PRE-LAW PROGRAM
PRE-LAW CHART Washington & Jefferson College Pre-Law Chart Faculty Committee on the Legal Profession Chair: Pre-Law Director Secretary: Assistant Pre-Law Advisor President, Dean & Faculty Monthly Reports Local Bar Association Program Committee Membership Includes: Pre-Law Director Assistant Pre-Law Advisor Pre-Law Director Assistant Pre-Law Advisor Pre-Law Alumni Advisory Committee Chair Distinguished Lawyer or Judge Membership Includes: Pre-Law Director and Assistant Pre-Law Advisor and Alumni Director Law School Contacts Local, Regional & National Law Firm Contacts Resources: Other Pre-Law Advisors, NAPLA & LSAC Liaison to Courts (local lawyer) Assists with Internships & Legal Programs Alumni Representative Retired Lawyer or Judge Assists with Internships, Employment and Pre-Law Program
PRE-LAW ADVISORS Dr. Buba Misawa Assistant Pre-Law Advisor Dr. Joseph DiSarro Pre-Law Advisor Director of Pre-Law Program
PRE-LAW COMMITTEE Dr. Joseph DiSarro, Chair, Political Science Dr. Annette Drew-Bear, English Dr. Colleen Hyden, Sociology Dr. Robert East, Environmental Studies Dr. Hanna Kim, Philosophy Dr. Buba Misawa, Secretary, Political Science Dr. Yongsheng Wang, Economics/Business
ALUMNI PRE-LAW ADVISORY COMMITTEE Andrew Aloe, Esq. 76 Frank C. Botta, Esq. 81, Director W&J CLE Program A. Bradley Collins, 98 Jeffrey J. Conn, Esq. 81 Richard D. Gilard, Esq. 52 Brian S. Green, Esq. 97 Charles W. Hergenroeder, Esq. 69 (Chair) Robert Johnson 66 Lynn Arko Kelley Esq. 77 Christine Kornosky Esq. 77 Alexander H. Lindsay, Jr., Esq. 68 James A. Lynn, Esq. 59 Mark Rush, Esq. 84 Hon. Fredrick Sharer 60 Robert H. Shoop, Esq. 60 Robert H. Stevenson, Esq., 64 Hon. William Thomas 91 Hon. Christina Ward 79 Patricia L. Wozniak, Esq., 82 Dianne S. Wainwright, Esq. 86 Joseph DiSarro, Professor/Pre- Law Director Buba Misawa, Assistant Pre-Law Advisor
SUGGESTED COURSES Advanced Composition American Government American Literature Argumentation and Debate Business Law Information Technology Entrepreneurship Ethics Formal Logic History of the United States International Law Marketing Principles of Accounting I & II Principles of Economics Psychology Supreme Court and the Bill of Rights
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Maintain a minimum G.P.A. of 3.2. 2. Attend meetings and lectures sponsored by the Pre-Law Society. 3. Plan to take the practice LSAT in April of your junior year. 4. Plan to take the LSAT in October of your senior year. 5. Apply to a minimum of five law schools. 6. Visit law schools. 7. Participate in college activities. 8. Meet with the Pre-Law Advisor on a regular basis. 9. For fastest processing, submit your applications electronically. 10. Include a personal statement and a resume with all applications. 11. Submit letters of recommendation through the Law School Assembly Service (LSDAS)
INFORMATION ON THE WEB www.lawpreview.com www.lawcornell.edu www.supremecourtus.gov www.abanet.org/ www.lsat.com/(lsat-online Prep course) www.lsac.org
PLACEMENT RECORD ACCEPTANCES From 1998 2011: W&J students have been accepted at an acceptance rate of approximately 90% as compared to a National acceptance rate of 67%. Applicants Year Students Accepted Year 1998 36 33 1999 24 22 2000 51 48 2001 39 35 2002 34 31 2003 37 33 2004 29 24 2005 29 26 2006 27 23 2007 34 31 2008 40 36 2009 41 36 2010 43 40 2011 45 40 Total 509 458 Mean 36.4 32.7
