Month: February 2019

Application Cycle: The Countdown Is On!

Well folks – with deadlines looming, this application cycle is coming to a close.  If you still haven’t filed your applications, here are some things for your “to do” list!

  1. Get your applications in ASAP! As you know, this is a rolling application process which opened in September. Now the final/priority deadlines for many schools — March 1, March 15, and April 1 — are fast approaching!
  2. It’s important to understand what’s happening on the law school’s end as you complete your side of the application. Applying at this point in the cycle means that many seats in the class are already spoken for– one school described it as very similar to playing the lottery. As a result, it is difficult to predict admission results at this point.
  3. Financial aid may also be more restricted at this point in the cycle, depending on the school. If you haven’t already done so, submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid/FAFSA ASAP! Even though the federal deadline is in June, both the law schools and the individual states have varying deadlines.  Go here for more information: https://fafsa.ed.gov/deadlines.htm#.
  4. Plan your VISITS to law schools if you haven’t already. Many law schools have finished their Open Houses, but you can still arrange a one-on-one visit…just call ahead to make sure that an admissions staff person can meet with you and to make sure the school isn’t closed for spring break.
  5. Are you thinking that maybe you are too late this cycle to get the kind of admissions and scholarship results you want?  Are you possibly considering taking a gap year?  Then mark your calendars for the PLAS event, “Taking a Gap Year Before Law School”, Wednesday, April 10, 6pm, Room 319 Gregory Hall.  This panel will feature current law students who took a gap year or more before law school.  They will share the pros and cons of their decisions and be available to answer your questions.  Go here for more information.

Mark Your Calendars – Week of February 25

Hello Pre-Law Students!  Don’t forget tomorrow‘s PLAS “Negotiating Scholarships Workshop!”  Also — at least two summer pre-law programs have application deadlines of THIS FRIDAY, MARCH 1.  Scroll down for info on these items as well as other opportunities!

PLAS events

Our next event, “Negotiating Scholarships Workshop” is TOMORROW, Tuesday February 26!  The event will be held at 1002 Lincoln Hall starting at  6PM.

Law school financial aid is very different from the undergrad aid process. Join us as we host Ann Perry, Associate Dean for Admissions at the University of Chicago Law School, and Rebecca Ray, Assistant Dean for Admissions and Financial Aid at the University of Illinois College of Law.

The deans will share their expertise on law school financial aid and scholarships, including:

  • Understanding your financial aid offer;
  • How to go about requesting reconsideration of your scholarship package;
  • What elements are effective for increasing aid offers;
  • Tips and suggestions for respectful and effective collaborations with financial aid staff.

Participants will have the opportunity to ask these experts any and all law school admissions and financial aid questions. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in law school to understand the process of admission and awarding financial aid to law school applicants.

Pre-Law Club Event: UIUC Law School Student Panel

Wednesday, February 27th in Greg Hall Room 223 at 5 PM.  Join the Pre-Law Club and hear from current law students about some of their experiences applying to and attending law school. This is a great event if you are planning to apply to law school next year or if you just want to know more about what law school is really like.

other opportunities

Summer PLUS programs. We posted a spreadsheet full of pre-law undergraduate summer programs over on our Compass page! For example:

June and July LSAT Registration–Planning to take the June or July LSAT? Now is also a good time to apply for a fee waiver. For more on LSAC fee waivers revisit this blog post.

Did you know that you can get a scholarship for working at an unpaid internship this summer? Apply for the Fred S. Bailey scholarship here, which provides a $1000 stipend for part-time internships and a $2500 stipend for full-time summer internships. Applications due April 8.

And check out the PLAS Facebook page for NEW internship opportunities, summer programs and more!

University of Illinois’ Office for Student Conflict and Resolution Subcommittee Applications Now Open!

The University of Illinois’ Office for Student Conflict and Resolution has opened up their applications for their two subcommittees: the Subcommittee on Student Conduct and the Subcommittee on Sexual Misconduct. Student applicants must be:

  1. Enrolled full-time at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign;
  2. At least two full semesters from graduation; and
  3. In good academic standing with at least a 2.5 grade point average.

It is encouraged that students have Friday afternoon availability for the Fall 2019 and Spring 2020 semesters. For more information and to apply, visit their website here.

dgs summer peer advisor – information session tomorrow, february 26, 9-10am, 514 iub!

The Division of General Studies (DGS) is seeking undergraduate student leaders, who are interested in being a positive influence on the DGS campus community, to assist with our New Student Registration program.

DGS is the starting point for the University of Illinois students who wish to explore their options before declaring a major. We also serve students in transition between colleges or majors. The DGS student body is approximately 3,000 students. The summer peer advisors will work closely with DGS
advisors and administrators to gain necessary knowledge to assist incoming freshman in planning for their first semester of college.

