Thinking about law school? This guide is your starting point for exploring legal careers, preparing for the LSAT, and navigating the law school application process. You’ll find recommended books, tools, and WMU-specific resources to help you get started.
But don’t go it alone—meeting with a pre-law advisor in your college is one of the most important steps you can take. They’ll help you choose the right courses, plan your timeline, and strengthen your application.
Ready to explore? Scroll down to find tools, tips, and opportunities to help you plan your law school journey.
NOTE: The inclusion of links in this guide which offer fee-based services does not constitute an endorsement.
Judge Drain was appointed by President Obama to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan in August 2012. He assumed senior status on August 13, 2022 and has presided over hundreds of criminal and civil federal cases.
His distinguished judicial career—from federal defender to district judge—offers a powerful example of public service and excellence.
A WMU alum who earned both JD and MBA, Crocker currently serves as a judge advocate at U.S. Army Cyber Command, marking five years in that role as of mid-2025. His career blends law, technology, and military service—showing modern, interdisciplinary paths for law grads.
Nancy Diehl dedicated 28 years to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, where she founded the Child Abuse Unit, led the felony trial division, and helped shape laws and programs to protect families. She received multiple awards, including the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association’s Champion of Justice in 2009. Her work demonstrates the powerful impact of public service and child advocacy—ideal for students passionate about criminal justice and social change.
John Bursch is a nationally recognized appellate litigator who has argued over a dozen cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and served as Michigan’s Solicitor General (2011–2013). His career shows the impact of appellate advocacy, public policy, and Supreme Court work—helpful for students drawn to debate, research, and high-stakes legal arguments.
Kristi Katsma now leads commercial legal strategy at Fisker Inc., the electric vehicle manufacturer, serving as SVP of Legal – Commercial Affairs since 2021. Prior to Fisker, she handled complex global contracts at HARMAN and General Motors and earlier practiced at Dickinson Wright PLLC, advising automotive clients on commercial and supply chain agreements. Her career reflects courtroom readiness and cross‑industry legal fluency. Her transition from private practice to high-level corporate counsel in innovative industries shows students that law degrees open doors to leadership roles in cutting-edge fields—especially for those passionate about business, technology, and strategic legal work.
Peterson's How to Write the Perfect Personal Statement