LEGAL EMPLOYMENT MARKET The Entry Level Legal Employment Market Employment Rate Nine Months after Graduation Class of 2011: 85.6% Class of 2010: 87.6% Class of 2009: 88.3% Class of 2007: 91.9% Hiring and Management Trends In Demand Practice Areas and Positions General business/commercial law in commercial transactions associated with renewed business activity. Litigation Lawyers who can guide clients through complex matters related to corporate and commercial litigation, insurance defense, labor and employment, class actions, and individual lawsuits are in strong demand. Paralegals and legal secretaries who can support e-discovery and other litigation-related initiatives also are being hired. Healthcare Regulatory issues and impending healthcare reforms are keeping demand steady for lawyers and paralegals with specialized experience in the healthcare field. Intellectual property The need to protect intellectual property is critical for businesses where growth is tied to breakthroughs in science, information technology and biotechnology. Innovation in these areas has kept demand high for lawyers and paralegals who can help companies secure patents, enforce trademarks and safeguard proprietary knowledge. Bankruptcy/foreclosure Law firms continue to add lawyers and paralegals to serve lenders, investors, businesses and homeowners caught up in the national wave of bankruptcies and foreclosures
SALARIES FOR LEGAL PROFESSIONALS IN THE UNITED STATES
LAW SCHOOLS The quality and geographical distribution of law schools gives the Pre-Law Program a National Reputation. From 1996-2009 W&J students have been accepted at over 100 law schools in 31 states and the District of Columbia. Law schools accepting W&J students in the last 12 years (Multiple Acceptances) Akron, University of Alabama, University of Albany School of Law American University Arizona State Arizona, University of Ave Maria University Baltimore, University of Boston College Boston University Baylor University California-Davis, University of California, University of Southern California Western School of Law Capital University Case Western Reserve University Catholic University Chicago Kent University Cincinnati, University of Cleveland Marshall School of Law Connecticut, University of Cornell University Dayton, University Denver, University of DePaul University College of Law Denver University Duke University
LAW SCHOOLS Duquesne University Emory University Florida, University of Fordham University Franklin Pierce School of Law George Mason University George Washington University Georgetown University Georgia, University of Golden Gate University Hofstra University Houston, University of Illinois, University of Indiana University Kentucky, University of Louisville, University of Loyola of Chicago Loyola of New Orleans Maine University Maryland, University of Michigan State University Miami, University of Minnesota, University of Nebraska, University of New England School of Law New York Law School New York University School of Law North Carolina, University of
LAW SCHOOLS Northern Illinois University Northwestern University Notre Dame, University of Nova Southeastern University Ohio Northern University Ohio State University Pace University Penn-State Dickinson Pennsylvania, University of Pittsburgh, University of Quinnipiac University Richmond, University of Roger Williams School of Law Rutgers University San Diego, University of Santa Clara University Seattle University Seton Hall University School of Law South Texas School of Law Southern Methodist University Southwestern University at Los Angeles St. John s University St. Louis University St. Mary s School of Law St. Thomas University
LAW SCHOOLS State University of New York- Buffalo Stetson University Suffolk University Syracuse University Temple University Tennessee, University of Texas, University of Texas Tech University Texas Wesleyan Thomas Cooley School of Law Toledo, University of Touro University Valparaiso University Vanderbilt University Vermont School of Law Villanova School of Law Virginia, University of Wake Forest University Washington and Lee University Wayne State University Western New England West Virginia University Widener University School of Law William Mitchell School of Law William & Mary Wisconsin, University of
