PLS – Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics

Pre-Law Society: Kicking off the Fall

We started our day off with an amazing ice cream social. We had a great turnout filled with lots of smiles and fun!

The group talked over ice cream and delicious treats about the organization and the plans we have for the upcoming school year.

The veteran officers interacted with the potential members, and it was highly informative.

Shortly after, we had the first meeting of the semester, and it was a great one to say the least. We had the opportunity to see some new and familiar faces. Professor Yawn updated the group on all that the Pre-Law Society has to offer. He spoke briefly about the events that are yet to come and the opportunities the organization will present such as, mock LSATS, guest speakers, forums, and community service, just to name a few.

Professor Yawn spoke on the upcoming dates/ activities including the LSAT registration deadline on August 25^th, the digital law school forum on September 9^th, registration for the mock LSAT, and some suggested dates for the Old Town Theatre Cleanup, Pizza Party and showing of “My Cousin Vinnie”.

The floor was opened for questions from Professor Yawn as well as Ms. Jean Loveall and VP Leslie Canchola-Rangel, and many of the potential members had a lot of questions about the LSAT, prep courses, events, membership, colleges and more.

Lastly, we ended the meeting off with an introduction of the new leadership board. The officers include incoming secretary Jase Brazzil, historian Jordan Long, VP (membership) Cesar Amaya and VP (finance) Leslie Canchola-Rangel. The election for president was a close run between Kianna McKinney…

…and Heather Barodi…

Following voting…

…Heather was victorious in the end.

Pre-Law Society: Getting into Law School

By Heather Barodi

Our second meeting of the semester was another success. With a total of 70 members (a spring record), the organization continues to grow and meet the needs of one of the University’s most diverse organizations.

The meeting began with us updating our finances, approving minutes, and discussing upcoming opportunities, including: Mock LSAT, Mock Law class, the 10th Court of Appeals, and many others.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Pre-Law Society, PLS, Legal Kats, Kattorneys, South Texas College of Law, Dean Alicia Cramer

With this preliminary work out of the way, we introduced our guest speaker, Dean Alicia Cramer, who oversees admissions for South Texas College of Law (STCL).

SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Pre-Law Society, PLS, Legal Kats, Kattorneys, South Texas College of Law, Dean Alicia Cramer

Dean Cramer wasted no time with tips to get into, not just STCL, but also other law schools in which students might be interested.

Her first point that she stressed was that doing well in our undergrad years matters a lot. Your grades, LSAT, major, grade trends, organizational leadership, and experience can all influence whether you are accepted to law school.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Pre-Law Society, PLS, Legal Kats, Kattorneys, South Texas College of Law, Dean Alicia Cramer

Dean Cramer stressed that being prepared for your LSAT and taking it once was a key strategy: poor scores, even if they are replaced by higher scores, stay on your record. She did recommend prep courses, highlighting the free Khan Academy, which she has seen benefit many students.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Pre-Law Society, PLS, Legal Kats, Kattorneys, South Texas College of Law, Dean Alicia Cramer

Dean Cramer also told us that the personal statements should stay to a 2 ½ page maximum, unless otherwise stated. She said think about it like an interview on paper, so say what is important, but do not repeat your resumes, since the schools will have it. Be concise with your statement and do not lose sight of what your topic is.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Pre-Law Society, PLS, Legal Kats, Kattorneys, South Texas College of Law, Dean Alicia Cramer

With all the new found knowledge and tips we obtained from Dean Cramer, we ended with a Q&A session just in case students had some questions on topics we had missed. More than most sessions, the students engaged and asked good questions, a sign, perhaps, of our students becoming closer and more engaged.,

Our next meeting will be March 18. We will meet in CHSS 252, where we will follow-up Dean Cramer’s presentation with a workshop on law-sch0ol selections–with us serving as the selection committees and reviewing actual resumes and letters of recommendations.