Any major field of study offered at Grinnell provides sound preparation for the study of law. In accordance with the statement of policy adopted by the Association of American Law Schools, prelegal education at Grinnell College is education for comprehension and expression in words, for critical understanding of human institutions and values, and for creative power in thinking. The development of these fundamental capacities is not the monopoly of any one subject-matter area, department, or division.

Students preparing to enter law school should take a four-year course of study. The four-year course of study, which allows a wide range of choice and intellectual experience in the liberal arts curriculum, is the conventional preparation for law school and is recommended. Currently Grinnell has a cooperative program with Columbia University.