W&J DISTINGUISHED LEGAL PROFESSIONALS Jeffrey J. Conn, Esq., W&J 86 J.D. University of Pittsburgh Managing Partner Thorp Reed & Armstrong, LLP Pittsburgh, PA George D. Novak II, Esq. W&J 85 J.D. University of Pittsburgh Aerospace Industries Association, Assistant Vice President of Civil Aviation Bret R. Harris, Esq., W&J 88 J.D. New York University Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer, LLP New Jersey & New York 2008 Best Lawyers in America David J. Beveridge, Esq., W&J 82 J.D. University of Texas Shearman & Sterling, LLP London, England Who s Who Capital Markets Lawyers
W&J DISTINGUISHED LEGAL PROFESSIONALS Thomas Rooney, Esq., W&J 93 J.P. University of Miami Instructor of Law U.S. Military Academy West Point Congressman 16 th District of Florida Nathan D. Chambers, Esq., W&J 79 J.D. University of Denver Chambers Dansky & Mulvahill, LLC Denver, Colorado Representative Scott A. Petri, Esq., W&J 82 J.D. Villanova University Pennsylvania House of Representatives 78 th District Craig A. Nard, Esq. W&J 87 J.D. Capital, LLM, JSD - Columbia Professor of Law & Director of Center for Law, Technology and the Arts, Case Western Reserve, Cleveland, Ohio
W&J DISTINGUISHED LEGAL PROFESSIONALS Karen L. Valihura, Esq., W&J 85 J.D. University of Pennsylvania Partner Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meaghen & Flom, LLP Wilmington Delaware Chambers USA: America s Leading Lawyers for Business 2008 Kevin Ohlson, Esq., W&J 82 J.D. University of Virginia Chief of Staff & Counselor to Eric H. Holder, Jr. U.S. Attorney General A. Michael Pratt, Esq., W&J 81 J.D. Harvard, Pepper Hamilton, LLP Philadelphia, PA Eighty-First Chancellor of Philadelphia Bar Association Mark A. Rush, Esq., W&J 84 J.D. Duquesne University Partner - Kirkpatrick, Lockhart & Gates, LLP Defense Counsel - Dr. Cyril H. Wecht
W&J DISTINGUISHED LEGAL PROFESSIONALS Representative Jesse J. White, Esq. W&J 00 J.D. Duquesne University 46 th Legislative District of Pennsylvania The Honorable William Thomas, W&J 91 J.D. Temple University Criminal Division 11 th Judicial Circuit Court Miami Dade County, Florida Melissa Hart, Esq., W&J 84 J.D. University of Pittsburgh Former Representative 4 th Congressional District of Pennsylvania Colonel Stephanie Barna, Esq., W&J 85 J.D. University of Pittsburgh, LLM Judge Advocate General School United State Army Deputy General Counsel for Operations & Personnel Deputy Staff Judge Advocate U.S. Army Special Forces Command Judge Advocate General School United State Army
W&J DISTINGUISHED LEGAL PROFESSIONALS The Honorable Christina Ward, W&J 79 J.D. University of Pittsburgh, Court of Common Pleas, Pittsburgh, PA Marquitte Starkey, Esq., W&J 89 J.D. University of Virginia General Counsel University of Denver Carla Vrsansky, Esq., W&J 82 J.D. Duquesne University Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney LLP Pittsburgh, PA The Honorable Sallie Updyke Mundy, W&J 84 J.D. University of Pittsburgh Superior Court of Pennsylvania Frank Botta, Esq., W&J 81 J.D. Temple University Eckert, Seaman & Mellott Pittsburgh, PA President - Sports, Inc.
W&J DISTINGUISHED LEGAL PROFESSIONALS Karla Johnson, Esq., W&J 06 J.D. University of Pittsburgh Reed Smith, Pittsburgh, PA Ralph A. Finizio, W&J 79 J.D. University of Pennsylvania Pepper Hamilton, LLP Pittsburgh, PA Albert Bates, Jr. Esq., W&J 83 J.D./MBA Vanderbilt Duane Morris, LLP Pittsburgh PA Brant Miller, Esq., W&J 95 University of Pittsburgh Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote, LLP Pittsburgh, PA 2006 Pennsylvania Super Lawyer Darrell R. Mounts, W&J 84 J.D. William & Mary Partner Kirkpatrick, Lockhart, Gates Washington, D.C.
