At Guilford College, the Pre-Law Club is redefining what it means to study law by making it less about textbooks and more about connection, curiosity, and community.
Originally inactive, the club was revived by president Stephanie Olvera Flores. She saw an opportunity to rebuild something that had disappeared from campus.
From the start, Flores wanted the organization to feel different from traditional pre-law spaces.
“The thing I did differently about Pre-Law was that it was not just for people who are on the pre-law track,” Flores said. “It’s now aimed for more people who are interested in the basic law overview or just want to know more.”
The inclusive mission is echoed by vice president Melah Melton, who emphasizes that the club is as much about general education as it is about career preparation.
“It’s not only a resource for people who want to go to law school,” Melton said. “It’s not only a resource for practicing for the LSAT, but also for other people.”
Instead of focusing solely on LSAT prep or application advice, the club offers hands-on events that mix learning with entertainment.
“We do a lot of different events that provide people with knowledge of the legal system and how things work,” Melton said. “So, trying to incorporate other things outside of primarily law students.”
These events have quickly become a hallmark of the club.
One standout activity challenged students to test their legal knowledge in a playful way. One event was “Splash or Pass,” where you answer questions, and if you got the answer wrong, you get to throw water balloons.
Another recent favorite was a themed game night that turned legal concepts into interactive play. There was a mafia night where members changed the terms to be more legal.
Events coordinator, Max Kiederer, believes those kinds of activities are what make the club appealing to a wide audience.
“I really like our events, how they’re interacting with just everybody as well,” Kiederer said.
Kiederer’s own involvement reflects the club’s openness, since he is not a pre-law student.
“’Im not in pre-law, but I joined it because Melah was my friend,” Kiederer said. “I also like doing events and stuff, that is a good way to get involved in it too.”
The mix of academic and non-academic perspectives is intentional. For Melton, one of the most meaningful parts of the club is seeing its impact on students.
“I just think really educating people and seeing it has been really cool,” Melton said. She recalls how participants often say, “Oh, I never knew this.”
Looking ahead, the club has several plans to expand its reach. One of the biggest upcoming opportunities is a visit to Elon University School of Law. The club is also working to collaborate with other student organizations and continue experimenting with new types of events.
As graduation approaches for its founding leaders, the future of the club rests with its current board and incoming members, and the spirit of innovation continues.
Flores is focused on growth and engagement with new members within the club, and on just throwing more events.
Joining the club remains simple and accessible; anyone can come to any Pre-Law event that is taking place. As for joining the club itself, just come to the events and sign up for the email list.
For students unsure whether Pre-Law is for them, the club‘s message is clear.
“Don’t be scared off by the fact that it’s pre-law,” Melton said. “Definitely don’t close your mind off.”
Through games, discussions and shared curiosity, the Pre-Law Club at Guildford is proving that learning about the law doesn’t have to feel intimidating—it can start by showing up and getting involved.
