Top Pre-Law Enrichment: Tips for Teens

Summary:

Law school is an arduous journey. Practicing key study habits during high school is optimal to prepare for the future. Discover law-related extracurriculars and pre-college online courses that will also get you ahead of the curve.

Key Points:

• It makes sense to start learning about the legal profession while in high school.
• Here are essential tips to help you practice beneficial habits during high school.
• Pre-law for high school students can include extracurriculars such as debate club and mock trials.
• Prelum, Powered by Kaplan, partners with some of the nation’s best colleges and universities to bring you online law enrichment courses.

According to one source, “law school is having a moment.” Nearly 68,000 people have applied in the U.S. this year, representing a 19 percent increase over last year and a nearly 30 percent increase over the previous year. But why? In uncertain times, a career in law can feel like a stabilizer: something credentialed, respected, and full of future options. Additionally, job markets in tech and media have cooled, and the nature of entry-level positions is undergoing a shift.

But make no mistake; law school is an arduous journey. In this article, we’ll examine why it’s crucial to develop good study habits before starting college, explore extracurricular activities related to law, and introduce pre-law programs for high school students offered by some of the top universities in the country.

Tips on Building Strong Academic Skills in High School

Law school is stressful, competitive, and mentally exhausting—but it's also manageable if you go in with the right mindset and law enrichment programs. If you’re a high school student still trying to find your rhythm, here are some practical tips that can help you prepare for a future in law or any other demanding major. 

Tip: Prepare before each class

The classroom should not be the first place you hear the study material. When you read an assignment before class, you’re essentially getting a second chance at the study material. You’ll comprehend more, retain more, and be better prepared if your teacher calls on you.

Tip: Be a good listener and note taker 

While in class, focus on capturing your teacher's talking points. What topics do they keep referencing? Which examples do they share? Those often show up on tests. 

Tip: Don’t hide; you’ll get called on

Sitting in the back of the classroom is a bad idea. Some teachers are more likely to select the students who seem like they’re hiding. Sit closer to the front. You’ll become more comfortable speaking to a crowd (a skill you’ll need if you ever practice law).

Tip: Join a study group

The right group will help you share outlines, clarify confusing material, and prepare for tests. A bad group will waste your time or drag you down. Start small. Two to four people are often ideal. Look for classmates who are committed, collaborative, and not trying to compete with you.

 Tip: Take advantage of

• Academic support programs: These often include office hours and supplemental workshops. If your school offers them, take advantage.
• Counselors: Get to know your school counselor. High school counselors can serve as great mentors, offering you academic, career, and personal development support.
• Meetings with teachers: Teachers are most supportive of those students who show genuine interest in their status and future goals. When it comes time to apply to college, you’ll want your teachers on your side.

Tip: Protect your mental health

For many students, the pressure on mental health is high. This can be just as true if you are competing to be at the top of your class in high school. Don't hesitate to use mental health resources available to you, including therapy, support groups, or student wellness programs.

Tip: Join extracurriculars related to law

This last tip gets to the crux of this article: pre-law enrichments available to high school students. Debate, future lawyers' clubs, moot court, writing groups. These extracurricular activities offer the opportunity to develop skills, establish connections, and differentiate yourself to college admissions officers. Here are a few other suggestions for law-related extracurriculars:

• Job shadowing: Reach out to a local attorney and ask to shadow them to gain a better understanding of their daily responsibilities. 
• Volunteer at a legal aid clinic: These organizations offer legal aid services to low-income individuals who would otherwise be unable to afford an attorney. 
• Speech and debate club: Join or start a club at your high school. You’ll learn how to conduct research, perform oral and written arguments, and develop public speaking skills.
• Mock trial: Mock trial members participate in imitation trials. You’ll learn skills such as research, critical thinking, oral and written communication.   
• Model United Nations (UN): Join or start a model UN team. You’ll develop a broad understanding of international affairs and globally relevant issues.

Now that we’ve touched on both helpful tips to practice and extracurriculars in your community, let’s review ways you can expand your knowledge of the law with pre-college online programs from top universities. The best time to begin? While you are in high school. 

Welcome to Prelum, Powered by Kapan

Prelum partners with some of the top colleges and universities in the nation. Many of our partner schools offer online law enrichment programs, such as:

Georgetown University’s Pre-College Online Program offers International Law, Protecting the World’s Interests, where you will learn how international law is created, how jurisdiction works, how international treaties are negotiated, and how international law is enforced. You’ll even break down a case study on the war in Ukraine, and complete a Final Capstone Project where you will take on the role of advisor. 

Another Prelum partner is Wake Forest University. The Wake Forest Pre-College Program includes a course titled Criminal Law: Inside The Courtroom. Delve into the nature of criminal law cases; everything from drug sales to murder. Study the anatomy of a criminal case. Learn the roles of both prosecutors and defense attorneys. And study the process from evidence to witness interviewing, to sentencing. 

You’ll also want to check out the University of Notre Dame Pre-College Online Program. Law: Thinking Like a Lawyer is designed for motivated high school students with a passion for the field. Learn how the IRAC method is used to analyze legal issues. Explore the major components of the international legal system, how to navigate the shifting legal landscape through the lens of sports law, and examine how intellectual property law protects people’s ideas and businesses.

Make sure to take a look at the Northwestern Pre-College Online Program. In their course, Law: From Interview to Argument, you’ll take on the role of a lawyer tasked with representing a hypothetical client—from initial interview, through court process, to oral argument. Learn the essential reasoning and communication skills required to think and persuade like a lawyer. And hear from legal professionals in various aspects of the profession. 

Finally, consider the Rice University Precollege Program. Their course, Law: Shaping a Just and Equitable World, examines law through the lens of the rights of individuals. You’ll explore the mechanics of the legal system, the intricacies of ownership rights, employment law, and access to education. Examine the intersection of civil rights and the law, and discover how the law can promote and safeguard an equitable society.

All courses offered by our partner schools are delivered in a flexible format, featuring dynamic videos and interactive tools. Study anywhere, anytime that fits your schedule. And enjoy the support of seasoned mentors who will answer your questions and support your learning experience. Successful delivery of a Final Capstone Project will earn you a Certificate of Completion. 

Don’t put off your study of law until college. Get ahead of the curve now with Prelum, Powered by Kaplan. 

This was last reviewed by Ashley Simmons on 08/29/2025.