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While pre-law is not a major at Cornell University, ILR has long been a top choice among Cornell students pursuing a legal career.

ILR students learn from world-class faculty who research and teach from many disciplines (sociology, economics, history, business, and more). They learn to analyze texts and empirical data with methods from the social sciences, humanities, and legal professions. Read more about our Global Labor and Work department, which offers a wide range of applied coursework that explores mediation, negotiation, racial and gender discrimination, and conflict resolution.

Students can also join clubs that support their pre-law goals, such as the Cornell Mock Trial Association and Cornell Speech and Debate Society.

ILR Law Stories

Professors Help Drive Students’ Law Interests

Numerous ILR School faculty members have law degrees. Their specialties cover diverse areas, from the intellectual and moral origins of the American Constitution to public sector employment law to technological change and anti-discrimination law.
Gali Racabi speaks at an ILR event in 2024
Professors Help Drive Students’ Law Interests

Student Story: “Never Say ‘No’ to Yourself”

McKenna “MJ” Raade ’25 "wanted to sample everything" before settling on a career path. She had that opportunity at the ILR School before entering the UCLA School of Law this fall.
McKenna “MJ” Raade ’25 during her time in the ILR/UCS Semester in Dublin Program.
Student Story: “Never Say ‘No’ to Yourself”

Internships Strengthen Paths to Law School

The ILR School provides numerous opportunities for students to learn from alumni through guest panels and mentorships and gain valuable work experience through fellowships and internships.
ILR student interns cross a street in NYC
Internships Strengthen Paths to Law School

One Major, Endless Possibilities, “Ideal” for Pre-Law

The ILR School’s interdisciplinary curriculum gives students the freedom to explore many interests, including law. Many of ILR’s more than 17,000 living alumni have law degrees.
Cornell Law Library
One Major, Endless Possibilities, “Ideal” for Pre-Law

Meet Marco Martini '27

ILR, ROTC and the law.
M. Martini
Meet Marco Martini '27

Meet Julia Risi '23 Law '25

Learn about Julia's experience starting her first year of Cornell Law School during her "senior year" at ILR through the 3+3 program.
Julia Risi
Meet Julia Risi '23 Law '25