The Center for Pre-Law was originally founded on March 5, 1997. The program was named after the late Gerald A. Williams, Esq. (formerly Chief Counsel of the Palm Beach County School District) on October 9, 2010. The Gerald A. Williams Center for Pre-Law at Palm Beach Lakes Community High School is the first and only magnet program of its kind in Palm Beach County.
The objectives of the Center for Pre-Law are:
- To provide students with an in-depth understanding of how our legal system impacts every aspect of our society;
- To provide school-to-work pathways in law-related careers; and
- To provide leadership opportunities throughout the school and community.
In addition to the standard high school core curriculum, the Center for Pre-Law provides pathways for careers in law studies, business technology education, and legal assistant technology via partnerships with local colleges. Students are provided with an in-depth understanding of how our legal system, Constitution, and judicial process impact every aspect of our society, and are provided leadership opportunities throughout our community. Capable students can take Dual Enrollment courses through Palm Beach State College and earn a legal professional certification.
Alumni of the program have graduated from prestigious law schools across the country including: Georgetown University Law Center, Notre Dame Law School, University of Florida Levin College of Law, Florida State University College of Law, Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University, University of Miami School of Law, University of Georgia School of Law, Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University College of Law, and Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law (just to name a few).