Pre-Law & Student Success

The Center for Law, Justice & Culture brings together faculty, students and alumni who share a common interest in law's role in cultural, political and social life.

For undergraduate and graduate students, the center is both a place — located in Bentley Hall 001B — and a coalition of current and former students. We have a strong lineage of alumni, from renowned lawyers and judges to second-year law students, who maintain their attachment to the center and remain committed to our students' success.

We also have an engaged faculty of scholars across disciplines from anthropology, criminology, political science, sociology, history and other departments across the social sciences and humanities. Their expertise means our students graduate with a broad grasp of how law impacts both individuals and society, with a passion for whatever law- or justice-related field they've chosen to pursue, and with hands-on experience that gives them confidence as they head to law school or start a new job.

Work with World-Class Faculty

CLJC faculty, who have an impressive record of award-winning teaching and nationally recognized scholarship, are a standing resource for students with interests in socio-legal studies.

Meet Our Scholars

Annual CLJC Events & Programs

Come join the conversation with colleagues and classmates.

Wrongful Conviction Day

Wrongful Conviction Day at Ohio University is a university‑wide program dedicated to raising awareness about the causes and consequences of wrongful convictions in the American criminal legal system. Hosted by the Center for Law, Justice & Culture every fall in partnership with the Ohio Innocence Project at the University of Cincinnati College of Law, Ohio University’s chapter of OIP-u, and Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity, this annual event gives students firsthand awareness of the human stories behind exonerations.
Wrongful Conviction Day typically includes keynote conversations with exonerees, panel discussions with attorneys and investigators from the Ohio Innocence Project, and opportunities for students to learn about the systemic issues, such as faulty forensic practices, inadequate representation, false confessions, and eyewitness misidentification, that can lead to a miscarriage of justice.
The program is an especially meaningful learning opportunity for students interested in criminal law, public interest work, reform advocacy, and journalism.
The event embodies OHIO’s commitment to preparing future legal professionals who understand both the power of the law and the responsibility that comes with it.
Law Fair

The Ohio University Law Fair is the largest annual opportunity for Ohio University students to directly engage with law schools from across the country without leaving Athens. Organized by the Center for Law, Justice & Culture, this signature event brings dozens of admissions representatives to campus to meet one‑on‑one with students, answer questions, and showcase what makes their schools unique every fall.
Students can explore a wide range of programs, from regional schools to nationally ranked institutions, and gain insights into curriculum strengths, clinical offerings, joint‑degree opportunities, financial aid, and career outcomes. Whether a student is just beginning to explore a legal career or preparing to apply to law school, the Ohio University Law Fair provides valuable knowledge and connections that help demystify the admissions process.
The law fair reflects the CLJC’s mission to expand access to high‑quality advising and to create pathways to law school for students from all majors and backgrounds. The event is co-hosted by Ohio University Career Services.
Law School & Vendor Registration
Constitution Day

Constitution Day at Ohio University commemorates the signing of the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787, and offers the campus community a chance to examine the document’s enduring influence on American law, politics, and civic life. Each year, the Center for Law, Justice & Culture organizes special programming that invites students to explore constitutional questions in both historical and contemporary contexts.
Past events have included faculty lectures, interactive discussions, student‑led dialogues, and presentations by legal practitioners who work directly with constitutional issues such as free speech, voting rights, due process, and equal protection. The day encourages students to critically consider how constitutional interpretation shapes their daily lives — and how the Constitution continues to evolve through courts, legislation, and civic participation.
As part of OHIO’s commitment to civic engagement, Constitution Day helps students connect their academic interests with their roles as informed citizens and future leaders in the legal profession.
Pre‑Law Day

Pre‑Law Day is the premier professional development and networking event for OHIO students interested in pursuing a legal career. Hosted by the Center for Law, Justice & Culture every spring, this annual gathering brings together alumni who have gone on to law school and connects them with students interested in legal careers for a day of learning and connection.
The event includes panels on topics like career exploration, internships, networking, and more Students participate in small‑group discussions with legal professionals who share candid insights into the realities of legal practice, from criminal defense and corporate law to human rights, public policy, and judicial service. Many alumni return year after year to mentor students and support the next generation of OHIO lawyers. CLJC also celebrates student achievement at this event by awarding scholarships, internships, and support funds in a public ceremony.
Pre‑Law Day exemplifies Ohio University’s commitment to experiential and relational learning. It helps students build professional networks, gain practical guidance, and develop the confidence and clarity needed to pursue law school and succeed in the legal profession.