Breadcrumbs
The University of Iowa offers Pre-Law as a declared major, and there are special learning opportunities at Iowa Law to prepare for your law school tenure.
Hubbard testimonials
- The Hubbard Prep Program experience enforced my decision of wanting to go to law school. The long readings and cases that I had to analyze gave me a sensation of what it would feel like to be in an actual law school course. The Socratic Method was also something else that I was not used to. I enjoyed the Socratic Method because it made me learn in a way that I had not before; it enforced what I had studied the previous night. The Socratic Method also encouraged me to do my work with extra effort because I didn't want to get called on, and not know the answer to a question. One of my favorite courses of the program was the legal skills course, where I, along with the other Hubbard Fellows, had to advise our pretend client on what he could do in his situation. We also took a deposition of the pretend officer to help with our client’s case, and at the end we told our client his options and that ultimately, he should be the one who should decide what road he would want to take (he could have chosen from a deferred judgment or a guilty plea). It was intense work during the first weeks, but we also had time to enjoy the wonderful city of Iowa City. It's a nice college town. The University of Iowa offered free public transportation which made our trips to and from the law school much easier. The Hubbard Program proved not only to be an intense program, but an enjoyable one as well; we went canoeing, went to Minnesota to talk to lawyers from the Faegre and Benson law firm, and volunteered "Hubbard for Humanity," among other things. The Fellows proved to be very encouraging with one another throughout the whole program. We all had our own unique characteristics that set us apart, but at the same time those differences gave us a reason to learn from each other and to grow closer as a group. The friends that I gained, the skills that I gained, and the unique experience that I gained from the program made the whole Hubbard Program worthwhile! If I had to do it again, I would do it in an instant. - Marco Rodriguez (Dominican University, '13)
- Throughout the program I was impressed at how thoroughly the professors discussed complicated ideas related to the study of law. Because of the many tips I received and hands on experience I gained while at Iowa, I am confident that I can hit the ground running when I enter law school. Moreover, the interaction with the professors and simulation of law school life made law school less of a lofty dream and more of an attainable reality. For me, the benefits of the program didn't stop there. I had the unique opportunity of meeting many determined pre-law students from around the country. I learned so much from each these individuals. Although it may sound cliché, over the course of the month, the program became less of a "program" and more of a family. From learning of the sacrifices of Phillip G. Hubbard, to recapturing my childhood on the Maquoketa River, to getting a feel for life at a major law firm in Minneapolis, I can say with absolute certainty that I grew as a person and a potential lawyer. For this, I will always be grateful to you and others at Iowa for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of it. - Matthew Kemelek (Morehouse College, '13)
- I learned how to think like a lawyer, act like a lawyer and speak like a lawyer. - Rudy Sarmiento (University of Southern California, '13)
- I truly loved the program and I wholeheartedly believe it was the experience of a lifetime. You have the opportunity to learn what areas of law interest you, what to expect in law school and most importantly, how to prepare for law school. In addition you meet ambitious and like-minded people like yourself as well as professionals who are already working in the field you want to one day work in and can offer you advice and insight into their careers. - Leticia Mora (Florida State University, '13)
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Philip G. Hubbard Prep Program
Philip G. Hubbard Law School Preparation Program
The University of Iowa College of Law, with generous support from The University of Iowa, is pleased to offer the Philip G. Hubbard Law School Preparation Program. This program seeks to support diversity in the legal profession by inspiring students from groups historically under-represented in the law to become lawyers and by providing them with the skills and assistance that will strengthen their preparation for law school.
Whether students are interested in the University of Iowa College of Law or in learning more about legal careers and the law school experience, the Philip G. Hubbard Law School Preparation Program is an opportunity worth considering.
The four weeks spent as a Hubbard Fellows provides the opportunity to learn about:
- Areas of law and legal careers, through presentations and courses, practical lawyering exercises, and visits with practicing lawyers
- The legal profession’s tradition of service, engagement and commitment to justice
- The law school experience and how to apply to law school
- The tradition of excellence and access that is unique to the University of Iowa College of Law
Hubbard Fellows gain a solid foundation for law school and enhance their undergraduate experience by:
- Learning about analysis through critical reading and other exercises
- Improving writing in a specialized workshop that draws on the writing traditions of the UI
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Improving study skills by learning new strategies for success
2012 Program: June 4 - June 29, 2012
The 2012 Hubbard Program will be held on the campus of the University of Iowa College of Law from June 3 - June 29, 2012. Program participants will live in a dormitory on the campus of The University of Iowa. Participants will receive a stipend, free room and a meal card; some assistance for travel expenses may be available upon request and with proper documentation. Since this is an intensive program, participants must be available full-time throughout the program and the stipend is intended to enable full-time study.- Apply to the 2012 Program [pdf]
- 2011 Course Description - 2012 information available Spring 2012
Student Participants
Student participants in the program are designated as Hubbard Fellows in honor of Dr. Philip G. Hubbard, former University Vice President and professor of mechanical engineering. Professor Hubbard, who died in January 2002, was an African-American professor at The University of Iowa and a voice of conscience and caring throughout the University community for over five decades. Previous Hubbard fellows have gone on to study law at The University of Iowa and other institutions.
Especially encouraged to apply are students attending a four-year public or private college in the state of Iowa, and students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges. However, all interested students currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate program should apply. Students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree are not eligible for the program.
Participation in the Hubbard program is voluntary. Students may withdraw their application or participation in the program at any time. However, early departure from the Hubbard Program or excessive absences will result in a reduction of stipend. Please be aware that some programming is scheduled during the evenings and on weekends.
Why Iowa?
The University of Iowa and the College of Law have a distinguished national reputation. Throughout its history, the College of Law has been a leader among the nation's law schools. Founded in 1865, it is the oldest law school west of the Mississippi River. It is consistently ranked among the top law schools in the country. In 1879, Iowa became one of the first law schools to graduate an African-American student and in 1873 one of the first law schools to graduate a woman student. Today, The University of Iowa continues this history of diversity. It serves as a repository, teaching and research center for a renowned collection of African art and host to many cultural and multi-cultural events. To get a feeling for what Iowa has to offer, please see our Community pages.Contact
By E-mail
By Mail
Hubbard Program Committee
University of Iowa College of Law
Law Admissions Building
320 Melrose Avenue
Iowa City, IA 52242
By Telephone
319-335-9639
For general information about applying to and attending law school, please visit http://www.lsac.org or http://www.discoverlaw.org/.