Course Objectives
The Pre-Law Certificate Programme is a seven (7) months course that seeks to engage prospective students who do not have the required CAPE subjects in both units 1 and 2 (of the same subjects) with grades 1, 2 or 3 and are desirous of matriculating into the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech, Jamaica) Faculty of Law. Through the pursuit of this programme, students will become familiar with sources of legal authority, legal analysis and writing, as well as, develop their intellectual and personal preparation for law school.
IMPORTANT: All Pre-Law students are expected to gain and maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout the programme in order to become qualified for entry into UTech, Jamaica Faculty of Law.
Course Content
Unit 1: Law I – Public Law
Unit 2: Communication Studies I
Unit 3: Introduction to Legal Methods & Research
Unit 4: Introduction to Sociology I
Unit 5: Law II – Private Law
Unit 6: Communication Studies II
Unit 7: Caribbean Studies
Unit 8: Introduction to Sociology II
Registration & Application Information
Delivery Format: Online
Application Fee: $5,000.00
Duration: 7 Months
Intake period: January & September
Days and time: Mondays: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Wednesdays: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Saturdays 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm and Sundays: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
For the completion of the application process, students will be required to submit the following documents to support their application, these documents can be scanned and uploaded to the application form or emailed to certification_unit@ileja.org.
Documents to be submitted are:
- Proof of Qualifications - Five (5) CSEC subjects with the passing grade of 1, 2 or 3 OR five (5) GCE subjects with the passing grades of A, B or C. The subject areas must include English A and any other four (4) subjects.
- Valid Photograph Identification (nationally issued which can be Driver's License, Passport, or Voters ID)
- Tax Registration Number (TRN)
- Copy of Birth Certificate
- One passport size photo
**A non-refundable registration fee of $5,000.00 is payable upon receipt of Letter of Acceptance confirmation.
Programme Cost
USD 1,000.00 – International Students
JMD 135,000.00 – Jamaican Students
PLEASE NOTE: (Cost includes a non-refundable administrative fee of USD$40 / JM$5,000)
Fees are non-refundable after the first day of class. There will be a full refund of Tuition Fees Only paid for classes that are cancelled.
Leandra SamuelsSeptember 2018 Cohort
My journey toward becoming an Attorney-at-Law began in 2018 when I applied to the Faculty of Law at the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech, Jamaica). Unfortunately, I received a rejection letter. At the time, I lacked both prior experience in the field of law and the CAPE grades required to matriculate into their law degree programme.
Despite this setback, my passion and determination to pursue a legal career remained unwavering. I began researching alternative pathways and soon discovered the Institute of Law and Economics' (ILE) Pre-Law Certificate Programme.
I enrolled in the programme with strong resolve, and in September 2019, I graduated with the Academic Excellence Award in recognition of my outstanding performance. Following this achievement, I was accepted into the Faculty of Law at UTech, Jamaica, where I later graduated with Honours in 2022.
ILE accepted me and molded me into the type of student that UTech could not refuse!
Building on this foundation, I successfully completed my studies at the Norman Manley Law School and was called to the Bar in December 2024.
I am incredibly grateful to the Institute of Law and Economics for playing a pivotal role in my academic and professional journey. Their support and guidance made a lasting impact, and I am proud to be a part of their success story.
Faizon LoveSeptember 2018 Cohort
My interest in the field of law began while working as a casual employee at the Westmoreland Parish Court. I found myself increasingly drawn to the legal process, often assisting clerks in court whenever the opportunity arose. I frequently engaged them in discussions to better understand what I had been reading, and over time, I became convinced that my true calling was to become an Attorney.
As a passionate researcher, I began exploring options to pursue a law degree and discovered the Faculty of Law at the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech, Jamaica). However, coming from humble beginnings, I had not pursued CAPE, which was one of the entry requirements for the Utech’s Law programme. Fortunately, with the support of friends, I learned about the Pre-Law Certificate Programme offered by the Institute of Law and Economics (ILE), which provided an alternative pathway.
