Wanted: Alumni Legal Eagles

Recently, undergraduate access to legal preparation has grown exponentially. UConn students compete in regional competitions in both mock trial and moot court, and participate in a variety of undergraduate student groups focusing on legal issues such as Law Society and Lawyers Without Borders. Yet while many students are gaining valuable out-of-class experience, they are often still unsure about the pathways open to them after graduation.

The UConn Pre-Law Center is a resource for all UConn students and alumni who have an interest in legal professions. Dr. Edward F. Kammerer Jr., JD, Ph.D., a former public defender with a doctoral degree in public policy, leads workshops, events, and advising at the Pre-Law Center. He helps students decide if law school is the right step and guides them through the process of preparing the strongest applications possible.

The Pre-Law Center is eager for alumni with legal careers to reconnect and to provide greater dimension to students’ understanding of what is possible after graduation. Dr. Kammerer encourages alumni to get involved, “My role is to provide information,” he says. “Alumni put that information into real-world context.” The first step in getting involved is to share your stories through the Alumni Spotlight. Profiles are featured on the Pre-Law Center website ([email protected]) and in the newsletter.

Alumni are also invited to return to campus to speak at events such as “Lunch with Lawyers” or at a student organization meeting. “Bringing speakers to campus, especially those who share a UConn experience with our students, helps them explore their options after graduation and how they can use their UConn degree to best achieve their professional goals,” says Dr. Kammerer.

Networking is another great way alumni can help students. Join the UConn Pre-Law Center LinkedIn group or contact the Pre-Law Center directly to explore mentorship opportunities. To learn more about the UConn Pre-Law Center, visit prelaw.uconn.edu to get started.