As of last week, Saint Louis University students interested in law have a new option, in regard to programs of study within the greater Pre-Law program. Aside from the three certificate programs that are already available to students, the Pre-Law program has added a Legal Studies Certificate to its offered programs.

The Legal Studies Certificate is being implemented with the intention of providing opportunities for students to “develop intellectually and to be exposed to legal principles, reasoning methods and experiences,” and to “teach students how to think critically with regard to legal issues,” Pre-Law Program Director Janet O’Hallaron said. In addition, the certificate was created to provide students interested in law with a more generalized program of study of law, whereas the other certificate programs are focused on more specific types of law.

Traditionally, the coursework that students encountered in the legal studies certificate program was offered primarily to students within the Pre-Law Scholars program. The new legal studies certificate, however, is open to undergraduate pre-law students who are not part of the Pre-Law Scholars program, as well as students who are.

The Certificate is a 24-credit-hour program of study that students can work toward along with their major and is intended more for freshmen and sophomores than upperclassmen who are close to finishing their studies. Although the certificate is offered by the Pre-Law Program, students who choose to earn the certificate will be working in conjunction with the law school, as well as the school which their major is a part of.

Students who choose to earn the Legal Studies Certificate will be required to take classes in accounting and economics in addition to the expected classes in law and mock trial. Coupled with a student’s major, the course of study for the Legal Studies Certificate has the potential to be overwhelming. However, “some of these classes are a bit intense, but for a student interested in law they’re great experience,” O’Halloran said.

The Legal Studies Certificate will introduce students to the various aspects of the legal system, as well as the various types of law and legal practice.

This makes the certificate a beneficial addition to the course of study for any students considering law school or a career in law, as well as for those students who are interested in law but are not yet certain if they would like to pursue it further.

“It sounds like a good option for those who aren’t totally committed to the idea of being an actual attorney, but still want to contribute significantly to the legal profession,” said sophomore pre-law student Michelle Roth.