DGS Summer Peer Advisors will:

• Learn about the academic advising profession by being an integral part of New Student Registration.

• Collaborate with DGS academic advisors, administrators, and other campus partners

• Serve as a point person for roughly 1,700 new students

• Facilitate morning small group meetings for DGS students during New Student Registration.

• Assist new students with registration of courses for the fall semester

Candidates must be available for full day training May 13-16, 2019. Peer advisors will be responsible for working approximately 25 hours per week from May 28-July 2.

The pay for this position is $10 per hour. Required qualifications:

• Strong communication skills

• Demonstrated ability to work well with others

• Knowledge of the Course Explorer website

• Knowledge of UI Integrate Self Service

• Successfully pass a background check

• Minimum GPA of 2.0 or above

Preferred qualifications:

• Former DGS student

• Familiarity of ICT process

• Knowledge of Illinois general education requirements

• Junior or Senior class standing for Fall 2018

• Demonstrated leadership experience

• GPA of 2.5 or above

• Attend a peer advisor informational session

Application: Email a cover letter, resume and three references to Jessica Arnold, jarnold7@illinois.edu by 5pm on March 25, 2019. Applications received after 5pm will not be considered.

Informational Sessions:

Interested Candidates should attend an informational session to learn more about the program and this position. It is not required to apply but encouraged.

• February 26: 9-10am in IUB 514

• March 5: 3-4pm in IUB 514

Campus Events

Career Center

Global Careers: Germany – Friday, March 1, 2-3:30pm, Career Center Conference Room 143

Are you interested in the job market of Germany that is the most friendly to international job seekers out of the EU countries? Professionals and alumni who are working in Germany are virtually invited.

Resume/Cover Letter/Linked In Reviews

  • Feb. 25, 2-4:30 pm TCC Resource Center; 5-7:30pm Ikenberry Commons
  • Feb. 26, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center; 5-7:30pm BrewLab Coffee Shop
  • Feb. 27, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center, 5-7:30pm BrewLab Coffee Shop
  • Feb. 28, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center
  • March 1, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center

Career Fairs. Mark your calendars for spring career fairs, which are open to all Illinois students and present both job and internship opportunities. Find these and other fair opportunities .

  • Illini Career & Internship Fair–April 11, 1-5pm, ARC. This career fair is open to all disciplines and is designed to serve as a “just-in-time” fair for students that have yet to secure a summer internship or full-time job after graduation. Visit their website here.

Go to the Career Center website to find other programs!

 

 

 

 

 

Midwest Pre-Law Summer Programs

Midwest Pre-Law Summer Programs

Summer pre-law programs are an excellent opportunity for undergrads to learn more about law school! Some are paid and other programs have fees and a cost for students to attend. These programs are a different way to explore being pre-law during the summer months. These programs are a great addition to a resume, but are in no way mandatory for a pre-law student.

Some universities offer pre-law programs on their campuses. This is a way for you to learn more about law school, visit a law school and campus, and learn more about law school in a structured setting. If you are considering attending law school at any of the schools below, these summer pre-law programs are an excellent way to get your foot in the door and experience what your life could be like there throughout law school.

Here is information about three pre-law summer programs; there are many other programs in many other locations in addition to these three, which are provided on our compass page. (Not a member of our Compass page? Follow these easy steps to add yourself.)

IIT Chicago-Kent

Program: Pre-Law Undergraduate Scholars (PLUS) Program

Dates: Sunday, June 4, to Friday, June 23, 2017

Cost: Free

Location: Chicago, IL

Application Deadline: March 1, 2017 — Click here to access

Program Information:  The PLUS program is a free, three-week summer program that will: provide participants with a deeper understanding of legal education via the program’s rigorous doctrinal and experiential skills-based curriculum; help participants develop essential core competencies needed to succeed in the law school application and admissions process, as well as insight into navigating the process; and expose students to a wide range of career paths within the legal profession.

Students must attend all classes and participate in all program activities in order to be accepted and to receive a stipend. This is a full-time commitment. Therefore, students must be available during the day and some evenings, and have no outside commitments that would prevent them from giving the program their full attention. Students must agree to provide PLUS administrators with education and career updates after completion of the program.

Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law

Program: Robert H. McKinney School of Law Summer Law and Leadership Academy

Dates:  June 16-22, 2019

Location: Indiana University

Application Deadline: April 5th, 2019 — Click here to access

Program Information: The Robert H. McKinney School of Law Summer Law and Leadership Academy is a one-week experience designed to introduce undergraduate students from historically underrepresented backgrounds to law school and various careers that they may pursue with a law degree. If you are selected for the Law and Leadership Academy, you will learn about hot topics in the law and strengthen your academic skills.

