careers
identifying meaningful internships
preparing for the LSAT
developing your résumé
writing personal statements
building professional relationships
understanding the admissions process
Every step is designed to help you make informed decisions and present your strongest application.
Hear From a Student
“Being part of the Pre-Law Learning Community has been one of my favorite college experiences. The curriculum challenged me while helping confirm my interest in a legal career. I also loved the experiences outside the classroom, especially the guest speaker dinners, field trips, and opportunities to connect with legal professionals. Through the program, I formed lasting friendships with my classmates and found an inspiring mentor in Professor Holman. I truly recommend that people join this learning community; if I could do it again, I would!”
Lucero Lozada, Pre Law LC ’26
Campus to Career
Campus to Career complements your pre-law experience by helping you translate what you’ve learned into professional opportunities.
Through career workshops, alumni networking, internship preparation, and employer engagement, you’ll continue building the experiences and skills that support both law school and future career success.
Career workshops
Alumni and employer networking
Internship support
Professional skill building
Meet the Pre-Law Learning Community Director
Attorney, professor, mentor, and policy advocate, Shea M. Holman Kilian, J.D. brings the study of law to life through meaningful relationships and real-world experiences. As director of the Pre-Law Learning Community, she works closely with students throughout the year, pairing rigorous coursework with opportunities to engage directly with judges, attorneys, policymakers, and law school leaders.
Drawing on her experience as legal counsel and a national advocate for civil rights and workplace equity, Shea helps students understand how law shapes public policy and society while preparing them for the next step toward law school. She is committed to helping every student build the skills, confidence, and professional network needed to succeed.
A graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School, Shea was recently admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States.
Emilee Duffy serves as Assistant Director of Student Engagement, overseeing the Schar School’s Learning Communities and supporting students and faculty throughout the academic year. She helps create engaging programs, foster community, and connect students with opportunities that enhance their academic and professional success.
Email Emilee at [email protected] with questions about any of the Schar School learning communities.
Discover the Schar School Advantage
The Pre-Law Learning Community is just one part of a larger pre-law ecosystem. Whether you’re considering a Schar School major, adding a Legal Studies Minor, or simply looking for law-focused electives, you’ll find academic opportunities that prepare you for law school while connecting you with faculty and classmates who share your interests.
