Gifts to Pre-Law Program contribute to...

The Pre‑Law Program at Mount Saint Mary’s University ensures that aspiring lawyers have not only the academic preparation, but also the mentorship, confidence, and experiential learning needed to succeed in law school and in the legal profession.
Learning Through Advocacy: Moot Court and Mock Trial 👩⚖️
At the heart of the Pre‑Law Program are the Moot Court and Mock Trial teams — competitive appellate and trial advocacy teams that participate in intercollegiate competitions across Southern California. These hands‑on experiences are transformative for students, helping them develop essential skills in critical thinking, legal reasoning, persuasive argumentation, and public speaking.

Personalized Guidance and Proven Success 🌟
A cornerstone of the Pre‑Law Program is dedicated one‑on‑one advising with Professor Melanie Sava, J.D., an attorney and Mount alumna who brings firsthand insight into law school rigor, the application process, and the realities of life as a practicing lawyer. Her individualized mentorship helps students navigate every step of the journey, from selecting law schools to preparing competitive applications and developing a strong professional identity.
That support has yielded extraordinary outcomes. Mount students have been accepted to more than 40 highly respected law schools nationwide, including:
- 13 of the 18 ABA-accredited law schools in California
- 10 of the current "Top 14" law schools in the country
- Every Ivy League law school
Investing in the Future: The Future Lawyer Pathway 🗺️
The future of the Pre‑Law Program is bright. In summer 2026, the University will officially launch the MSMU Future Lawyer Pathway Program with the inaugural Future Lawyer Summit at the Chalon campus. This immersive, one‑day experience will bring together high school students, current Mount pre‑law students, and alumni for networking, mentorship matching, and skill‑building workshops. The summit will serve as a launchpad for year‑long mentoring relationships and expanded access to the legal profession.
Why Your Support Matter 🤝
Established in 2022, the Dr. Helen Boutrous Pre-Law Excellence Fund supports the Pre‑Law Program’s most impactful initiatives, including Moot Court, Mock Trial, and now the Future Lawyer Pathway. On Mount Day of Giving, gifts to this fund ensure these transformative opportunities not only continue, but grow for future generations of Mount students.
By supporting Pre‑Law at the Mount, you are investing in students who will go on to advocate for justice, lead with integrity, and make a lasting impact through the law.


