THE WEEKLY
NEWSLETTER

Good morning,

Make sure to read this week’s newsletter as you do not want to miss these exciting upcoming pre-law events!

»Attorney Speed-Networking Breakfast

On Friday, October 23, join us for a fantastic opportunity to meet and network with attorneys from many different practice areas while enjoying a light breakfast. Attorneys from all over the state are gathering for training here in Mount Pleasant that day, and many have agreed to meet with CMU pre-law students (or alums) before their training begins to share their expertise, answer questions about their practice areas, and network for potential internship or job shadowing opportunities. The event will be held in Mount Pleasant at Mid-Michigan College, and will last from 8:45 a.m. until 10 a.m. If you don’t have your own transportation, please sign up anyway and we’ll make sure you get a ride.

As of now, attorneys from the following practice areas will be there: criminal law (both prosecutors and defense attorneys), family law, real estate, business law, intellectual property law, probate & estate planning, and at least one judge. We will be adding more attorneys as well. With the speed-networking format, you’ll get to meet with all of them! I know that many of you are looking for internships and/or job shadowing opportunities; this is perhaps your best chance to find them, so do not miss it!

They will be serving us refreshments, so we need an accurate headcount. Please register using the link below ASAP (preferably within the next day or two).

Register for the Attorney Speed-Networking Breakfast

»Practice LSAT & Report

You can now sign up for the free digital practice LSAT offered by Testmasters, scheduled for Friday, October 30. Remember, you can take the test at any point that day; you’ll just need at least 2.5 hours to log in and take the test. Afterward, you will get a detailed score report and comprehensive explanations for every question. In order to receive the link and code to receive your free test, you’ll need to be signed up, which you can also do on the Pre-Law Center webpage (linked below).

Sign up for the free practice LSAT

Let me know if you have any questions about either of these events, and have a great week!

— Kyla

Good morning,

This week we have some reminders and a new website!

»Michigan Supreme Court Justice Panel

This panel is happening tomorrow, September 30 at 3:00 p.m. in Biosciences 1010. Below is a repeat of the information regarding the panel:

The Women in Law Association and Phi Alpha Delta are excited to co-host a panel featuring two sitting Michigan Supreme Court justices: Chief Justice Megan Cavanagh and Associate Justice Noah Hood. I will be moderating the discussion as the justices share their journeys from practicing attorneys to the state’s highest bench, reflect on their time on the Court, and answer questions. Whether you are curious about law school, building a legal career, or pursuing a judgeship in your future, this is an incredible opportunity to learn directly from Michigan’s top legal minds. We hope to see you there!

»Law School Application Workshop

Also tomorrow, after the Supreme Court panel, I will hold a Law School Application Workshop at 5 p.m. in 260 Anspach Hall. This workshop is particularly useful for students currently in the midst of, or about to begin, the application process, but is open to anyone who wants to know about the process, application materials, timelines, and recommendations from law school admissions experts (passed on by me) on what to do, what not to do, and how to handle each aspect of the application. Let me know if you have any questions!

»Pre-Law Center Website

I’ve been working hard on a new and improved website for the Pre-Law Center which contains all the information that pre-law students, alums, and prospective students should need. Check it out (and bookmark it!) when you get a chance. If you ever have questions about upcoming events, LSAT dates, law-based programs, or anything else, the website can help!

Pre-Law Center Website

Have a great week!

— Kyla

Good morning!

This week’s newsletter contains information about several exciting upcoming events.

»Michigan Supreme Court Justice Panel

The Women in Law Association and Phi Alpha Delta are excited to co-host a panel featuring two sitting Michigan Supreme Court justices: Chief Justice Megan Cavanagh and Associate Justice Noah Hood.

When: Wednesday, September 30 at 3:00 p.m.
Where: Biosciences 1010

I will be moderating the discussion as the justices share their journeys from practicing attorneys to the state’s highest bench, reflect on their time on the Court, and answer questions. Whether you are curious about law school, building a legal career, or pursuing a judgeship in your future, this is an incredible opportunity to learn directly from Michigan’s top legal minds. We hope to see you there!

