Whether University of Memphis students are majoring in biology or business, some still find themselves flirting with thoughts of law school.
Those interested in testing the waters can attend The University of Memphis' Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law open house and admission's workshop on Thursday at 4:30. However, students planning to attend must register by the end of today.
Thursday's event will introduce students to the law school admission process, and provide information about tuition and careers available within the law school.
"The admissions process is very competitive, many documents are required and we only admit students once a year, so it is important to know what is needed now so documents can be timely," said Sueann McClellan, assistant dean of law admissions.
Current students will lead a panel discussion to answer questions about their personal law experiences. The student moot court will also give a demonstration of their skills.
For Rachel Leblanc, a third-year law student, her decision to attend law school after receiving her English degree was an unexpected one.
"I haven't wanted to be a lawyer since I was five years old like most people," Leblanc said. "When I attended Georgia Southern University one of my professors, who was also an attorney, taught me about first amendment rights and I found it interesting that one person could really make a difference on a large scale."
Leblanc said she chose The U of M for economical reasons and was happy with her choice after arriving here.
"The U of M law school provides a good education with good professors," Leblanc said. "We're a teaching focus school and a practical school as well, whereas a lot of other law schools are very theoretical. I wanted to come to school where I could walk out knowing how to practice law."
Other U of M students have chosen law school as a second career.
"After receiving my English and Spanish degree from Ole Miss and my masters in English I taught school for a few years," said Sarah Harrison, third year law student. "I realized there was a need for legal protection for teachers and I couldn't provide that as a teacher."Reasons for going to law school vary with each applicant, as do the majors, said McClellan.
"Some decide to attend to delay work, save the world or because they have a genuine interest in law," McClellan said. "The top three majors include political science, business and English.
For more information or to register, students can call 678-5403 or e-mail the law school at csmith@memphis.edu.
