Student Experiences

The Pre-Law Society student organization provides both academic and educational resources for students interested in going to law school. The Pre-Law Society annually sponsors guest speakers from the legal profession; takes students to the Atlanta LSAC Forum and NC Diversity Law Day; organizes bi-annual trips to attend hearings at the South Carolina Supreme Court or The Supreme Court of the United States; schedules LSAT practice tests; hosts mock law courses and law alumni events; and offers informational programs built around pre-law career opportunities and the discussion of contemporary legal issues. Pre-Law Society also hosts a Law Day celebration each year to recognize and celebrate the rising 1L class.

Students wishing to join the Pre-Law Society should email the Pre-Law Advisor, Maya Russell, at maya.russell@furman.edu.

Since its inception in the fall of 1995, the Paladin mock trial team has enjoyed a storied history. Furman mockers have made 21 appearances at the national championships. In 18 of those championship tournaments, Furman teams earned top-ten placements in their division, narrowly missing the national championship trial in 2002. Many of its alums have gone on to distinguished careers in the law. The program has a proud tradition of being highly competitive and doing so in an ethical and professional manner.

For more information, contact Dr. Glen Halva-Neubauer in the Department of Politics and International Affairs at glen.halva-neubauer@furman.edu.

The Furman Advantage guarantees students an unparalleled education that combines classroom learning with real-world experiences and self-discovery. One of its goals is to prepare students for lives of purpose and accelerated career and community impact. Internships are key immersive experiences that Furman students have outside of the classroom that allows them to apply what they learn in the classroom as well as get hands-on experience in a career.

Furman offers exceptional opportunities for students to test-run career options. One way is through Greenville’s Medical Legal Partnership (MLP). The MLP connects Furman, Prisma Health Upstate and South Carolina Legal Services (SCLS) in work aimed at improving health for Upstate residents. Furman is the only undergraduate institution in the nation to serve as an MLP partner. Students will be assisted in locating an internship that helps them investigate their interests. For example, Furman students have completed legal internships at the US Attorney’s Office, US Probation Office, South Carolina Legal Services, Prisma Health General Counsel’s Office, Thirteenth Circuit Public Defender’s Office, with Charleston Legal Access, at state and federal courts, and with law firms big and small.

Students should meet with the Internship Office and the Pre-Law Advisor to discuss legal internship options.