WKU News

The Pre-Law Student Association, in collaboration with the Department of Political Science, hosted a Leaders in Law networking event on Thursday, September 26th, providing students with the opportunity to connect with local legal professionals through an open round-table discussion. This format allowed students to ask the attending professionals any pressing questions and gain insights from individuals actively working in the field they are pursuing. Former Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice John D. Minton Jr. was also in attendance, offering his perspective on pursuing a career in law.

Julie Shadoan, a Professor in the Department of Political Science and the Program Coordinator for Professional Legal Studies, discussed the decision-making process behind the event's structure and explained why they ultimately chose a round-table format. “It was very organic. We didn’t prepare any presentations or speeches because we wanted the students to drive the conversation,” Shadoan said. “We considered several formats for the event but decided on a round table because it allowed students to interact with almost everyone there on a one-on-one basis and ask the questions that mattered most to them."

Senior Sam Dorris, President of the Pre-Law Student Association, shared his thoughts on the event. "It was an opportunity for pre-law students to network with local attorneys and ask questions about their experiences in the field and the types of law they practice," said Dorris. "We had senior attorneys as well as paralegals present, so even those not necessarily interested in becoming attorneys could still speak with someone in the legal field. It really highlighted the different career options available after college."

This event offered students more than just advice; it also supplied opportunities to explore potential part-time jobs and internships with firms represented by the attending legal professionals. "Before I went back to law school, it was important for me to see the actual practice as opposed to just reading about it," said Shadoan. She emphasized the importance of mentorships for pre-law students, explaining that many are grappling with whether a legal career is the right path for them. "We try to provide students with all the information we can because there are so many things you can do with a legal studies or law degree." Shadoan added.

The Pre-Law Student Association hosts various events throughout the semester, including the Leaders in Law Reception and other service events. “We are geared towards service. We do a lot of outreach, such as visiting the Housing Authority to give presentations on labor law, tenant law, and family law to people living in low-income housing,” said Dorris. “This coming weekend, we’ll also have a table at the Pride Festival in Bowling Green, where we’ll host a name-change clinic with legal supervision, providing information on how to legally change your name.”

The Pre-Law Student Association is one of the largest registered student organizations (RSOs) on WKU’s campus. Meetings are held every other Thursday in Cherry Hall 320 at 5 PM. To stay updated on their upcoming events, follow them on Instagram at @wkuprelaw. For more information, please contact their Faculty Advisor, Julie Shadoan, at julie.shadoan@wku.edu.