Pre-Law Program in Europe
Are you considering law school? Want to explore legal systems beyond the U.S. while gaining critical skills and insider perspectives into the legal profession? The Pre-Law Program in Europe is designed for you.
The Pre-law Program in Europe is a five-week, intensive summer program that offers students a unique introduction to the study and practice of law through domestic, comparative and international lenses.
This program is ideal for undergraduate and graduate students with a strong interest in law, political science, international relations, international organizations and human rights.
Program Overview
- Led by Syracuse University faculty and international experts
- Two 3-credit courses (6 credits total)
- Skills-based modules emphasizing law school prep
- Site visits to leading legal institutions:
- European Court of Human Rights (France)
- International Criminal Court (The Netherlands)
- International Court of Justice (The Netherlands)
- Networking with legal professionals and judges from Europe and the U.S.
When
May 14 – June 20, 2026
Where
Strasbourg, France; The Hague and Amsterdam (The Netherlands)
In France, students are based at Syracuse University’s Center in Strasbourg, home to the European Parliament, Council of Europe and European Court of Human Rights. Students live with host families or in a residence hall and can take an optional “Survival French” course for daily life. In the Netherlands, students visit the International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice, residing in a hostel during their stay.
Why Participate in the Pre-law Program in Europe?
Gain real-world insight
Build your law school resume
Explore Europe
One Course + Internship Track
Highly competitive internships at the Council of Europe are available for a limited number of students.
See the FAQs for details.
Courses
PSC 400/600 First Amendment and Freedom of Religion: A Global Perspective
This course explores the intersections of religion, law, gender and human rights by placing United States constitutional law—especially the First Amendment’s freedom of religion—in a global comparative perspective.
Students examine how the U.S. approach to religious liberty aligns with or diverges from legal frameworks in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, while studying landmark cases from courts such as the Indian Supreme Court and the European Court of Human Rights.
Highlighting the international dimension, the course includes attendance at hearings before the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, along with guest lectures delivered by European academics and practicing lawyers.
Taught by Professor Yüksel Sezgin.
LSP 400 Global Leaders in Law: Legal Foundations and Skills
This course equips students with the legal knowledge, professional exposure and academic preparation needed to succeed in law school and beyond. The course consists of three modules.
Course Modules
Module A: Law School Prep and Advising
Get expert guidance from the Syracuse University Pre-Law Advising Office and College of Law Admissions Office with virtual workshops on:
- When and how to apply to law school
- Building a pre-law resume
- LSAT strategies
- Writing effective application essays and request letters
Taught by pre-law advising staff.
Module B: The First-Year Law School Experience
Get a taste of law school and decide if it is the right path for you.
- Learn to read and brief legal cases
- Practice the Socratic method
- Take a simulated law school exam
- Examine landmark cases in U.S. constitutional law
Taught by Professor Keith Bybee.
Module C: Experiencing Law–Court Visits and Professional Networking
In this immersive module, students:
- Visit some of Europe’s most prominent legal institutions
- Learn key concepts in international humanitarian law
- Explore different fields of law: torts, family, immigration and criminal law
- Hear from both domestic and international judges, lawyers and prosecutors
- Bridge theory and practice—gain a rare, first-hand view into legal systems around the world.
Taught by Professor John Goodman
“Studying abroad in France with the Pre-law Program in Europe was one of the most meaningful academic experiences I’ve had. Exploring international law and politics while actually living in Europe made everything we learned feel more real and relevant. The class discussions, cultural immersion and court visits helped me grow both intellectually and personally.”
McKenna McCormick ’26 Law, Society and Policy; Psychology
How to Apply
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until February 1. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required.
Due to high demand, we strongly encourage you to apply early—do not wait until the deadline.
Contact for More Information
Yüksel Sezgin
Associate Professor, Political Science Department
Director, Pre-law Program in Europe
O'Hanley Faculty Scholar
100F Eggers Hall
315.443.4431 | ysezgin@syr.edu
Faculty
Keith J. Bybee
Professor, Political Science Department
Director, Institute for the Study of the Judiciary, Politics and the Media
Paul E. and Hon. Joanne F. Alper ’72 Judiciary Studies Professor, College of Law
Professor, College of Law
Senior Research Associate, Campbell Public Affairs Institute
Areas of Expertise
John Goodman
Assistant Professor by Courtesy Appointment, Political Science Department
Research Affiliate, Center for European Studies
Director, Syracuse Strasbourg Center in France, Syracuse Abroad
Ph.D., University of Geneva
J.D., University of Kentucky
Areas of Expertise
International humanitarian law, international organizations and humanitarian affairs; African and Middle Eastern politics; French and European politics; legal practice in the United States.
Yüksel Sezgin
Associate Professor, Political Science Department
Director, Pre-law Program in Europe
O'Hanley Faculty Scholar
Senior Research Associate, Middle Eastern Studies Program
Research Affiliate, South Asia Center
Associate Professor by Courtesy Appointment, College of Law