Career Pathways in Law
The Pre-Law Advising office provides students with an opportunity to hear from seasoned legal professionals through its “Legal Career Paths” speaker series. Students also have the chance to connect with Occidental alumni currently attending law school via the “Pathways to Practice” alumni panels. Through these events, Oxy students have engaged with attorneys dedicated to advancing climate justice, environmental protection, artists’ rights, children’s rights, civil rights, and who work for:
- Big Law
- State Government
- Federal Public Defender
- Assistant United States Attorney
- Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
- Los Angeles Superior Court
- Public Interest Law Firms
- Legal Aid Organizations
- Boutique Entertainment Law Firms
- Non-for-profit Organizations
- Universities
- High-level Policy Making Bodies
- Philanthropy
Getting Pre-Law Advising at Occidental
The Pre-Law Advising office offers individualized support for current Occidental students and recent alumni interested in pursuing a legal profession. Interested students and alumni can schedule appointments with Pre-Law Advisor Marisol León, a full-time practicing civil rights attorney and visiting assistant professor with the Critical Theory and Social Justice Department.
Professor León guides students and alumni throughout their law school application journey. From developing a list of appropriate target law schools, to crafting a compelling personal statement, to strategically selecting recommendation letters, Professor León meets with students and reviews their drafts, provides them with feedback, and keeps them abreast of requirements and deadlines.
In addition to personalized counseling sessions, the Pre-Law Advising office offers “Demystifying Applying to Law School” workshops, LSAT workshops, and hosts law schools on campus. These opportunities foster a deeper understanding of law school and the legal landscape. Email Professor León at mleon@oxy.edu to join the Pre-Law mailing list and receive notifications of upcoming events and workshops.
Schedule an advising appointment
Preparing for law school
Resources
Exclusive Pre-Professional Opportunities
Occidental’s Pre‑Law Advising offers students partnerships and structured programs that deepen legal readiness and professional growth. Students receive tailored support through faculty-guided curricula and access to competitive fellowships—complete with advising on internships, leadership development, and research opportunities. Courses like “Lawyering for Social Justice” or CTSJ’s “Social Justice Practicum” connect Occidental students with real-world internships and experiential learning environments, building hands-on experience in legal and policy settings.
Recommended Courses
There’s no required pre-law curriculum at Occidental, but many students find certain courses especially valuable in developing the core competencies valued by law schools—such as sharp analytical thinking, compelling written communication, and confident speaking abilities.
Explore Course Recommendations
Student and Alumni Outcomes
Occidental graduates have gone on to attend prestigious law schools across the country, including top-tier programs at UCLA, UC Berkeley, Yale, Columbia, and Stanford Law School. Our alumni are thriving in diverse legal careers, working in areas such as corporate law, public interest law, immigration advocacy, and domestic violence support. This success reflects the strong preparation and mentorship Occidental provides to help students pursue meaningful and impactful roles in the legal profession. The top five law schools Occidental students attend are:
- UCLA
- UCSF
- UC Davis
- UC Berkeley
- USC