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»Law School Application Workshop

After the Supreme Court panel, I will hold a Law School Application Workshop on Wednesday, September 30 at 5 p.m. in 260 Anspach Hall. This workshop is particularly useful for students currently in the midst of, or about to begin, the application process, but is open to anyone who wants to know about the process, application materials, timelines, and recommendations from law school admissions experts (passed on by me) on what to do, what not to do, and how to handle each aspect of the application. Let me know if you have any questions!

»Practice LSAT & Report

As I mentioned in the last newsletter, the Pre-Law Center is partnering with TestMasters to provide a free digital practice LSAT this fall. Thanks to everyone who filled out the survey regarding the best day of the week to take it. The best day for the largest number of people was Friday, so we’ve scheduled the test for Friday, October 30. Remember, you can take the test at any point that day; you’ll just need at least 2.5 hours to log in and take the test. Afterward, you will get a detailed score report and comprehensive explanations for every question. I’ll have a sign-up sheet and more information later, so for now, just save the date!

Update: registration is now open. Register on the events page.

Have a great rest of your week!

— Kyla

Greetings,

I hope your semester is going smoothly so far! I have a couple of important announcements this week, so read on!

»Women in Law Association Meeting

Remember that WILA’s first meeting of the semester is this Tuesday, September 15 at 6:30 p.m. in Anspach 254. They will have pizza, so make sure to show up hungry!

»Pre-Law Fall Kickoff & Info Night

As returning pre-law students know, the first pre-law event of the year is typically the Pre-Law Fall Kickoff and Info Night, which is an opportunity for me to meet new pre-law students, catch up with current pre-law students, have available all of the law school viewbooks, LSAC packets, and other materials collected by me over the previous year, and update students on pre-law programming and resources for the upcoming year, among other things. There will also be desserts and refreshments served.

This year’s Kickoff Event will be Wednesday, September 16 at 5 p.m. in Anspach 155. I have a lot of updates and info to cover this year, including recent changes to the LSAT, trends in law school admissions, trends in the legal profession, resources available for pre-law students, and the events and workshops planned for the 2026-2027 academic year.

I’ll also be available for short advising meetings and can answer any questions you may have about the LSAT, applying to law school, legal internships, law school, and anything else you’d like to ask. Our pre-law RSOs will be present as well, so you can find out more about them. I hope to see you there!

»Pre-Law T-Shirts

Back again this year… CMU Pre-Law t-shirts! Show your CMU pride and pre-law pride all at once with these high-quality, comfortable t-shirts. The Pre-Law Center is helping to subsidize most of the cost of the shirts, making them only $5 (cash or Venmo) for students. We have unisex sizes S, M, L, and XL. They’ll be for sale at the Pre-Law Kickoff & Info Night, so come get one while supplies last! I will also have them in the Pre-Law Center office (203 Anspach), so let me know if you want to purchase one and we can meet, or I can bring it to class, leave it in the main office, or otherwise get it to you.

»Practice LSAT & Report

The Pre-Law Center is partnering with TestMasters to provide a free digital practice LSAT this fall. We’ll pick a date, and then everyone who signed up will log in that day (at whatever time works for you) and you’ll take the LSAT online. As soon as you finish the test, you will get a detailed score report and comprehensive explanations for every question. I want to try and schedule a date that works for as many people as possible, so if you are interested in taking advantage of this free practice LSAT and report, please respond using the google form below ASAP.

Update: the date is set — the practice LSAT is Friday, October 30. Register on the events page.

That’s all I have for this week. Let me know if you have any questions, and have a great week!

— Kyla

Good morning!

Welcome to Week 1 of the fall semester! I hope the new semester is going smoothly for everyone so far. This week, I have some further information about upcoming pre-law events, RSO meetings, and other items.

»Women in Law Association

This RSO is perfect for all women who are at all interested in any legal career/field. It will feature all kinds of opportunities such as law panels, guest speakers, LSAT/Law school prep, social events, and more! There is also availability for leadership positions to build your resume. If this opportunity sounds interesting to you, stop by a meeting and/or check out the flyer below.

