Pre-Law Resources

Our Pre-Law Advisor:

lawrence-jones.jpg 

Lawrence R. Jones is a Visiting Lecturer in the UNM Political Science Department, a member of the UNM Law Advisory Council, and the Pre-Law Student Advisor for the 2025–2026 academic year. He retired from the New Jersey Judiciary in 2017 after serving as a Superior Court Judge and President of the New Jersey Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, authoring over 60 opinions on complex legal issues.

Since relocating to New Mexico in 2022, Professor Jones has taught at UNM, served as Vice-Chair of the New Mexico Supreme Court’s Statewide Commission on Alternative Dispute Resolution, and contributed as a guest educator with the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence. He is also the co-creator of Point C, a public service resource on family court litigation, and presents widely on domestic violence, family law, cultural awareness, and related legal topics.

Email: 
ljones14@unm.edu
Personal Website
Curriculum vitae
Office: SSCO 2068 
Drop In Hours: 
FA25: Tuesday and Thursday 2P-3P (or by appointment)
Education: 
JD, Hofstra University Law School, 1987

Pre-Law Concentration:

The Pre-Law Concentration in the Department of Political Science is designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in legal studies, preparing them for success in law school, legislative careers, policy analysis, political advocacy, and other law-related fields. This concentration fosters a deep understanding of the multifaceted nature of law, from its theoretical foundations to its practical applications, as well as its impact on society. Students in this concentration will explore the structure and function of the legal system, including constitutional law, civil rights, and legal reasoning, while also engaging with the broader legislative processes that shape public policy. The curriculum delves into the social, economic, and political forces that influence the law, providing students with a political and sociological lens to examine the determinants and consequences of legal institutions in different contexts. Through a combination of coursework in political theory, legislative behavior, and the role of law in society and government, students will develop critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills. This interdisciplinary approach enables students to understand the law not only as a set of rules but as a dynamic system influenced by and responsive to social, cultural, and political factors.
12 Credits:
  • Complete all of the following
    • Complete the following:
      • POLS1120 - American National Government (3)
    • Complete at least 3 of the following:
      • POLS303 - Law in the Political Community (3)
      • POLS315 - Constitutional Law: Powers (3)
      • POLS316 - Constitutional Law: Liberties (3)
      • POLS317 - Constitutional Law: Rights (3)
      • POLS311 - The Legislative Process (3)
      • POLS362 - Modern Political Theory (3)
      • POLS376 - Health Policy and Politics (3)
      • POLS373 - Politics, Policy and Management in Local Government (3)
      • POLS379 - Research Seminar in Public Policy and Abortion (3)
      • POLS304 - Latinos, Native Americans and the Voting Rights Act (3)

Law Advisory Council:

Interested in law school or a legal career? The Law Advisory Council (LAC) has you covered! We connect UNM political science students with the School of Law and New Mexico’s legal community through panels, events, courthouse tours, and more, giving you a firsthand look at the world of law!

 LAC members for the 2025-2026 academic year:

  • Luis Carrasco - Rodey Law
  • Nick Davis - Davis Law New Mexico
  • Renee Ferrell - UNM School of Law
  • Teague Gonzalez - New Mexico Immigrant Law Center
  • Torri Jacobus - NM Administrative Office of the Courts
  • Larry Jones - UNM Political Science
  • Eric Orona - Sandia National Laboratories
  • Preston Sanchez - ACLU New Mexico

An updated biography document will be uploaded ASAP. If you have any questions please email Jay Cook, Academic Coordinator.

Join Our Listserv

Would you like advance notice or more details about events? Stay up to date by joining the LAC listerv!

How to Join

Join the mailing list to keep up to date.



Join by Logging in:

  1. Visit:  http://list.unm.edu
  2. Click on the link "Subscribe to a list" in the upper left hand corner of the window.
  3. Next to the "List Name" field type POLISCILAC-L
  4. Click "Submit".
  5. Enter your name and email address.
  6. Click "Join List".
  7. You will receive a confirmation email; follow the instructions to approve the request to join.

 

Join through Email:

  1. Compose an email message to listserv@list.unm.edu. 
  2. Leave the subject line blank.
  3. In the body of the message only enter the following "subscribe" command:

    subscribe POLISCILAC-L Firstname Lastname

    Replace Firstname and Lastname with your first name and last name. The body of the message should contain only the subscribe command; delete any signatures or other characters before sending the message.
  4. You will receive a confirmation email; follow the instructions to approve the request to join.