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

ILR hosts world-class faculty who research and teach from many disciplines (sociology, economics, history, business, and more) in order to understand how people work in the context. ILR undergraduates explore issues within the framework of American society. They learn to analyze texts and empirical data with methods from social sciences, humanities, and legal professions. Read more and find out 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

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

Meet the Faculty: Yiran Zhang

Professor Zhang works for a fair economy.
Y. Zhang
Meet the Faculty: Yiran Zhang

Meet the Faculty: Samuel Nelson

Senior Lecturer Sam Nelson teaches advocacy and debate at Cornell and throughout the world.
Sam Nelson headshot
Meet the Faculty: Samuel Nelson

LindaRose Piccolo '24

Linda explored the world of compliance and regulation in the investment management industry.
lindar
LindaRose Piccolo '24

LindaRose Piccolo '24

Linda explored the world of compliance and regulation in the investment management industry.
LindaRose Piccolo
LindaRose Piccolo '24

Meet the Faculty: Desirée LeClercq

Meet ILR's Desirée LeClercq, Proskauer Employment and Labor Law Assistant Professor, who teaches undergraduates about international labor law and U.S. labor and employment law.
Desiree LeClercq
Meet the Faculty: Desirée LeClercq