Law schools love Auburn

Law and justice graduate J.W. Norris ’24 knew he wanted to pursue a career in Indigenous Peoples Law. Through studying history, networking and internships, he secured admission to the University of Oklahoma and is currently pursuing his certification in American Indian Law.

Isabella Weyerman ’24 combined political science and vocal performance degrees so she could specialize in intellectual property and entertainment law at Georgetown.

“I eagerly anticipate a long, fulfilling legal career deeply rooted in the diverse set of interpersonal and concrete skills imparted to me by the College of Liberal Arts,” said Weyerman. “The support, experiences and lessons I have gained in return have truly enriched my life beyond what I ever expected.”

The Department of Political Science alone offers 24 law courses. Because of partnerships across Auburn’s campus, students can take specialized courses on more than a dozen legal fields.

Outside of the classroom, Auburn students build professional skills. The award-winning Mock Trial Team competes head-to-head with other universities in trial settings. The Pi Lambda Sigma honor society places students in law offices for internships across the country.

Kate Lakis ’24, who attends Boston College Law, further helped Auburn students stand out from the competition by co-founding the Auburn Undergraduate Law Review. Students review real Supreme Court cases and graduate ready to contribute to law schools’ reviews.

“I saw the passion that these Auburn students had for the law and the amazing things that they’re doing after graduation, and I knew that this would be the place that people would be willing to start it,” Lakis said.

Because of the mix of opportunities, dedicated faculty and outstanding academic courses, students from Auburn attend law schools across the country.

Isabella Dee ’23, the star of Auburn’s very own “Legally Blonde” story, is enrolled at Harvard Law. But it wasn’t test scores that got her the coveted Ivy League admission – it was the love of learning she cultivated at Auburn.

“Soft skills were really important to me. Your grades and all the things on your resume kind of get you in the door, but then to me, it was always drilled in my head to make sure that in all of it, you’re still being a good person and still on the right track in that way,” said Dee.

Pre-law students’ journeys do not end at law school. Auburn’s curriculum, extracurricular opportunities and real-world skill building prepares each graduate for long-term success.

Judge W. Keith Watkins ’73 still discusses his Auburn classes with judges and lawyers across the state today. From starting day one at law school to being appointed to a federal court by the president, he said his Auburn spirit carried him throughout his successful career.

“There comes a time when you have to sit down and look at yourself and say, ‘Can I do this? Yes.’ The question is, ‘Will I do this?’ And so, that attitude at Auburn, I would say it’s an excellence. I was challenged at Auburn to be excellent, even if I was playing ball, or leading some kind of a group, or whatever it was that we might be involved in, I was challenged to be excellent,” Watkins said.