Pre-Law Advisor
Please see Special Instructions for more details.
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
We are only accepting applications submitted by January 23, 2025.
Posting Details
Posting Summary
Logo |
Posting Number | STA00973PO25
Job Family | Academic and Career Counseling
Job Function | Career Services
USC Market Title | Career Coach
Link to USC Market Title |
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/131748Job Level | P3 - Professional
Business Title (Internal Title) | Pre-Law Advisor
Campus | Columbia
Work County | Richland
College/Division | Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support
Department | SAAS PreProfessional Advising
State Pay Band | 6
Approved Starting Salary | $49,396
Advertised Salary Range | $49,396 - $74,094
Location of Vacancy |
Part/Full Time | Full Time
Hours per Week | 37.5
Work Schedule |
Standard working schedule: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.
Basis | 12 months
Job Search Category | Student Services
About USC
About University of South Carolina | From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Veterans' Preference Statement | The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.
Benefits for FTE Positions
The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary |
Pre-Law Advisor Do you thrive in a collaborative, student-centered environment that values innovation and inclusion? Are you passionate about helping students prepare for law school and meaningful careers in the legal field? Would you enjoy organizing signature events such as law school fairs, alumni panels, and networking programs? Do you value using data and assessment to enhance advising programs and drive continuous improvement? The Pre-Law Advisor supports USC undergraduates and alumni from all majors interested in law school or legal careers. Reporting to a Director in the University Career Center, this role is part of the Pre-Professional Advising team, working alongside the Pre-Med/Health Advisor to support both advising areas. The Advisor provides individualized guidance, programs, and resources to help students gain law school admission while linking pre-law advising to broader career initiatives. They also strengthen partnerships across campus and with law schools, alumni, and professional organizations to enhance student engagement and post-graduate success.
Primary duties include: Provide individual and group advising for students and alumni exploring law school and legal career paths. Guide students through academic planning, LSAT preparation, and the law school application process (personal statements, résumés, recommendations, and Character & Fitness questions). Design and deliver workshops, panels, and events such as the annual Law School Fair and networking programs. Develop and maintain digital resources, newsletters, and communication strategies to engage pre-law students and alumni. Build relationships with law schools, alumni, and professional organizations to strengthen mentoring, networking, and career outcomes. Use data and assessment tools to evaluate programs and inform continuous improvement. Represent the University and Career Center at recruitment, outreach, and professional events.
Perks Competitive salary + some of the BEST benefits you can find! 15 paid vacation days 15 paid sick days 13 paid holidays (including an extended December holiday) An engaging and collaborative environment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BALBcUSl7ck
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience | Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 3 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials Preferred Qualifications | Master’s degree from an accredited institution and/or Juris Doctorate (J.D.) or related advanced degree. 3+ years of relevant professional experience in higher education or a legal setting. Knowledge of pre-law student development and the law school admissions process. Experience with event coordination (law fairs, speaker events), programming, recruitment/retention efforts, program assessment, and data reporting. Familiarity with advising and career systems such as Handshake, EAB Navigate or other applications related to student academic records and student support services.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities | Knowledge of policies, best practices, procedures for law school preparation and the application process. Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with students, parents, staff, faculty, and the general public. Ability to identify, develop and implement programs and activities that will benefit the pre-law population at USC.
