Binghamton University’s new pre-law adviser is ready to start off the semester by continuing to make the school’s pre-law program the best it can be.

John Appelbaum, who received his law degree from Washington and Lee University in Virginia, believes that much of the success of Binghamton’s pre-law program rests with the undergraduate body.

“In 2007-08, 86 percent of Binghamton seniors got into law school, which is 10 percent higher than the national rate,” Appelbaum said. “The caliber of students here is exceptional.”

Prior to Washington and Lee University, Appelbaum was in energy commodity training, and then worked as a legal assistant to a single practitioner. While at law school, Appelbaum was part of the Black Lung Benefits Clinic, which is an organization that aids coal miners who have contracted lung disease obtain benefits from the large corporations.

Appelbaum was able to argue and win a miner’s case, which had been unresolved for 20 years, in front of the United States Circuit Court of Appeals in May 2008, the same month he earned his degree. He believes this unique opportunity gives him an interesting look at advising prospective law students.

“That area is one example that you don’t have to be a political science major,” Appelbaum said. “I spent most of the time on that case reviewing medical exams and opinions.”

Though based in the Academic Advising office, Appelbaum’s services are available to students in every school at Binghamton University and even to alumni. One program being planned to achieve this goal is Law Day on Sept. 23, during which representatives from law schools all over the country visit Binghamton students.

“They need to start getting the application process done now, sooner rather than later,” cautioned Appelbaum. “I want to help them understand the legal profession and the mechanics of applying.

In addition, Appelbaum will be holding senior meetings for students in the application process on Sept. 8 and 9 and Oct. 1.

“I came here to run an already-great pre-law program,” he said. “I want to make sure all the students make wise choices and understand that there are different kinds of law.”