University of Minnesota Law School

Program: Minnesota Pre Law Scholars Program (MPLS)

Dates:  Early June – Mid August 2019

Location: University of Minnesota

Application Deadline: March 1st, 2019 — Click here to access

Program Information: College students considering law school, especially rising seniors and those from groups historically underrepresented in law school are encouraged to apply. The program is open to undergraduate students (and recent alums) from any undergraduate institution.

Mark Your Calendar – Week of February 18

PRE-LAW ADVISING SERVICES WORKSHOPS AND PROGRAMS

Negotiating Law School Scholarships

Lincoln Hall, February 26, 2019 at 6:00 pm: Law school financial aid is very different from the undergrad aid process. Join us as we host Ann Perry, Associate Dean for Admissions at the University of Chicago Law School, and Rebecca Ray, Assistant Dean for Admissions and Financial Aid at the University of Illinois College of Law. The deans will share their expertise on law school financial aid and scholarships, including:

  • Understanding your financial aid offer;
  • How to go about requesting reconsideration of your scholarship package;
  • What elements are effective for increasing aid offers;
  • Tips and suggestions for respectful and effective collaborations with financial aid staff
Pre-Law Club Event: UIUC Law School Student Panel

Wednesday, February 27th in Greg Hall Room 223 at 5 PM.  Join the Pre-law club and hear from current law students speak about some of their experiences applying to and attending law school. This is a great event if you are planning to apply to law school next year or if you just want to know more about what law school is really like.

Practice LSAT Opportunity

March 8, 2019 at 8:30 – 11:30 am. Pre-Law Advising Services is offering this opportunity to take a full, previously administered LSAT under timed, proctored, testlike conditions.

Please click the link to register. Registrants will be emailed additional details (including location and day of test guidelines). Seating is limited and a wait list will be kept in case of cancellations. https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/2482982

Campus Events and Opportunities

Senate Committee on Student Discipline Vacant Seats--The Senate Committee on Student Discipline and the Office for Student Conflict Resolution are now seeking to fill vacant student and faculty seats on the Subcommittee on Undergraduate Student Conduct and the Subcommittee on Graduate Student Conduct, and vacant faculty, student and staff seats on the Subcommittee on Sexual Misconduct. Applications are due on Feb. 28, 2019. For more information contact January Boten at botenja@illinois.edu. Apply at: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/774201

Career Center

For information about events and workshops at The Career Center, check out their spring calendar at:  https://www.careercenter.illinois.edu/events.

Resume/Cover Letter/Linked In Reviews

  • Feb. 18, 2-4:30 pm TCC Resource Center; 5-7:30pm Ikenberry Commons
  • Feb. 19, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center; 5-7:30pm BrewLab Coffee Shop
  • Feb. 20, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center, 5-7:30pm BrewLab Coffee Shop
  • Feb. 21, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center
  • Feb. 22, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center

Scholarship Opportunity  ILACHE-Scholarship Application 2019

The Illinois Latino Council on Higher Education is accepting applications for the ILACHE Scholarship, due March 8. Applicants must be new or continuing Latino/a students with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 who will be enrolled as a full time student in Fall 2019. Click on the link above to access the application.

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

PAID Undergraduate Summer 2019 Internship in New York and in Washington, D.C.!

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve the systems of democracy and justice in the United States. We work to hold our political institutions and laws accountable to the twin American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. The Brennan Center’s work ranges from voting rights to campaign finance reform, from ending mass incarceration to preserving Constitutional protections in the fight against terrorism. Part think tank, part advocacy group, part cutting edge communications hub, we start with rigorous research. We craft innovative policies. And we fight for them – in Congress and the states, in the courts, and in the court of public opinion.

We are seeking interns to provide research and administrative support for staff in our New York and Washington, DC offices. Only undergraduate students may apply for this internship.

Responsibilities: Interns assist with general administrative and clerical work for the Brennan Center, including filing, photocopying, answering phones, shipping and mailing, coordinating meetings, and drafting routine correspondence. In addition to administrative work, interns conduct research on a wide range of issues in both our Democracy and Justice programs; assist with legislative tracking; accompany staff to meetings on the Hill; and complete special projects for the Washington Office Director as needed.

Qualifications: Interns must have a passion for social justice and excellent written and verbal communication skills. The ideal candidates are independent, detail-oriented self-starters that are energetic and highly organized. Experience with Windows 2000/XP, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word is a must. Interns must be open to evolving responsibilities.

Hours: 40 hours per week.
Pay: $15.00 per hour.
Applications due: Thursday, February 28, 2019 by 5pm!!

Duration: May – August 2019. To apply, please upload (preferably in pdf) your cover letter, resume, and a list of contact details for three references. In your cover letter, please specify the department that most interests you. No phone calls, please.

