Our Interview With Shanita L. Pettaway, J.D., Ph.D., Immediate Past University Pre-Law Advisor at University of South Alabama (USA), Pre-Law Society

By the Juris Education Interview Team

Shanita L. Pettaway, J.D., Ph.D. is the Immediate Past University Pre-Law Advisor at University of South Alabama (USA), Pre-Law Society.

1. What inspired you to pursue leadership within the pre-law community at your school?

I did not pursue leadership of my Institution’s Pre-Law Society per se; it pursued me, if you will. A firm believer that one’s gifts make room for them and a proponent of the premise that one of the best teachers is experience, during the interview process for a visiting professorship in the Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice, I was identified as a strong candidate and one whose unique skill set and educational background would also lend well to service in the University Pre-Law Advisor role. Specifically, as an incoming faculty member who successfully navigated the law school admissions process and graduated from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school, I was leveraged as a “welcoming and insightful mentor that any student would be lucky to have,” as described by one of my former pre-law students and current law student. Moreover, as an experienced higher education administrator and faculty, first generation college graduate, and first generation law school graduate, I am motivated by my faith and desire to help others help themselves by doing my part to tip the scales of educational methodology in favor of students who endeavor to obtain higher education and doing so during what may be one of the most critical junctures of their lives and early careers.  Much of the work we do should not only be for ourselves, but for those who follow in our footsteps. Thus, I utilized my service as University Pre-Law Advisor to “pour” into the next generation of law students.

2. What’s one initiative your society has introduced that’s had a meaningful impact on its members?

One? Many! During my service as University Pre-Law Advisor, I introduced a number of first-time initiatives, “Ask an Advisor: The Pre-Law Edition” Series, “Lunch and Learn: The Pre-Law Edition” Education & Awareness Event Series, and “Virtual Talk About It Tuesday” Pre-Law Event Series. I facilitated the creation of a few standing committees: Community Involvement, Fundraising, and Women In Pre-Law (WIPL). I also took steps to coordinate a free online mock Law School Admission Test (LSAT) for USA pre-law students, which included a detailed score report and comprehensive explanations. Equally impactful was the incorporation of Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) into one of our meetings, allowing every member to ascertain their personality type and how it may impact the area of law in which they are interested.

3. What do you think are the skills aspiring law students can gain from joining an organization like yours?

Membership in Pre-Law Society provides an opportunity to build community with peers and address pre-law related questions, while gaining a wealth of information regarding the law school admissions process firsthand from law school admissions representatives, Law School Admission Test (LSAT), resumes, personal statements, pre-law coursework, and other related topics.

4. What advice would you give to law students on how to make the most out of joining a pre-law association?

Carpe diem--seize every opportunity presented.

Juris Education is proud to interview experts like Shanita L. Pettaway, J.D., Ph.D. to help future lawyers understand the benefits of extracurricular involvement in college. Learn more about how our experts can help you get into law school today.