Lorri Olan Recognized as a Top Pre-Law Adviser in the U.S. The director of career and professional development — pre-law and engagement initiatives lead was cited as one of the 50 best by Juris Education.

By Brian Laubscher
July 7, 2026

Lorri Olan, director of career and professional development — pre-law and engagement initiatives lead at Washington and Lee University, earned recognition from Juris Education as one of the 50 Best Pre-Law Advisers in the U.S.

Olan ranked 43rd on the top-50 list, which uses a multi-step approach to produce a score based on a weighted evaluation. The assessment draws on interviews with pre-law department staff, sentiment analysis, key factor evaluation and an analysis of Law School Admission Council data.

Juris Education cited Olan’s exceptionally well-rounded career, which spans judicial clerkships, nonprofit executive leadership, law school career services and undergraduate career development. The organization also noted her work as a Mid-Atlantic representative and co-chair of the Judicial Clerkships and Public Interest committees of the Northeast Association of Pre-Law Advisors (NAPLA), her advising on nontraditional legal careers and her guidance on working with LGBTQ students.

Olan currently serves as a board member for NAPLA and recently delivered a breakout session on personal wellness for pre-law advisers at the organization’s annual conference held in Providence, Rhode Island, June 8-10.

“Lorri is an exceptional resource for students interested in pursuing law school, combining deep knowledge of the admissions process with a genuine commitment to each student’s success,” said Molly Steele, dean of career and professional development. “Her active engagement in the pre-law advising community ensures that students benefit from current insights, strong professional networks and informed guidance, making her an invaluable mentor throughout their journey.”

Olan first joined the W&L staff as director of the Law School’s career planning and professional development. In addition to her work with NAPLA, she is a member of the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) and the Prelaw Advisory Council for the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). She also served as treasurer for the Southern Association for Pre-Law Advisors (SAPLA). She holds a Bachelor of Arts in government and sociology from Oberlin College and a J.D. from the Northeastern University School of Law. Before her time at W&L, Olan clerked for two judges on the Court of Appeals of Virginia and served as executive director of Project Horizon. She holds Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and Strong Interest Inventory certifications.

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