Click here to apply for the New York internship: https://brennancenter.applytojob.com/apply/1FGSjcvlId/Summer-2019-Undergraduate-Internship-NYC

Click here to apply for the DC internship:
https://brennancenter.applytojob.com/apply/3bdNRckypt/Summer-2019-Undergraduate-Internship-DC

Legal Internship Opportunity — Holder Law Group, LLP

Holder Law Group, LLP, a young law firm in Champaign-Urbana, is looking for interns who want to be involved in a fast paced, high-tech, multi-area, legal environment. Holder Law Group engages in personal injury, medical malpractice, and civil litigation. Attorneys at Holder Law Group have had experience in both public and private sectors of work, including small and large law firms and are happy to share their knowledge and experience. Interns jobs will vary, and be assigned based on capabilities, but may include medical record organization, filing, abstracting depositions, assisting in trial preparations, Court filings, and attending depositions and Court hearings and legal marketing. Work times are flexible and we are willing to work around your academic schedule. Positions are available for fall, spring, and summer semesters as well as during breaks. Please email resumes and cover letters to Ms. Betsy Holder: Betsy@holderlawllp.com  

Undergrad PAID Internship at UIUC in Environmental Humanities for 2019-2020 — Applications due March 1, 2019!

Environmental Humanities is environmental studies from a humanistic standpoint. Environmental Humanities pulls from different movements (environmental philosophy, environmental history, ecocriticism, cultural geography, anthropology, and others) to study the relationship between humans and non-human nature, past and present. The IPRH-Mellon Environmental Humanities Research Group is composed of professors, post-doctoral scholars, graduate students, and undergraduates from different disciplines who are united by their desire to understand the human place in nature, as well as to examine critically the way people make meaning of it.

The research group seeks three undergraduate interns who will work with the group on their seminars, workshops, and programs for the academic year 2019-2020. Interns will also work with the research group director, Professor Bob Morrissey, to develop their own research projects as well as a research symposium for undergraduates at the end of the spring semester.

Interns will work approximately 10-11 hours per week, paid at the rate of $15.75 per hours, and will have up to $600 to support their research. Applicants must be juniors or seniors the year of the internship. For more information and to apply, go here.  Remember: The application deadline is by 5:00pm on Friday, March 1! Please address questions to: Dr. Nancy Castro, at ncastro@illinois.edu.

LAW SCHOOL EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

The Wisconsin Statewide Pre-Law Diversity Day is set for Friday, February 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the University of Wisconsin Law School in Madison, Wisconsin. This event is open to all students. For more information and to register, visit their website here.  Cosponsored by the University of Wisconsin Law School and Marquette University Law School, this FREE event includes lunch and:

–an update on law school admissions in Wisconsin featuring the University of Wisconsin and Marquette University Law Schools;

–breakout workshops featuring a mock class for students ; and

–law school fair featuring admissions representatives from law schools around the country.  Click here for a list of law schools that have registered for this year’s event.

Minnesota Pre-Law Scholars Summer Program – Application Due March 1!

Minnesota Pre-Law Scholars (MPLS) is a program that offers a select number of students a free LSAT prep class each summer at the University of Minnesota Law School. Admission is highly selective and based on a holistic review of the MPLS application material.

College students considering law school, especially rising seniors and those from groups historically underrepresented in law school, are encouraged to apply. The program is open to undergraduate students and recent graduates from any undergraduate institution.

Students will learn about law school admissions preparation from Minnesota Law School staff. The remaining portion of class, taught by an instructor from The Princeton Review, will be dedicated to LSAT preparation and practice exams.

There is no cost to participate in MPLS. However, participants must submit a $100 seat deposit which is fully refundable upon successful completion of the program. All books and study materials will be provided.  The program will run from early June to mid-August 2019.

To learn more about MPLS or to apply, click on this link:
https://www.law.umn.edu/admissions/minnesota-pre-law-scholars-mpls-program

Harvard Law School Junior Deferral Program Details

Now in its second year, Harvard Law School (HLS) offers a unique opportunity for JUNIORS to apply to Harvard Law and, if admitted, defer for 2 years after graduating with a bachelor’s degree and then start law school.

For this year’s applicants the timeline would look like this:

Apply Spring 2019
Graduate by Spring 2020
Work/go to graduate school/Fulbright, etc. until Fall 2022
Start Harvard Law School in Fall 2022
Graduate from law school in Spring 2025

Admitted applicants in this program must defer for 2 years after obtaining a bachelor’s degree. However, they can essentially do anything they wish during the 2 year deferral. For example, some will work in the private or public sector, some will secure academic fellowships such as Fulbright opportunities, and others will complete different graduate degree programs. (We’ve included some examples below of what Illini have done prior to entering law school–not necessarily Harvard, although we do have several students/alumni admitted there each year.)

Eligibility: Applicants must be currently enrolled at a college or university and set to graduate in Spring 2020 with a bachelor’s degree. Applicants must be committed to deferring law school for 2 years, as this is a requirement and this program does not allow starting law school sooner.

