The University Pre Law Services is sponsoring the Law School Fair on Tuesday in the Talley Student Center and is open to students pursuing degrees in any majors. The fair will have representatives from 82 law schools from around the country. Workshops will be conducted, beginning with “writing effective personal statements” at 10:45 a.m.

“The variety [of students] we have here is an incredible resource for law schools,” Mary A. Tetro, pre law adviser, said.

Tetro said she felt students impressed the law schools in other ways.

“Over the last five years, they have seen our students come with good questions,” Tetro said.

Tetro said the law fair is an opportunity for all students in any undergraduate years or majors.

“The students have a time to talk to the law schools and law schools have a time to talk to the students,” Tetro said.

Some students like Bennita Whitfield, a senior in political science, who have been to the law fair in the past said they believed the fair was just as valuable to them.

“It’s phenomenal,” Whitfield said. “You can’t ask for anything more.”

Whitfield, who attended the past two law fairs, said she felt the law fair was a “good way to get that network going and a name to the face” for students.

“Just come out and speak to the law schools of your choice,” Whitfield said. “Broaden your horizon from other schools around the country.”

Whitfield said the fair is a time the law schools travel to students.

“Not everybody can afford to go to Florida or other areas,” Whitfield said. “It’s a way for the law schools, deans and representatives to come to you.”

According to Whitfield, even students who are not sure they want to do law school later should attend.

Phil Stadermann, a senior in finance and business management, has begun his applications for law schools. He said he wants to do something with corporate law.

Stadermann said he realized he wanted to go into law since his freshman year and started preparing by getting good grades.

“I suggest students do [the law fair]. I think it’s a great opportunity,” Stadermann said. “Find out what schools you want to go to and what they have to offer.”

The Pre Law Students’ Association on campus is also an important resource, according to Stadermann.

“Take advantage of the workshops they have to offer,” Stadermann said.

Other students like Hannah Crume, a senior in English, have felt the Pre Law Students’ Association helped them in the process of applying to law schools.

Crume served as the treasurer of PLSA for the past two years said students should definitely get involved in PLSA’s meetings.

“It gives you an opportunity to meet people you would not otherwise. We also have sessions on how to write personal statements and what the admissions process is like.”

Crume said she believes she is prepared for the application process.

Self-discipline is a factor in wanting to become a lawyer, according to Crume.

“Nobody is going to tell you what to do or when to do it. You have to learn all that on your own,” Crume, who wants to study family law at Florida State University’s Law School, said.

Crume said there are resources on campus to help students interested in law school.

“N.C. State offers everything, but it’s up to the student to take advantage of these opportunities,” Tetro said.

NCSU offers courses that allow an insight into the study of law, according to Tetro.

Crume said the individual student makes those decisions on what classes to take.

Whitfield said students who have a “speck or notion” that they want to go to law school should start getting involved and familiar with law.

“Do it because it matters to you. Don’t put it on your resume because you think it would impress the law school or us,” Tetro said.

Students who are planning to attend the law school fair are encouraged to dress in business-casual attire, according to Crume.

“You don’t want to go in with raggy blue jeans,” Crume said. “If you’re a junior or senior, definitely dress in business casual. Let them know you’re serious about what you want to do.”

Students who have questions about the law fair or pre law advising at NCSU are encouraged to go to the Web site, www.ncsu.edu/project/prelaw.