Exploring Law School Options: Charleston

By Jessica Cuevas

On our final day in Charleston, we had a special treat in store: a tour of the Charleston School of Law. One of the advantages of SHSU as a “law-school feeder,” is that we have an active pre-law society, engage in many activities relevant to the law, and we have opportunities to visit and explore law schools.

Charleston School of Law

On this trip, we were set to visit the Charleston School of Law, a visit that included a meeting with the Director of Admissions, visiting with law-school students, and sitting in on a class.

So, while Ingrid and Morgan did various tours of Charles, Olivia, Michelle, and I met with Marisa Banke, who graciously organized our tour, and Michael Banks, Director of Admissions, on the second floor of the building. Mr. Banks covered all bases of our general questions, including an overview of Charleston’s School of Law, its application process, and what they look for in a personal statement and financial aid.   We then met with a 2L student and a 3L student, the latter of whom is studying for her Bar exam, to show us around the school.

Although it is quite small, it consists of everything a Law School student might need: a library and plenty of study areas. The tour was unique in that it was Olivia and Michelle’s first law school visit, which allowed them to build a point of reference for potential schools they may be interested in including Charleston School of Law.

The Law School Journey

One important thing to know for pre-law students: most schools follow the same admissions processes. Almost all law schools are going to look at your LSAT score, GPA, personal statements, letters of recommendation, resume, as well as volunteer service and organizations. Of these factors, LSAT and GPA are, by far, the most important.

Different law schools do have somewhat different clinics, programs, or specialties. And law schools have different cultures. A visit allows you to experience those factors that do differ and help to see if you “fit in,” while also experiencing the city in which you might be living.

As a senior, I have visited and toured three law schools: Belmont College of Law, Chicago Kent College of Law, and Charleston School of Law. In fact, with the Chicago Kent College of Law, I was able to do their PLUS program and really learn a lot about the process.

If you are interested in law school at SHSU, I recommend you meet with either Professor Mike Yawn or Ms. Jean Loveall, enroll in the Pre-Law Society, and take the Mock LSAT as early as possible. Once those things are done, you will have the opportunity to hear more from law school representatives through the Pre-Law Society and, we hope, visit your own preferred law schools!