It’s no secret that the 2020 COVID pandemic put immense pressure on Drew and its students, abruptly forcing both to an online-only curriculum for a few years. While all aspects of school life were hit hard, many clubs vanished in the interim, partly due to students graduating and current students still coping with the effects of the pandemic. Yet, that does not spell the end for most clubs. Within the shadow of the all-too-familiar epidemic, Drew’s Pre-Law Society is one club rising from the ashes to live again.
Drew’s Pre-Law Society is a club that has been restarted this year to encourage students that are interested in law to come together. The club is all about allowing students to explore their interests in the field of law.
When asked who would benefit from joining, Gwen DeBenedetto, Drew’s Pre-Law advisor, said, “Anyone interested in exploring the field of law and figuring out if law is the right path for them. Knowing what you like is great, but equally important is knowing what you don’t like.”
An important aspect to note is that there is no set path for students pursuing a career in law. While the American Bar Association encourages students to pursue degrees in history, English, political science or business, there is no field of study required to be accepted into law school.
While this leniency allows students from all backgrounds and interests to pursue a career in law, it can be daunting for those wanting to attend law school to formulate a plan. The Pre-Law Society addresses this concern by helping students prepare for law school at Drew.
“Law school admissions look at students’ undergraduate GPAs, so students should get a degree in subjects that they excel in,” said DeBenedetto. “LSAT and GRE scores play a key role in JD admissions. Students should plan their test dates accordingly while making time to learn and study for these tests.”
The society also gives students who may be apprehensive about exploring law the opportunity to try without going into debt by going to law school.
Drew’s Pre-Law Society’s purpose is more than helping students pursue law; the club will also contribute to Drew’s campus at large.
“The Pre-Law Society can build a sense of community by offering students the ability to foster relationships and a support network that students can lean on in their journey of pursuing law,” said DeBenedetto. “The Pre-Law Society will help students with guidance and workshops, educational events, networking and advocacy.” Indeed, Drew’s Pre-Law Society is planning on hosting alumni speakers and workshops assisting with the LSAT to help students with their journey in law.
Outside of the up-and-coming club, students may be interested in looking into the Law, Justice and Society minor that is offered here at Drew. Students learn different applications of law and a holistic view of law within the context of society. Some courses offered for this minor include Business Law, Philosophy of Law and Global Discourse on Human Rights. These classes, along with others, allow students to learn more about law at Drew.
Wherever students are in their journey in law, joining Drew’s Pre-Law Society provides students with a host of resources to help them on their path.Whether students are slightly interested in law, fully committed to going to law school or looking for information about going into the law field, Drew’s Pre-Law Society can help.
DeBenedetto expressed her enthusiasm by saying, “There hasn’t been an active Pre-Law Society on campus since before COVID, so going forward, the Pre-Law Society will be what its members make of it. All things are possible. Come with your creativity and your energy, and let’s build something together.”
Dominique Cobb is a junior majoring in marketing and minoring in history and law, justice and society.
