Eunomia Pre-Law Club: Building Future Legal Leaders at Huntington University
At Huntington University, aspiring lawyers aren’t just preparing for the LSAT — they’re building a community, gaining hands-on courtroom experience, and connecting with mentors who are shaping the future of law in northeast Indiana.
Leading the charge is senior Victoria Hilderbrand, president of Eunomia, Huntington’s pre-law club. What began as a quiet campus organization has transformed into an energetic hub where students develop critical thinking skills, practice legal arguments, and build connections that extend far beyond graduation.
From classroom to courtroom
Eunomia's signature experience is its annual mock trial practicum and policy debate program, held each spring. Over the course of four years, students participate in two mock trials and two policy debates, gaining practical experience that directly prepares them for the rigors of law school.
“Students get to wrestle with evidence, present arguments, and think on their feet,” Hilderbrand said. “Even though these aren’t real cases, the skills are absolutely real, and they're exactly what you need to succeed in law school.”
The events draw audiences from across campus, with students serving as jurors and witnesses. This cross-campus engagement has helped raise awareness of legal education opportunities at HU.
Connecting students with legal mentors
One of Hilderbrand’s priorities as president has been expanding Eunomia's network beyond peer-to-peer connections to include practicing attorneys and alumni.
“We’ve met with local lawyers who’ve shared insights we wouldn't have found anywhere else,” Hilderbrand said, including the growing need for attorneys in Huntington County and surrounding communities.
Since most HU graduates remain within a few hours of campus, these local connections prove invaluable. Alumni who have recently completed law school also return to discuss the LSAT and law school experience, providing guidance that feels both relevant and accessible.
Faculty who invest in students
Hilderbrand credits much of her growth to Huntington’s History and Political Science Department faculty, particularly professors like Dr. Tim Smith and Dr. Jeffrey Webb, who employ rigorous, Socratic teaching methods similar to those used in law schools.
“They knew me before I even knew myself,” Hilderbrand reflected. “They saw potential and pushed me to reach it.”
This mentorship approach, combining high academic standards with genuine personal investment, has become a hallmark of the pre-law experience at Huntington. Faculty don’t just teach legal thinking; they model the character and excellence that define effective attorneys.
Why choose Huntington for pre-law?
For prospective students considering a legal career, Hilderbrand emphasizes that Huntington offers more than just academic preparation; it provides a comprehensive formation.
“Our classes train your mind to think like a lawyer: to spot loopholes, analyze from multiple perspectives, and build complete arguments,” Hilderbrand explained. “And because we’re a Christian university, students learn to approach law with wisdom, integrity, and a Christ-centered perspective.”
The combination of rigorous scholarship, practical experience, mentorship access, and character development creates a distinctive pre-law pathway that prepares students not just for law school admission but for meaningful legal careers.
An invitation to future legal leaders
Under Hilderbrand’s leadership, Eunomia has evolved from a departmental club into a cross-campus community. Students don’t need to be political science majors or even committed to law school to participate; they simply need curiosity about justice and a willingness to engage.
“We’re small but diverse,” Hilderbrand said. “We love learning together, discussing real issues, and hearing our professors’ stories. It’s a great group of people who genuinely enjoy being together.”
For students considering law school, Eunomia represents a unique opportunity: a structured pre-law program, hands-on legal experience, mentor connections, and a supportive community, all within a faith-integrated educational environment.
“You can go anywhere and still get into law school,” Hilderbrand acknowledged. “But if you want professors who care about you personally, who’ll train you to think deeply and impact the world — that’s what you’ll find here.”