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WILA First General Meeting: September 15 at 6:30 p.m. (Anspach Hall – Room TBD)

»Upcoming Pre-Law Events

As mentioned last week, there are several other meetings, events, and workshops coming up pretty quickly this semester. I’ll have more information on the first of these events, the Pre-Law Kickoff & Info Night, in the next newsletter. For now, save the dates!

• Pre-Law Kickoff & Info Night – Wednesday, September 16 at 5 p.m.
• Law School Application Workshop – Wednesday, September 30 at 5 p.m.
• Attorney Speed-Networking Breakfast – Friday, October 23 at 9 a.m.

Our amazing pre-law RSOs will have meetings coming up as well. The first meeting for Women in Law Association is already set (see above); keep an eye out for more information on the other groups soon!

»Law Majors, Minors, and Certificates

As the semester kicks off, if you need to sign a Public Law minor, a Lawmaking and Legal Processes certificate, a Political Science major/minor, or have any questions about any of CMU’s law-related programs, please let me know! You can sign up for an advising meeting or just shoot me an email. Let me know how I can help!

»Pre-Law Email List

Lastly, I have attempted to update my pre-law email list to be as current as possible, including the removal of students who have started law school and those who have told me they no longer plan to go to law school. However, it is likely that I missed some people who have no interest in receiving emails from the Pre-Law Center. If you would like to be removed from my pre-law email list, please just email me and let me know.

As always, please reach out with any questions or if I can help in any way. And don’t forget to schedule your pre-law advising appointment when you need one!

Schedule your Pre-Law Advising Appointment (opens in a new tab)

Have a great first week!

— Kyla

Greetings!

Welcome back to CMU and to Pre-Law! I know everyone is busy moving, adjusting schedules, and otherwise preparing for the fall semester this week, so I thought I would send out a brief welcome-back newsletter with a couple of things to keep in mind as the semester begins. I will send out more information in my Week 1 Newsletter, so stay tuned!

»Pre-Law Advising

My online advising appointment calendar is open! If we haven’t met for pre-law advising lately, or if you want to check in to make sure you’re still following the correct path to law school, change your path, or to create such a path, I am available for appointments beginning next week. (If you need to meet before classes start, I have some availability this week for virtual meetings as well, just reach out.) Below is the link to my appointment scheduling system, so feel free to make an appointment (either face-to-face or virtual) at your convenience! As always, if none of the available times work for you, just email me and we’ll find a time that does work. Keep in mind that the system schedules meetings in 15-minute increments, so if you think we’ll need more time, feel free to schedule two time slots back-to-back.

Schedule your Pre-Law Advising Appointment (opens in a new tab)

»Public Law Minor

If you are still adjusting your class schedule and/or academic plans for this year, I wanted to remind you all about the Public Law minor, which is now available for online-only students as well. It is meant for students interested in public interest law, which includes a wide range of legal areas (constitutional law, criminal law, civil liberties, civil rights, immigration law, international law, environmental law, trial advocacy, administrative law, regulatory law, and many others). We are adding new classes all the time (like Immigration Law, starting this fall!), and you can pair it with a Law & Economics major or a Legal Studies minor to get the full breadth of legal offerings here at CMU, or pair it with any other major or minor to add some law classes to your resume. Additionally, you can double-count up to 15 credits with another major, minor, or certificate (like Political Science, Public Administration, Sociology, or the Lawmaking & Legal Processes Certificate). Reach out to me with any questions and/or to add the minor to your degree.

»Fall Semester Events & Workshops

I will provide more details about all of the planned events and workshops in due time, but for now, save the following dates that are coming up in the next 2 months:

• Pre-Law Kickoff & Info Night — Wednesday, September 16 at 5 p.m.
• Law School Application Workshop — Wednesday, September 30 at 5 p.m.
• Attorney Speed-Networking Breakfast — Friday, October 23 at 9 a.m.