Job Duties
Job Duty | Student Advising, Career Planning, and Support
Provide individualized and group advising for undergraduate students and alumni from all majors exploring law school and legal career pathways. Guide students through academic and professional preparation, including course planning, experiential learning, LSAT strategies, and law school application materials (personal statements, résumés, letters of recommendation, and Character and Fitness Questions). Facilitate workshops, panels, and small-group advising sessions at various stages of the law school application process. Integrate pre-law advising with the Career Center’s broader career exploration and planning initiatives to help students connect their academic, professional, and personal goals with meaningful post-graduation outcomes, enhancing readiness for legal education and future careers. Provide inclusive advising and programming that address the diverse needs, backgrounds, and experiences of USC students. Maintain current knowledge of law school admissions trends, requirements, and best practices to provide informed, evidence-based guidance. Maintain subject matter expertise in pre-law advising and general awareness of related pre-professional areas (e.g., pre-health) to support holistic student guidance and collaboration within the Career Center.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 35Job Duty | Program Management and Development
Design, implement, and evaluate comprehensive pre-law programming, including the annual Law School Fair, networking events, law school visits, and skill-building workshops. Collaborate as appropriate with Career Center colleagues and campus partners. Develop, expand, and maintain pre-law advising resources and online materials reflecting best practices in law school preparation. Lead a strategic communication plan to engage pre-law students and alumni through newsletters, social media, and digital platforms. Use student data and feedback to assess program effectiveness, identify trends, and inform continuous improvement. Benchmark and apply national best practices in pre-law advising and programming to ensure USC’s services remain innovative and impactful.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 25Job Duty | Campus and External Collaboration
Serve as the strategic liaison among academic advisors, departments, and pre-law student organizations to ensure consistency and alignment in advising and communication. Cultivate high-impact partnerships with key campus units—including Academic Advising, the Law School, and the Office of Undergraduate Admissions—to enhance pre-law visibility, recruitment, and student success. Collaborate with campus partners—including the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Visitor Center, Athletic Department, and Student Success Center—to support undergraduate recruitment and promote pre-law opportunities to prospective students. Build and manage external relationships with law schools, professional associations, and alumni in the legal field to expand networks, mentoring opportunities, and institutional reputation. Maintain active engagement with professional pre-law advising organizations such as APLA and PLANC through participation, leadership, and conference involvement to enhance expertise and elevate USC’s visibility in the national pre-law advising community. Provide professional development, resources, and strategic support to the university’s network of pre-law academic advisors. Represent the University and the Career Center at admissions presentations, orientation programs, and other recruitment and outreach events. Lead alumni and community engagement initiatives that promote mentoring, experiential learning, and access to the legal profession.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 15Job Duty | Data, Assessment, and Reporting
Track, analyze, and apply pre-law student data, law school admission outcomes, and engagement metrics to guide strategic planning, assess program effectiveness, and inform resource allocation. Prepare regular updates for Career Center leadership and produce annual impact reports that contribute to institutional planning and continuous improvement.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 10Job Duty | Strategic Direction and Leadership
Contribute to the efficient operation and student service delivery of the Pre-Professional Advising satellite office, collaborating with the Pre-Med/Health Advisor and other team members to ensure coordinated, high-quality advising and programming. Provide vision and leadership for the development and continuous improvement of the university’s pre-law advising strategy, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and Career Center priorities. Lead campus-wide initiatives to strengthen undergraduate recruitment and engagement in pre-law programming. Establish and promote consistent advising standards and best practices across departments to ensure quality and equity in pre-law support. Serve as a thought leader and advocate for pre-law student success within the university and across the professional advising community.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 10Job Duty | Additional Duties
Participate in Career Center meetings, training, and collaborative initiatives that advance the Center’s strategic goals and promote an integrated, student-centered approach to career and pre-professional advising. Participate in and support divisional, departmental, and institutional initiatives such as committees, professional development meetings, move-in day, Orientation, Admissions events, Family Weekend, and other special projects. Perform other duties as assigned to advance the mission and strategic priorities of the Pre-Professional Advising team and the University Career Center.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 5
Position Attributes
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.
Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive | No
Hazardous weather category | Non-Essential
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies | 1
Desired Start Date |
Job Open Date | 12/16/2025
Job Close Date | 01/23/2026
Open Until Filled | No
Special Instructions to Applicant |
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email. We are only accepting applications submitted by January 23, 2025.
Quicklink for Posting |
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/199935EEO Statement | The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * Do you have a bachelor's degree in a job related field and 3 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience?
- * Please describe your approach to advising or coaching students, particularly those pursuing pre-law pathways. In your response, share an example of an impactful advising interaction you have had, the advising model or philosophy that guides your work, and how you support students in navigating complex academic and career decisions.
(Open Ended Question) - * A junior with a 3.4 GPA and an LSAT score of 152 shares that they plan to apply to a highly selective law school whose median indicators are significantly above their current academic profile. How would you approach advising this student? Please walk us through your reasoning, the conversation you would have, and the strategies you would use to support them in both their aspirations and realistic planning.
(Open Ended Question)
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- List of References and Contact Information
Optional Documents