Pre-Law Programs
at Miami University
Shadowing Program
The Shadowing Program allows Miami students to shadow lawyers for up to one week during the spring, summer, and winter breaks. Through this experience, students gain first-hand knowledge about the work that real lawyers do every day. For example, students have:
- Sat on the bench with a judge and helped render decisions in real cases
- Assisted with legal research
- Helped teach a high school law class
- Toured a children's hospital and reviewed alleged child abuse cases
- Visited a juvenile detention center and a school for troubled youth
- Took photographs of a bullet-ridden car that were later used in trial
Requirements
After the experience, students are required to submit:
- a shadowing journal, detailing their experiences
- a photograph of the student with their attorney
Student Perspectives
Jessamyn Glover & Attorney Christopher Williams
I truly enjoyed seeing what attorneys do. I learned a little about legal research, went to a few court cases and got to listen in on conference calls. I also met various lawyers from other law firms and got to help teach a class at John Marshall High School in Cleveland. I liked that Mr. Williams had many exciting things planned for me. I got to visit two other law firms and I went to three trials. I talked to various lawyers (many Miami alums) who gave me advice for undergrad and law school.
- Jessamyn Glover (Spring Break 2009 participant)
Megan Clark & Attorney Todd Rodgers
I had a great shadowing experience over Spring Break and would highly recommend it to other students who are thinking about law school. When I learned of the opportunity through the Pre-Law Programs office, I was immediately interested and thought it would be tremendously valuable to network with a Miami grad who went on to attend law school. Mr. Rodgers was an excellent attorney to shadow. He was kind enough to give me honest advice and explain to me what he does on a daily basis. It was great to be able to ask someone questions who was once in my shoes. Seeing his success and hearing about the benefits of his legal education made me feel more motivated to work towards my career goals.
- Megan Clark (Spring Break 2009 participant)
Attorney Perspective
Lynda Given (Partner, Chapman & Cutler, Chicago)
This was a great experience and an opportunity for me to give back even in a small way to Miami. Providing this experience to worthy students is very valuable to them as they begin to chart their careers. I wish the program had been available when I was a student.
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