Application Process: Applications open March 1, 2019 and are due by May 1, 2019.

Steps to apply:

  1. Register for the Law School Admission Council’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS) account. Click here to learn more about the CAS.
  2. Applicants must submit EITHER a valid GRE or LSAT score.

    The LSAT     is offered on March 30, 2019. Registration is open here until February 20, although some sites are already full.Applicants taking the GRE are strongly advised to take it prior to April 15 so that results can arrive by the May 1 deadline. The GRE is offered more often in specialized computer labs; find locations and registration here.
  3. Obtain 2-3 letters of recommendation. Have your recommenders upload their letters to your CAS account.
  4. Order a transcript and submit it to your CAS account.
  5. Draft a personal statement and resume. It’s a good idea to make an appointment with a pre-law advisor to get feedback on your statement and resume.
  6. Complete the application (uploading your personal statement and resume) online through your CAS account, and pay the $85 application fee.

Selected applicants will then be invited to interview. If accepted into this program, you would complete your senior year as usual. Then you would have your 2 years of deferral to work, etc. before starting law school.

Who is a good candidate for this program? According to HLS Admissions, applicants accepted through this program submitted applications demonstrating a clear sense of purpose with internships or other elements supporting their stated path. An example of an applicant admitted last year: An environmental science student with internships and research in that area who wants to practice environmental law.

HLS also says that good candidates answer an emphatic YES to the following 3 questions:

  1. Do I want to attend law school?
  2. Do I want to attend Harvard Law School?
  3. Do I want to do something else prior to law school?

We strongly advise interested applicants to participate in an online info session like the one listed below to learn more about what HLS seeks in its candidates.

Where can you find out more information?

What kinds of things have Illini done after undergrad and prior to entering law school? Almost everything. Some examples include:

  • Any and all kinds of work experience, including:
    • Sales
    • Work for a nonprofit or state or federal government
    • Financial consulting
    • Teach for America
    • Work as a Project Assistant at a law firm
    • Teach English abroad
    • Retail jobs
    • Nanny
    • Work as a bank teller
    • Restaurant or hotel jobs
    • Advertising or marketing
    • Journalism–tv, online, and print formats
  • Travel
  • Complete a fellowship such as a Fulbright or Rhodes scholarship. For more details visit the National & International Scholarships Program.
  • Complete another graduate program, such as an MSW, MFA, MBA, or MS/MA.
  • Make a 1-2 year commitment to AmeriCorps or Peace Corps.
  • Serve the state legislature through the Illinois Legislative Staff Intern Program
  • Serve the Illinois Governor through the Dunn Fellows program

Mark Your Calendars: Week of February 11

Pre-Law Advising Services Workshops and Programs

We have updated our Spring Semester calendar of events on our website here.

LSAT Bootcamp—Join us TODAY, Monday, Feb. 11 at 4:00 pm in 514 Illini Union Bookstore. What’s covered on the LSAT? What is it really like? How can test takers best prepare? Which LSAT should you take, and how can you plan ahead for a retake? All of this will be covered at LSAT Bootcamp!

4:05-4:45     LSAT Workshop 1: Logic Games with TestMasters LSAT Preparation
4:55-5:35     LSAT Workshop 2: Analytical Reasoning with Blueprint LSAT Prep
5:40-6:00     Making Your Best LSAT Prep Plan with Pre-Law Advising Services

The workshops will give you a taste of actual LSAT problems and how to go about solving them for a real understanding of what’s covered on the test. Then, we’ll talk about how to create your best LSAT prep plan.  Have some snacks and settle in for the whole time or just stop by! Bring your I-card to check in. Alumni are also welcome.

Pre-Law 101 — Thursday, February 14, 4:00pm, 514 IUB (NEW Date – Originally Scheduled for January 30)

Are you new to pre-law at Illinois? Then this event is a great opportunity for you! This workshop will cover: What it means to be pre-law at Illinois; what law schools are really looking for; what pre-law students can do to maximize their undergraduate years; how to build a strong pre-law resume; what resources are available to assist pre-law students at Illinois. For more details and to register, click here.

Campus Events and Opportunities

The Illinois Leadership Center is hiring. Applications are now being accepted for student employment for the 2019-2020 Academic Year for both the Leadership Paraprofessional and Graf Intern positions. Students may apply online through February 11, at http://tinyurl.com/ILCApply.

Lessons from Great Conservationists of the Past–Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 4:00 pm in Room 149, National Soybean Research Center Auditorium, 1101 W Peabody Drive. These seem like stressful times for the environment.  But fear not!  Our world is better today than in the past, and it will be even better in the future.  How can I be so sure?  This seminar will tell the story of inspirational conservationists of the past—people like Rachel Carson, Chico Mendes, Billy Frank Jr. and Wangari Maathai.