As always, please let me know if you have any questions. Good luck with the beginning of the semester, and I look forward to seeing all of you soon!

— Kyla

Greetings!

You’ve (almost) made it through the spring semester! I hope your remaining exams go well. This will be the final Pre-Law Newsletter for the year, and I know it’s a bit long, but please make sure to read it all, whether you are graduating or not.

»Class Registration

If you are not graduating this semester, make sure you are registered for all of your classes for next year before you leave for the summer. Many decisions will be made over the summer regarding which classes to cancel and/or move, so don’t wait! If you need help deciding which law-related classes to take, or need a major, minor, or certificate signed to keep your Degree Progress up to date, just reach out.

»Mock Trial Opportunity with the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Court

If you will be around this summer and would like to participate in a really cool mock trial (and networking) opportunity with the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Court, check the attached flyer and reach out to Heather (info on the flyer) with any questions!

»Graduating Seniors

If you are graduating this semester, congratulations!! I am so happy for all of you and can’t wait to see what your futures hold. Please keep in touch so I can hear how you’re doing in law school, your summer law jobs, jobs after graduation, and more. I will always be available for questions or advice — or just to vent to. If you’re taking gap time before law school, remember I’m here for alumni advising as well, so let me know when you’re ready to take the LSAT or apply.

One final request for graduates: please take a couple of minutes to email me your plans for next year and/or for law school (just reply to the email!). I’ve known, taught, and worked with so many of you, and I’m dying to know where you end up — even if you’re going far away or taking gap time. I appreciate it!

»LSAT Reminders

Registration for the 2026–2027 LSAT cycle will open in mid-May. If you’re planning to take the August test, register as soon as possible once it opens. Starting with the August 2026 test, the LSAT will be given at test centers only; taking it remotely is no longer an option. LSAC’s fee waiver program can save you hundreds of dollars, and most people are eligible for at least some help — everyone should apply! Fee waiver information (opens in a new tab)

»Summer Advising

Although I don’t have set days and hours for pre-law advising over the summer, that doesn’t mean I’m not available to meet! My online appointment calendar will be turned off over the summer, so if you’d like to meet via WebEx or a phone call, just email me and let me know. I’m happy to help with any questions that arise during the summer months.

Have a great summer!

— Kyla

Good morning! This month’s newsletter has some new information that you’ll want to check out!

»Criminal Law Added & Other Summer Classes

We have added a new online section of PSC/SOC 365 Criminal Law this summer — a great time to take this class! It is required for the Public Law minor (now offered online!) and is an elective for many other majors and minors. Even if you are not a Public Law minor, if you want an interesting and engaging law class this summer, I highly recommend it.

There is typically an unfortunate lack of law classes offered over summer, but there are still good options for pre-law students. Summer classes offer the opportunity to work toward the Public Law minor with PSC 105 and PSC/SOC 365, or the Lawmaking and Legal Processes certificate with PSC 105, PSC 320, and PSC 321. Let us know if you have any questions about these classes and/or law-based programs.

Keep in mind that decisions on cancelling summer 2026 classes will be made very soon, with fall 2026 and spring 2027 classes not far behind. If you’ll be here past May but haven’t registered yet, consider doing so ASAP — registering helps the classes you need stay on the schedule!

»Upcoming Pre-Law Event

Inside the Legal Profession: Pathways, Perspectives, and Practice — A Women in Law Association Panel Night

April 29 · 6:00–7:30 pm · Opperman Auditorium · Open to all CMU students

Women in Law Association, in collaboration with NBLSA, Phi Alpha Delta, L.A.W.S., SAJE, and SGA, invites students to an evening of insight, conversation, and career exploration within the legal field. The event connects students with professionals from a variety of legal paths, offering an honest perspective on the realities of the profession through a moderated panel discussion and audience Q&A — covering career pathways, day-to-day work, and practical steps for preparing for futures in law. Further details coming soon!

Have a great week!

— Kyla

Good morning,

Welcome to the almost-halfway point of the semester! I hope things are going well so far.