W&J DISTINGUISHED LEGAL PROFESSIONALS Mary S. Brodsky, Esq., W&J 90 J.D. St. Johns University Partner - Harman & Craven, LLP New York City M. Gerald Schwartzbach, Esq. W& J 66 J.D. George Washington University Gerald Schwartzbach P.C. Mill Valley, California Defense Counsel Robert Blake (Baretta) & Dr. Hootan Roozrokh Ebony Miller, W&J 00 J.D. Washington & Lee Counsel for First Energy Cleveland, OH Michael J. Lucas, Esq. W&J 89 J.D. Duquesne University Assistant District Attorney Washington, PA
Pittsburgh s Best Lawyers
PITTSBURGH S BEST LAWYERS 2010 Albert Bates, Esq., W&J 83 J.D./M.B.A. Vanderbilt Alternative Dispute Resolution and Construction Law Duane Morris PC Pittsburgh, PA Jeffrey J. Conn, Esq., W&J 86 J.D. University of Pittsburgh Banking Law Thorp, Reed & Armstrong, Managing Partner Pittsburgh, PA Alan Torrance Esq., W&J 84 J.D. University of Pittsburgh Commercial Litigation Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote Pittsburgh, PA K. Bradley Mellor, Esq., W&J 85 J.D. Case Western University Construction Law Blumling & Gusky Pittsburgh, PA
PITTSBURGH S BEST LAWYERS 2010 Ralph A. Finzio, Esq., W&J 79 J.D. University of Pennsylvania Construction Law Pepper Hamilton Pittsburgh, PA Mark A. Rush, Esq., W&J 84 J.D. Duquesne University Criminal Defense K&L C Gates Pittsburgh, PA Robert A. Johnson, Esq., W&J 66 J.D. Harvard Employee Benefits Law/Non- Profit law Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney Pittsburgh, PA David White, Esq., W&J 82 J.D. University of Pittsburgh Medical Malpractice Burnes, White & Hickman Pittsburgh, PA
PITTSBURGH S BEST LAWYERS 2010 William D. Phillips, Esq., W&J 59 J.D. Duquesne University Medical Malpractice Phillips & Faldowski Washington, Pa Eric Pfeil, Esq., W&J 82 J.D. University of Pittsburgh Trusts & Estates Cohen & Crigsby Pittsburgh, PA Edward Wojnarski, Esq., W&J 87 J.D. University of Pittsburgh Trusts & Estates Williams, Coulson, Johnson, Lloyd, Parker & Tedesco, LLC Pittsburgh, PA Scott Leckie, Esq., W&J 73 J.D. Penn State Dickinson Workers Compensation Law Yablonski, Costello & Leckie Washington, PA
PRE-LAW PROGRAM & PI SIGMA ALPHA September 4 September 17 September 19 September 23 September 26. September 29 Last day to register for the LSAT Examination. Constitution Day Film and Discussion: "A Conversation with Justice O Connor and Justice Breyer." Dr. DiSarro, Dr. Misawa, 3:00-4:00 p.m., Yost, Burnett Center. Practice LSAT Exam and Strategy Session, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Room 201, Old Main. Interested students sign-up with Dr. DiSarro, Office "H" Old Main or email jdisarro@washjeff.edu. Walter K. Levy Lecture Accountability for War Crimes: The Fact- Finding Mission on Gaza, Human Rights Activist, Judge Richard Goldstone, 7:00 p.m., Rossin Campus Center, Allen Ballroom. LSAT Examination, Washington & Jefferson College Pre-Law Society General Membership Meeting & Introduction to Pre- Law, Dr. DiSarro & Dr. Misawa, 7:00 p.m., The Chapel, Old Main.
