Legal Pathways

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uniting the campus and the community in law-related
education, research, events, networking and other programming

Legal Pathways at UW Tacoma is a new initiative, funded by the Washington State Legislature, to build and support law-related opportunities and curriculum on campus and to promote the success of students interested in pursuing law school, other graduate and professional studies related to law, and law-related careers.  Learn more about our mission and history.

Student opportunities:

  • Prepare for law school
  • Make connections with the local legal community
  • Identify and pursue law-related career opportunities
  • Explore how law is present every day, all around you

Faculty and alumni:

  • Connect with UW Tacoma alumni and law school students
  • Mentor future lawyers and career professionals in current students
  • Participate in current research and conversations about law and public policy

 

Popular links

Browse courses and curriculum
Law-related courses across all UWT departments
Get pre-law academic advising
UW Tacoma has academic advisors who can help you plan your path
Prepare for law school
The LSAT exam is required before applying to most law schools
Join a student organization
Meet faculty and peers at a law-related student org
Find faculty law experts
UW Tacoma faculty researchers are available for public speaking and community events
Connect with your community
Explore networking, volunteer, mentoring and civic opportunities

News articles

The Next Stage

UW Tacoma senior Teresa Dennerlein leans against the large steel W on campus.
May 13, 2021
Senior Teresa Dennerlein grew up in isolation then got a chance to see the world before finding what she needed at UW Tacoma.
Full Article »

Opening Statement

Legal Pathways Director Patricia Sully in her office.
March 4, 2020
Legal Pathways Director Patricia Sully is using her skills as a trained lawyer to turn UW Tacoma into a hub for legal education in the South Sound.
Full Article »
More news >

Calendar of upcoming Legal Pathways events

Leadership

Legal Pathways is currently directed by interim Co-Directors, Dr. Sarah Hampson and Dr. Elizabeth Bruch, under the leadership of Dr. Ali Modarres.  On August 19, 2019 Patricia Sully, J.D., will assume leadership as the founding Director of Legal Pathways.

Patricia Sully[4]

Director of Legal Pathways

Photographic image of Patricia Sully

Patricia Sully will join UW Tacoma in late August  after five years with the Seattle-based Public Defender Association, most recently serving as that organization's policy director. ... read more about leadership

Elizabeth M. Bruch, J.D., Ph.D.[5]

Co-faculty director
of Legal Pathways

Photographic portrait of Elizabeth Bruch

Elizabeth Bruch will serve as co-Director of Legal Pathways for 2018-19. Dr. Bruch is an Assistant Professor in SIAS at UWT.  She began her career as a lawyer, working on complex litigation in New York and ... read more about leadership

Sarah Cote Hampson, Ph.D.[6]

Co-faculty director
of Legal Pathways

Photographic portrait of Sarah Cote Hampson

Sarah Hampson will serve as co-Director of Legal Pathways for 2018-19. Dr. Hampson is an Assistant Professor in SIAS at UWT. She received her Ph.D. in Political Science in 2014 from the University of ... read more about leadership

Ali Modarres, Ph.D.[6]

Assistant Chancellor
for Community Engagement

Photographic portrait of Ali Modarres

Ali Modarres is the Director of Urban Studies at University of Washington Tacoma. He is the former editor of Cities: The International Journal of Urban Policy and Planning and ...   read more about leadership

Legal Pathways is also supported by a Community Advisory Board and a Faculty Advisory Board.