
Legal Studies at Lasell
The Legal Studies major degree program introduces students to the study of law. Students learn how to conduct legal research and other professional work in government, the courts, agencies, and businesses. It prepares students to enter law school or to work in the legal field.
Lasell also offers majors in Law & Public Affairs and Criminal Justice.
Program Features
- In the Foundations of American Legal System course, students participate in mock trials and compete against major college and universities in the Boston area.
- During senior year, students have a a yearlong Capstone Experience which includes both a full year Justice Studies internship and a full year Senior Capstone class.
- Lasell’s Pre-Law advising program offers guidance to students considering applying to law school, including which courses and extracurricular activities will best prepare them for law school. The program also offers test preparation for the LSAT examination.
What You'll Learn
From your first day, you’ll take courses in your major and advance towards graduation with a yearly plan. Not sure what classes to take? We’ll help you create the perfect plan.
View our
4 Year Plan for a year-by-year breakdown of potential courses you can take to complete your Legal Studies major in four years.
Sample Legal Studies Courses
Course Code |
Course Title |
Credits |
Core Courses |
LS101 |
Foundations of American Legal System(KP) |
3 |
LS202 |
Legal Research & Analysis |
3 |
LS203 |
Justice, Law & the Constitution |
3 |
LS301 |
Legal Writing & Reasoning |
3 |
LS325 |
Evidence |
3 |
LS441 |
Selected Topics in Justice & Law I |
3 |
LS442 |
Selected Topics in Justice & Law II |
3 |
LS443 |
Justice Studies Internship & Seminar I |
3 |
LS444 |
Justice Studies Internship & Seminar II |
3 |
POLS101 |
American Government |
3 |
POLS201 |
State & Local Government |
3 |
POLS210 |
Political Theory |
3 |
SOC101 |
Sociological Imagination (KP) |
3 |
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- In the Foundations of American Legal System (LS101) course, students participate in mock trials on-campus, with the opportunity to participate in intercollegiate competitions such as the American Mock Trial Association Program and the John Marshall School of Law Undergraduate Mock Trial Competition.
- Lasell students took part in the dedication ceremony at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute, and met President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Republican Senator from Arizona John McCain, Democratic Senators from Massachusetts Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey as well as Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker.
- Students participated in roundtable discussions with DEA Agents, FBI Agents, and US Marshals to gain knowledge of the industry as well as meeting with guest speakers such as the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Students also got to meet with Congressman Kennedy.

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Lori Rosenthal, Ph.D. Dean, School of Social Sciences, Humanities & Education; Professor of Psychology Areas of Expertise: psychological perspectives; personality psychology; social psychology
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Linda Bucci, M.S., J.D. Professor and Program Chair of Justice Studies, Graduate Program Chair of Criminal Justice Area of Expertise: criminology; study of violence against disenfranchised groups; criminal procedure; criminal law
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Allison Butterfield Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Area of Expertise: community corrections, restorative justice, juvenile justice and delinquency, and substance use among offenders
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Paul DeBole, J.D. Assistant Professor of Political Science Area of Expertise: American government and politics; American political institutions; policymaking and the political process. ]
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Michael Palmieri Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Area of Expertise: Cybercrime, cybercrime offender decision making, terrorism, terrorist activity online
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Karin Raye, J.D. Assistant Professor of Legal Studies Area of Expertise: domestic violence and sexual assault education and advocacy; criminal justice; juvenile justice; victimology
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Kellie Wallace, Ph.D., C.A.G.S. Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Area of Expertise: criminology; criminal justice; mental health; veterinary forensic science
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Edward Weeks, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Area of Expertise: criminology; corrections; research methods in the social sciences
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Learning Outcomes
- Critically analyze and write about a variety of literature forms.
- Apply insights from texts to historical and modern individual and societal human experiences.
- Make real-world connections and respond critically to moral and ethical choices that are presented in works.
- Understand ethical and legal principles and distinguish between fact and opinion to create valid arguments.
- Develop sophisticated writing and speaking skills while exploring career options.
For a complete list of courses and Learrning outcomes, view the Academic Catalog >>
Career Success with a Legal Studies Degree
Lasell’s Legal Studies major prepares students for careers in law, human services and advocacy programs, and government as well as to attend law or graduate school.
Our students have interned with:
- Attorney General's Office
- District Attorneys’ offices
- Private law firms
- Suffolk Superior Court
- Boston Municipal Court
- Political lobbying firms, such as O'Neill & Associates
Our alumni work for:
- Law firms District Attorney's Offices
- Human services agencies and advocacy programs
- Federal and state court clerks and probation departments
- Victim witness advocacy
- Graduate programs at Northeastern University School of Law, Suffolk University Law School, Quinnipiac School of Law, among others
Request more information about the Legal Studies major:
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