PRE-LAW PROGRAM & PI SIGMA ALPHA October 3 October 14 October 14 October 16 W. Edward Sell '45 Legal Issues Forum, Topic: "Ethics in Sports." Attendance Required. Panelists: Juliann Fritz-Brigham 92, Miles E. Prentice III, Esq. 64, Congressman Thomas J. Rooney, Esq. 93, Jose Luna, Cynthia Ream Phillips, Esq. 77, Frank Botta, Esq. 81 - Moderator, Lina Echeverri Translator, 8:30 a.m., Howard J. Burnett Center, Yost Auditorium (2 CLE credits awarded) Pre-Law Society Executive Committee Meeting, Café Bean, Wheeling Street, 12:00-1:30 p.m. Film & Discussion, Charlie Wilson s War, Topic: War, Terrorism and the Failure of Diplomacy. Dr. DiSarro, Dr. Misawa, Media Room, The Commons, 6:15 PM. Churchill Society Meeting: "Obama and the Afghanistan Quagmire," Dr. DiSarro, Dr. Misawa, Café Bean, Wheeling Street, 1:00 p.m. October 21 Information Session: "Study Abroad Program at Penn State Dickinson School of Law," Barbara W. Guillaume, Director of Law Admission, 11:30a.m. 12:30 p.m., Room 201, Old Main
PRE-LAW PROGRAM & PI SIGMA ALPHA October 22 October 26 October 28 Lecture, Nationalism, Constitutionalism, and the Future of the European Union, Sir David Edward Former Judge of the European Court of Justice, University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Teplitz Moot Courtroom, 6-7:00 p.m. Classic Law Film Series and Lecture: Jerry Maguire, Eddie Edwards, Esq., Burns, White & Hickton, Pittsburgh, PA, Topic Law, Agents and the World of Sports, Yost Burnett Center, W&J/Washington County Bar Association CLE Program. Courtroom Observation, The Terrell Yarbrough Case, Washington County Courthouse, Judge John DeSalle, Courtroom No. 2, 2 nd floor, 1:45 p.m., Comments and Analysis Dr. DiSarro. October 30 Information Session W&J and University of Pittsburgh School of Law 3/3 Program. Alexandra M. Linsenmeyer, Director of Admissions, University of Pittsburgh School of Law, 11:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m., Old Main 201.
PRE-LAW PROGRAM & PI SIGMA ALPHA November 4 Pre-Law Society Executive Committee Meeting, 12:00-1:00 p.m., Café Bean, Wheeling Street. November 4 November 9 November 11 December 6 Courtroom Observation The Terrell Yarbrough Case, Death Penalty Argument Mike Lucas, Esq. Assistant District Attorney, Washington County, 1:45 p.m. Courthouse, 2 nd Floor, Courtroom No. 2. Information Session: The Washington & Jefferson College and Duquesne University Law School 3/3 Program, Joseph Campion, Director of Admissions, Duquesne University Law School. 11:00-12:00 p.m., Room 201, Old Main. Information Session Open House, Duquesne University School of Law, Ballroom, Hanley Hall, Pittsburgh, PA, 5:00 p.m.. Interested students sign-up with Dr. DiSarro. LSAT Examination, Washington & Jefferson College
PRE-LAW PROGRAM & PI SIGMA ALPHA TBA TBA TBA TBA Information Session: "The Summer Program at Ohio Northern School of Law," Linda English, Associate Director of Admissions, Ohio Northern Law School, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Room 201, Old Main. Information Session: "Clinical Opportunities and the Study of Law," Anthony Castilano, Esq., Associate Director of Admissions, University of Dayton School of Law, 11:30-12:30 p.m., Room 201, Old Main. Information Session: "The Law and Government Program at Widener University School of Law," Eric M. Kniskern, Esq., Director of Admissions, 1:00 p.m., Room 209, Old Main. Information Session: Eugene J. Alpert, Ph.D., Vice President, The Washington Center for Internships. "Internships in Law, Public Policy, and The Washington D.C. Experience." Old Main Room 201 11:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. and lunch 12:30 1:30 p.m., The Commons.