I began my journey with ILE in 2018, fully committed to succeeding. Determined to achieve my goal, I traveled each weekend from Westmoreland to Kingston and back to attend the in-person classes. After completing the programme, I was accepted into UTech, Jamaica’s Faculty of Law, where I successfully completed my law degree in 2019. Following my graduation, I was proud to receive a promotion at my workplace, which served as a testament to how far I had come.
Chrisandra ServiceSeptember 2023 Cohort
The Pre-Law Certificate Programme at the Institute of Law and Economics (ILE) provided a comprehensive and well-structured introduction to the field of law. It truly felt like a godsend, as it gave me the opportunity to matriculate into the Faculty of Law at the University of Technology, Jamaica, in just seven months compared to the typical two years of pre-college/ sixth form.
For anyone considering a legal career or looking to advance their legal studies, as I was, I believe this programme is an excellent choice. The curriculum is practical and thorough, and the ILE team is both capable and incredibly supportive.
I highly recommend the course, the institution, and the dedicated professionals behind it. I am sincerely grateful, thank you, ILE.
Dillion PattenSeptember 2021 Cohort
From a place of full transparency, I must begin by admitting that during high school, my dream was to become a chef. However, shortly after graduating, I experienced an act of injustice that altered my path entirely. That moment was when I knew, without a doubt, that I wanted to study and practice law.
At the time, I had not completed any CAPE subjects, and I was told this was a prerequisite for beginning my LLB journey. I felt defeated, as though the door to my aspirations had been closed and I would be forced to choose another career. That sense of hopelessness lingered until a friend introduced me to the Institute of Law and Economics (ILE). They spoke passionately about the Institute’s programs and explained how they could prepare me for entry into legal studies. The most compelling part? Successful completion of the program offered guaranteed enrollment into the University of Technology’s Faculty of Law for the LLB degree. When I was informed of this, it felt like the light I needed.
Balancing full-time work with academic demands was no easy task. But the staff at ILE were warm, compassionate, and attentive. They regularly called to check in, made sure I was able to attend classes, and always welcomed any questions I had. Midway through the program, I encountered personal challenges that caused me to miss classes. The ILE team reached out, with genuine concern and offered support and access to resources that helped me catch up and eventually sit my exams.
Today, I can proudly say I have completed my LLB with honors and am on my way to law school all thanks to the unwavering support from ILE: the notes, the resources, and the lecturers who showed up for me in every sense of the word.
To anyone dreaming of becoming an attorney but feeling discouraged due to a lack of CAPE subjects, I wholeheartedly encourage you to reach out to the Institute of Law and Economics. The institution is equipped with lecturers who are not only deeply knowledgeable but who also teach with relevance, practicality, and care. Many of the lessons I received at ILE directly supported my success during my LLB studies. To the Institute of Law and Economics: thank you, deeply and sincerely, for being an integral part of my journey to becoming an attorney-at-law. May this program continue to flourish, as it has not only transformed my path but empowered countless aspiring legal professionals like me.
So, what are you waiting for?
Apply now!
Natalie Williams September 2023 Cohort
I chose the Institute of Law and Economics (ILE) because of its affordability, flexible classes, solid reputation, and, most importantly, its direct pathway into the UTech LLB program. From day one, I felt supported, the lecturers weren’t just knowledgeable, they were genuinely invested in our success, and the staff made everything from course selection to payment plans remarkably easy.
Thanks to the strong foundation ILE provided, I was actually way ahead of many new students when I started the LLB program, and I’ve been able to maintain a high GPA throughout my studies. The small class sizes, rich course content, and excellent resources all played a huge role in preparing me for university-level law.
Beyond academics, I have also built meaningful friendships at ILE that have become an integral part of my circle today. I highly recommend ILE to anyone considering a future in law. The supportive staff, flexible payment options, and the chance to learn from recognized leaders in the field truly set this institution apart.
Christopher AndersonSeptember 2023 Cohort
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Institute of Law and Economics for their invaluable guidance and expertise throughout the duration of this program. The caliber of their service and the depth of knowledge demonstrated by their distinguished lecturers are truly exceptional. I was particularly impressed by the quality of the course materials and the flexibility offered through their online learning platform.
It has been a privilege to be part of this enriching academic journey, and I am deeply honored by the experience. I wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone seeking to advance their knowledge in the field of law or pursue further academic development.
