Undergraduate Pre-Law Program
Have you always wondered what it takes to be a lawyer? Or maybe you’re fascinated by how the legal system works? Perhaps you just want to get a sense of what it’s like to attend law school? Whatever the reason, the Wake Forest Law Undergraduate Pre-Law Program is a great way to gain a realistic understanding of the law, the legal profession, and life as a law student.
Curriculum
The Program consists of two courses taught at the Law School and qualifies for undergraduate course credit. Students may enroll in either course independently. However, the classes are designed to be taught simultaneously so students will receive maximum benefit.
Developed in consultation with Wake Forest College’s nationally ranked Communication Department, Advocacy, Debate, and the Law focuses on applied communication theory, with a special emphasis on the demands of legal communication. Participate and receive critique in interactive exercises such as political speeches, debate, trial practice, and moot court arguments.
Experience what law school is like and learn what lawyers actually do, whether trying a case or drafting legal documents. The course simulates the first year of law school, emphasizing case analysis and the Socratic Method of teaching. It focuses on learning legal analysis and how various theories of rhetoric advance legal arguments.
*You may enroll in either course independently, but the classes are taught in a coordinated fashion so you will receive maximum benefit from enrolling in both courses simultaneously.
Faculty
Courses are taught by Wake Forest Law Professors Wilson Parker and Chris Coughlin, and Department of Communication Professors Jarrod Atchison and John Llewellyn.
Get Started
- Registration for the 2024 Program is closed. Please check back for information regarding Summer 2025.
- If you have questions, contact Bryan Ellrod at ellrodb@wfu.edu
The Pre-Law Program at Wake Forest provided me with more clarity about my professional goals and allowed me to build a wider network of professional contacts in the field of law. I learned from some of the best lawyers in diverse areas of specialization, greatly improved my writing and argumentative skills, and became a confident public speaker. Thanks to the Pre-Law Program and the amazing professors and professionals who contribute their time and expertise to it, I now have a clearer understanding of what it means to pursue a legal career.
Margaret Webb
Frequently Asked Questions
- Problem Solving
- Critical Reading
- Writing and Editing
- Oral Communication and Listening
- Research
- Organization and Management
- Public Service and Promotion of Justice
- Relationship-building and Collaboration
- Background Knowledge
- Exposure to the Law
In addition to the foundational courses taught by excellent faculty members, you will:
- Have the opportunity to speak to the Wake Forest Law Assistant Dean of Admissions to learn about the law school application process
- Be able to ask questions to a panel of current law students
- Meet practicing attorneys and judges
- Take a field trip to a court and see the legal system in action
- Receive individualized feedback on your projects
The Undergraduate Pre-Law Program is open to all Wake Forest University students as well as students in good standing at another accredited undergraduate institution.
No. The Undergraduate Pre-Law Program is open to students in all undergraduate years.
No! The Undergraduate Pre-Law Program is designed to be an introduction to law. There are no prerequisites and we welcome students with a variety of majors and interests.
The Undergraduate Pre-Law Program is entirely in person.
- $950 per credit hour
- $600 program fee per course
- Total per course – $3,450
- Total for program – $6,900
Registration for the 2024 Undergraduate Pre-Law Program closed on May 31, 2024. Please check back for information regarding the 2025 Undergraduate Pre-Law Program.