PRE-LAW PROGRAM & PI SIGMA ALPHA TBA TBA TBA Courtroom observation and discussion. Stephen Toprani District Attorney, Washington County Court of Common Pleas. 11:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Office "H" Old Main or email jdisarro@washjeff.edu. Field Trip: United States Supreme Court, Washington, D.C. Interested students sign up with Dr. DiSarro, Office "H", Old Main, Pre-Law Society. Information Session & Open House: Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Pittsburgh, "Alternatives to Law School, MA, MPA, MPIA." Interested students sign up with Dr. Misawa, Sell Law Library, Old Main.
Ms. Chambers, Esq., Nathan Chambers, Esq., Dean W. E. Sell, Dr. Joseph DiSarro, Frank Botta, Esq., Dr. Buba Misawa
Dr. DiSarro and M. Gerald Schwartzbach
Dr. DiSarro and Pre-Law Students
Justice Thomas & Dr. Joseph DiSarro U.S. Supreme Court U. S. S U P R E M E C O U R T
Washington, D. C. Trip Capitol Steps W A S H I N G T O N, D. C.
Dr. Misawa & Ashleen M. Wilwohl, President, Pre-Law Society P R E - L A W S O C I E T Y
Karla Johnson, Esq. W A S H I N G T O N, D. C.
Attorney General Tom Corbett, Pre-Law Students, Dr. DiSarro A T T O R N E Y G E N E R A L T O M C O R B E T T
Pi Sigma Alpha Awards Ceremony
Jourdin Barber with Dr. Misawa and Dr. DiSarro P I S I G M A A L P H A A W A R D S C E R E M O N Y
Dr. DiSarro, Dr. Misawa and Students S E N I O R S E M I N A R
Dr. Misawa, Congresswoman Melissa Hart & Students W A S H I N G T O N, DC
Glen Bootay, Governor Ridge, Ebony Miller, Esq. G O V E R N O R R I D G E
Dr. DiSarro, Roger S. Goodell 81, NFL Commissioner, Frank Botta, Esq. 81 N F L C O M M I S S I O N E R
Nancy Nichoff Mitchell W&J 82, Arnold & Porter LLP, Washington, D.C., Dr. DiSarro
Dr. DiSarro & Pre-Law Society Meeting with Justice Sonia Sotomayer, U N I T E D S T A T E S S U P R E M E C O U R T T R I P, A P R I L 1 2, 2 0 1 1
JUDGE WILLIAM L. THOMAS 91 (MIAMI, FL CRIMINAL COURTS) KEVIN A. OHLSON 82 (FORMER CHIEF OF STAFF & COUNSELOR TO UNITED STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL ERIC HOLDER. PRESIDENT OBAMA ANNOUNCES THE APPOINTMENT OF KEVIN A. OHLSON TO UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE ARMED FORCES & WILLIAM L. THOMAS TO THE FEDERAL DISTRICT COURT (SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA) Kevin A. Ohlson 82 Judge William L. Thomas 91
ATTORNEY GENERAL ERIC HOLDER & DR. DISARRO A T T H E U N I T E D S T A T E S D E P A R T M E N T O F J U S T I C E
FOR MORE INFORMATION Pre-Law Advisor: Dr. Joseph DiSarro Department of Political Science Office: Old Main, Second Floor, Office H Phone: 724-223-6183 Email: jdisarro@washjeff.edu Assistant Pre-Law Advisor: Dr. Buba Misawa Assistant Pre-Law Advisor Office: Old Main, Second Floor Office F 724-223-6186 Email: bmisawa@washjeff.edu