Senate Committee on Student Discipline Vacant Seats--The Senate Committee on Student Discipline and the Office for Student Conflict Resolution are now seeking to fill vacant student and faculty seats on the Subcommittee on Undergraduate Student Conduct and the Subcommittee on Graduate Student Conduct, and vacant faculty, student and staff seats on the Subcommittee on Sexual Misconduct. Applications are due on Feb. 28, 2019. For more information contact January Boten at botenja@illinois.edu. Apply at: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/774201

Career Center

For information about events and workshops at The Career Center, check out their spring calendar at:  https://www.careercenter.illinois.edu/events.

The Career Center is hiring two paid summer interns and several paraprofessionals. Applications due Feb. 14. For more details and to apply visit their website here.

Finding and Applying to Federal Government Jobs – Monday, Feb. 11, 3-4pm, Career Center Conference Room 143. This workshop will give you tips on how to make yourself competitive for federal government opportunities as well as discuss the benefits of working for the government and how to best navigate USAJOBS.gov and other government resources.

Research Park/Enterprise Works Work-It Wednesday–Wed, Feb. 13th. This is a great opportunity to learn more about internships and full-time opportunities at Research Park/Enterprise Works and how you can be competitive for them. For more details and to RSVP for any of the events, visit Handshake:  https://illinois.joinhandshake.com/events/240361/share_preview

10:00 – 11:30 am – “Ask Me Anything” Coffee Chats with Research Park/Enterprise Works. Drop into The Career Center at 715 S. Wright St. to “ask anything” that might be on your mind like how Research Park works, how to find an internship, how to stand out in an interview, or how to be competitive in your job search. Free coffee, tea, and hot chocolate will be provided.

2:00 – 4:30 pm – Resume Reviews with Research Park/Enterprise Works. Bring a copy of your resume to The Career Center at 715 S. Wright St. to get it reviewed by representatives from Research Park/Enterprise Works. Learn what they are looking for and how to make your resume stand out!

 5:00 – 6:00 pm – “Internships and Opportunities in Research Park” Presentation. What is Research Park and why should I care? Attend this presentation to learn about the Research Park, the types of internship and full-time opportunities that are available, and what Research Park employers look for in competitive candidates. Presentation will be held at The Career Center Interview Suite, Room 213, 616 E. Green St.

Resume/Cover Letter/Linked In Reviews

  • Feb. 11, 2-4:30 pm TCC Resource Center; 5-7:30pm Ikenberry Commons
  • Feb. 12, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center; 5-7:30pm BrewLab Coffee Shop
  • Feb. 13, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center, 5-7:30pm BrewLab Coffee Shop
  • Feb. 14, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center
  • Feb. 15, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center

Scholarship Opportunity  ILACHE-Scholarship Application 2019

The Illinois Latino Council on Higher Education is accepting applications for the ILACHE Scholarship, due March 8. Applicants must be new or continuing Latino/a students with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 who will be enrolled as a full time student in Fall 2019. Click on the link above to access the application.

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

PAID Undergraduate Summer 2019 Internship in New York and in Washington, D.C.!

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve the systems of democracy and justice in the United States. We work to hold our political institutions and laws accountable to the twin American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. The Brennan Center’s work ranges from voting rights to campaign finance reform, from ending mass incarceration to preserving Constitutional protections in the fight against terrorism. Part think tank, part advocacy group, part cutting edge communications hub, we start with rigorous research. We craft innovative policies. And we fight for them – in Congress and the states, in the courts, and in the court of public opinion.

We are seeking interns to provide research and administrative support for staff in our New York and Washington, DC offices. Only undergraduate students may apply for this internship.

Responsibilities: Interns assist with general administrative and clerical work for the Brennan Center, including filing, photocopying, answering phones, shipping and mailing, coordinating meetings, and drafting routine correspondence. In addition to administrative work, interns conduct research on a wide range of issues in both our Democracy and Justice programs; assist with legislative tracking; accompany staff to meetings on the Hill; and complete special projects for the Washington Office Director as needed.

Qualifications: Interns must have a passion for social justice and excellent written and verbal communication skills. The ideal candidates are independent, detail-oriented self-starters that are energetic and highly organized. Experience with Windows 2000/XP, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word is a must. Interns must be open to evolving responsibilities.

Hours: 40 hours per week.
Pay: $15.00 per hour.
Applications due: Thursday, February 28, 2019 by 5pm!!

Duration: May – August 2019. To apply, please upload (preferably in pdf) your cover letter, resume, and a list of contact details for three references. In your cover letter, please specify the department that most interests you. No phone calls, please.

