Faculty Spotlight | Dr. Shanita Pettaway

From Pre-Law to Law School: Preparing for the Case Briefing Olympics

Pre-law advisor and part-time faculty in the Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice, Dr. Pettaway is a first-generation college graduate who has turned her own journey into a source of inspiration for others. Her classroom blends the rigor of law school with mentorship and care, ensuring her students are confident, well-prepared, and supported as they take their first steps toward a legal career.

Fundamental to Dr. Pettaway's teaching philosophy is leading students to visualize themselves as legal professionals before students ever set foot on a law campus. By integrating the rigor and structure of the law school curriculum, her classes capture the very essence of what “pre-law” means. A central (and infamous) component to law school is participating in “case briefing Olympics,” in which students analyze and respond to legal cases. To build students’ critical thinking skills, Dr. Pettaway applies an analysis technique called the IRAC method, which prompts students to break down the principle themes of the case through the “Issue, Rule, Application, and Conclusion.” To further enhance students’ critical reasoning, each pre-law course culminates with a legal summary, recommendation, and research paper on the respective subject matter. Through her innovative approach, she ensures that “none of my pre-law students will enter their first year of law school without having ever briefed a case.”

The impact of Dr. Pettaway's approach resonates deeply with her students, who praise her courses as "thought-provoking" and the content as "amazing and well-organized.” Her influence goes far beyond the classroom and the results of her mentorship are best told through the voices of her students:

“Dr. Pettaway brings professionalism and kind, witty humor to any room she leads. I have loved getting to know her in both a professional and fun setting through the Pre-Law Society. She is very passionate about her work and leading students to be the best they can be.”

“Dr. Pettaway, the advisor for the Pre-Law Society, cultivates a community built on support and ambition. She puts tremendous effort into making the Pre-Law Society both fun and beneficial. She is always willing to help and go the extra mile for students, whether it's offering academic advice, providing career insights, or organizing engaging events. Her enthusiasm and dedication create a supportive and welcoming environment where students are encouraged to grow and succeed. Plus, she knows the way to a student's heart - no meeting is ever complete without food on the table.”

This reflects her unwavering support and profound care for her students, leaving a lasting impact on their academic and professional journeys. Her efforts, care, and passion encourage students to grow and succeed, leading to confident future legal professionals.

Fun Facts!
Outside of her rigorous teaching, Dr. Pettaway is known for her creativity, designing her own clothing. Her signature phrase perfectly captures her personality—“Y’all know I’m extra!”

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