»LSAT Updates

The 2026–2027 LSAT test dates have been released! This covers all test dates from August 2026 through June 2027, so those of you planning to take the test this summer can now plan accordingly. You can still only register for the June 2026 test at the moment, but registration for August 2026 and beyond should open up in May.

LSAC also announced that beginning with the August 2026 test, they are going back to in-person-only tests. Test-takers will need to go to a testing center to take the LSAT, as the online option will only be available in very limited circumstances (as it was prior to Covid). Fortunately, LSAC partners with testing centers all over the country and around the world, so the vast majority of people can access one without too much hassle.

Use the link below to register for June 2026 (if needed) and/or to see all upcoming dates through June 2027: LSAC test dates (opens in a new tab)

Remember, if you plan to apply for an LSAC fee waiver (as every single one of you should!), do so at least 2 months before your intended test date. It often takes that long to process. More information & application (opens in a new tab)

»L.A.W.S.™ (Legal, Academic, Writing, Scholarship)

CMU Sector Undergraduate Law Review is a publication and academic development platform with the directive to advance legal research, writing, and scholarship among students at CMU. They are now accepting submissions for the Spring 2026 issue! Set yourself apart and stand out on your law school applications by being a part of L.A.W.S. at CMU. Contact the Editor-in-Chief, Ryan Michalski, with any questions at micha2rr@cmich.edu.

Make sure to reach out with any questions, and have a fantastic spring break!

— Kyla

Good morning,

I hope everyone’s semester is going well so far! As I mentioned in the last one, I will be sending out just one pre-law newsletter per month while I’m on sabbatical. With registration opening up very soon, I wanted to pass on some info about law classes and programs to help everyone plan for next year.

As you know, taking as many law-based courses as possible during your undergraduate years is hugely beneficial for students planning to apply to law school. We have many fantastic law courses at CMU covering a wide range of legal topics. To help get you started, I’ve put together a list of selected law-related classes at CMU. While not all classes on that list are on next year’s schedule, most of them are.

New law-based courses are often added to the schedule, and next year is no exception. Two new courses I want to highlight are:

»PSC/SOC 368 — Immigration Law, Politics & Policy (Fall 2026)

Examine the legal framework and politics that govern immigration to the United States, investigating issues such as deportation, asylum, citizenship, and the constitutional rights of non-citizens.

»PSC 110 — Your Future in Law or Politics (Spring 2027)

This one-credit course walks students through the law school application process and helps them prepare for a career in law — researching law schools, taking the LSAT, creating application materials, and otherwise getting ready to apply.

This is also a great time to consider your choice of major (for those who haven’t signed one), second major, and/or first or second minor(s). Law schools want to see rigor in your academics, so double majors and minors are extremely beneficial — and CMU has several majors and minors made up of many (or even all) law classes, so you can prepare for law school while taking classes that strengthen your applications!

I hope this helps you figure out which law classes to take! If you have follow-up questions, or would like advice on planning out your law classes, please feel free to reach out and/or set up an advising meeting with Dr. Jesuale.

Until next time,

— Kyla

Welcome to the Spring 2026 semester! I hope everyone had a fantastic break and holiday season!

I just wanted to remind you all that I am on sabbatical this semester. As I mentioned at the end of last semester, Dr. Tony Jesuale will be your primary contact for all things pre-law this semester. Please reach out to him with any and all questions about pre-law resources, law school applications, LSAT prep, law courses, law majors and minors, and anything else pre-law related. He also has pre-law t-shirts and stickers, LSAT prep books and practice tests, and other helpful resources. His email address is jesua1aj@cmich.edu, and his online scheduling calendar is linked below.

Dr. Jesuale’s scheduling calendar

These pre-law newsletters will be sent out less frequently this semester, but I will be sure to keep you all notified of important events, workshops, new law classes, job opportunities, and everything else I think you’ll want to know about. Additionally, I will still be around and checking my email regularly, so feel free to reach out to me directly to follow up on prior discussions, give me an update on your law school applications, or with anything else you’d like to discuss.

Have a great semester!

— Kyla