Click here to apply for the New York internship: https://brennancenter.applytojob.com/apply/1FGSjcvlId/Summer-2019-Undergraduate-Internship-NYC

Click here to apply for the DC internship:
https://brennancenter.applytojob.com/apply/3bdNRckypt/Summer-2019-Undergraduate-Internship-DC

Legal Internship Opportunity — Holder Law Group, LLP

Holder Law Group, LLP, a young law firm in Champaign-Urbana, is looking for interns who want to be involved in a fast paced, high-tech, multi-area, legal environment. Holder Law Group engages in personal injury, medical malpractice, and civil litigation. Attorneys at Holder Law Group have had experience in both public and private sectors of work, including small and large law firms and are happy to share their knowledge and experience. Interns jobs will vary, and be assigned based on capabilities, but may include medical record organization, filing, abstracting depositions, assisting in trial preparations, Court filings, and attending depositions and Court hearings and legal marketing. Work times are flexible and we are willing to work around your academic schedule. Positions are available for fall, spring, and summer semesters as well as during breaks. Please email resumes and cover letters to Ms. Betsy Holder: Betsy@holderlawllp.com  

Undergrad PAID Internship at UIUC in Environmental Humanities for 2019-2020 — Applications due March 1, 2019!

Environmental Humanities is environmental studies from a humanistic standpoint. Environmental Humanities pulls from different movements (environmental philosophy, environmental history, ecocriticism, cultural geography, anthropology, and others) to study the relationship between humans and non-human nature, past and present. The IPRH-Mellon Environmental Humanities Research Group is composed of professors, post-doctoral scholars, graduate students, and undergraduates from different disciplines who are united by their desire to understand the human place in nature, as well as to examine critically the way people make meaning of it.

The research group seeks three undergraduate interns who will work with the group on their seminars, workshops, and programs for the academic year 2019-2020. Interns will also work with the research group director, Professor Bob Morrissey, to develop their own research projects as well as a research symposium for undergraduates at the end of the spring semester.

Interns will work approximately 10-11 hours per week, paid at the rate of $15.75 per hours, and will have up to $600 to support their research. Applicants must be juniors or seniors the year of the internship. For more information and to apply, go here.  Remember: The application deadline is by 5:00pm on Friday, March 1! Please address questions to: Dr. Nancy Castro, at ncastro@illinois.edu.

LAW SCHOOL EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

The Wisconsin Statewide Pre-Law Diversity Day is set for Friday, February 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the University of Wisconsin Law School in Madison, Wisconsin. This event is open to all students. For more information and to register, visit their website here.  Cosponsored by the University of Wisconsin Law School and Marquette University Law School, this FREE event includes lunch and:

–an update on law school admissions in Wisconsin featuring the University of Wisconsin and Marquette University Law Schools;

–breakout workshops featuring a mock class for students ; and

–law school fair featuring admissions representatives from law schools around the country.  Click here for a list of law schools that have registered for this year’s event.

Minnesota Pre-Law Scholars Summer Program – Application Due March 1!

Minnesota Pre-Law Scholars (MPLS) is a program that offers a select number of students a free LSAT prep class each summer at the University of Minnesota Law School. Admission is highly selective and based on a holistic review of the MPLS application material.

College students considering law school, especially rising seniors and those from groups historically underrepresented in law school, are encouraged to apply. The program is open to undergraduate students and recent graduates from any undergraduate institution.

Students will learn about law school admissions preparation from Minnesota Law School staff. The remaining portion of class, taught by an instructor from The Princeton Review, will be dedicated to LSAT preparation and practice exams.

There is no cost to participate in MPLS. However, participants must submit a $100 seat deposit which is fully refundable upon successful completion of the program. All books and study materials will be provided.  The program will run from early June to mid-August 2019.

To learn more about MPLS or to apply, click on this link:
https://www.law.umn.edu/admissions/minnesota-pre-law-scholars-mpls-program

Admissions Cycle Roundup – February Checklist Items

February is here! And good news – per the famous groundhog Punxsutawney Phil, we only have to endure a few more weeks of winter.  So to make sure you can enjoy the early spring promised by the groundhog – time for all of you applicants to wrap things up.  First and foremost – if you still haven’t submitted your applications, do so ASAP!  For those of you who have already filed your applications, now is a good time to think about a few things.

  1. Admitted Student Days Many of you have been admitted to several law schools and are in the process of deciding where you will go next year.  Most law schools offer “Admitted Students” days or weekends.  We encourage you to try to attend these events for the law schools where you are still considering attending.  Remember: you will be spending the next three years of your life there.  It is important to determine if the school is a good fit, both in terms of your classmates and the school’s location BEFORE you accept an admissions offer.  There is no substitute for a campus visit.
  2. Declining Admissions Offers Those of you who have already accepted an admissions offer should notify the other law schools to which you applied that you will not be attending their law school.  This allows those schools to plan and to offer admission to another applicant so is the right thing to do.
  3. Financial Aid and Housing Once you have accepted an admissions offer, you should touch base with the Financial Aid office to make sure that you have submitted all of the necessary paperwork to secure your scholarship/financial aid package, including your FAFSA. In addition, it is a good idea to reach out to the admissions office to find out the best way to begin researching your housing options.  Some law schools actually maintain lists of housing options with reviews by law students.
  4. Negotiating Scholarships If you are still deciding among multiple law school admissions offers and wondering how to negotiate additional scholarship funds, plan on attending our Negotiating Scholarships Workshop, Tuesday, February 26, 6pm, Room 1002 Lincoln Hall, featuring: 

