Established in 1981, the Raichle Pre-Law Center at Canisius College was made possible by a generous gift from the late Frank G. Raichle HON ’68. Raichle was a nationally recognized Buffalo trial lawyer and leader of the American Bar Association; he also served on the Canisius Board of Trustees.
The Raichle Pre-Law Center provides pre-professional counseling and advisement; new courses; and extracurricular activities in the field of law that enrich the campus’ understanding of the role of law in American society (specifically through the Frank G. Raichle Lecture Series). In addition, the endowment provides for eight need-based scholarships of up to $4,000 to be awarded each year, to juniors and seniors who intend to study law.
Since 1981, several hundred aspiring lawyers have passed through the center’s doors. One hundred and twenty Canisius pre-law students received Raichle scholarships. Ninety percent of these Raichle Scholars went on to law school, seven obtained PhDs and three won Fulbright Scholarships. To see a list of Raichle Scholars, click here.
In fall 2005, a new and expanded Raichle Pre-Law Center formally opened on the second floor of Lyons Hall. The new center includes an extensive Raichle Law Library, a conference room, faculty offices, a lounge area, a student workspace and a computer area that enables students to take virtual tours of dozens of law schools around the country.
Additionally, a more structured program of new, one-credit courses for students interested in law are offered. These include Getting into Law School: Strategies for Success, Exploring Legal Careers and Basics of Writing for Pre-Professionals. Students also work closely with faculty who help them select the right law school, get through the application process and prepare for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).
To read more about the Pre-Law Center and Frank Raichle's legacy at Canisius, click here.