Ann Perry, Associate Dean for Admissions, University of Chicago Law School

Rebecca Ray, Assistant Dean for Admissions and Financial Aid at the University of Illinois College of Law

Mark Your Calendars – Week of February 4

As always, lots of interesting opportunities, including a PAID summer internship in Washington, D.C.  Scroll down to learn more!  And for those of you planning on taking the LSAT in the next several months, please check out our previous blog posts on “How to decide which LSAT to Take” and “Digital LSAT Updates, Resources and LSAT Bootcamp” before scheduling an appointment with an advisor!  Understanding your options before you meet with us will make for a more productive discussion.

Pre-Law Advising Services Workshops and Programs

We have updated our Spring Semester calendar of events on our website here.

Perfecting Your Personal Statement and Resume for Law School – THIS Wednesday, February 6, 4-5pm, 514 IUB

This workshop will discuss how to draft a personal statement and resume for a law school application. We will cover:

  • Ideas for personal statement topics
  • How to get started writing it
  • What to include and exclude
  • Length, structure, and formatting details
  • Law school resume tips
  • How to have the resume and personal statement coordinate; and
  • A 5 step plan for writing the personal statement and resume.

Please RSVP by the end of the day TODAY, February 4 by clicking on this link.  Workshops with 3 or fewer registrants may be cancelled and converted to individual appointments. 

LSAT Bootcamp—Mark your calendars for NEXT MONDAY, Feb. 11 at 4:00 pm. What’s covered on the LSAT? What is it really like? How can test takers best prepare? Which LSAT should you take, and how can you plan ahead for a retake? All of this will be covered at LSAT Bootcamp! Visit this website for workshop schedules and more details.

Pre-Law 101 — NEXT Thursday, February 14, 4:00pm, 514 IUB (NEW Date – Originally Scheduled for January 30)

Are you new to pre-law at Illinois? Then this event is a great opportunity for you! This workshop will cover: What it means to be pre-law at Illinois; what law schools are really looking for; what pre-law students can do to maximize their undergraduate years; how to build a strong pre-law resume; what resources are available to assist pre-law students at Illinois. For more details and to register, click here.

Campus Events and Opportunities

Senate Committee on Student Discipline Vacant Seats--The Senate Committee on Student Discipline and the Office for Student Conflict Resolution are now seeking to fill vacant student and faculty seats on the Subcommittee on Undergraduate Student Conduct and the Subcommittee on Graduate Student Conduct, and vacant faculty, student and staff seats on the Subcommittee on Sexual Misconduct. Applications are due on Feb. 28, 2019. For more information contact January Boten at botenja@illinois.edu. Apply at: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/774201

Career Center

For information about events and workshops at The Career Center, check out their spring calendar at:  https://www.careercenter.illinois.edu/events.

Career Services Paraprofessionals (CSPs) Informational Session – Tuesday, Feb. 5, 5:30-6:30pm, Asian American Cultural Center; Feb. 7, 5-6pm, La Casa Cultura Latina

The Career Center is looking to hire new Career Services Paraprofessionals (CSPs) for the 2019-2020 school year! This informational session will detail the qualities and responsibilities we are looking for in our applicants as well as answer all questions. Join us to learn more about the Career Center and what our CSPs do to help students prepare for and excel in their professional careers.

International Student Job Search Workshop – Friday, Feb. 8, 4-5:30pm, Career Center Interview Suite, Room 213

Job and internship search tips for international students will be shared in this workshop. In particular, networking-based job search strategies will be taught along with introduction to resources such as Handshake, LinkedIn, and Myvisajobs.com. Please bring your laptop.

Finding and Applying to Federal Government Jobs – Monday, Feb. 11, 3-4pm, Career Center Conference Room 143

This workshop will give you tips on how to make yourself competitive for federal government opportunities as well as discuss the benefits of working for the government and how to best navigate USAJOBS.gov and other government resources.

Resume/Cover Letter/Linked In Reviews

  • Feb. 4, 2-4:30 pm TCC Resource Center; 5-7:30pm Ikenberry Commons
  • Feb. 5, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center; 5-7:30pm BrewLab Coffee Shop
  • Feb. 6, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center, 5-7:30pm BrewLab Coffee Shop
  • Feb. 7, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center
  • Feb. 8, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

PAID Undergraduate Summer 2019 Internship in Washington, D.C.!

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve the systems of democracy and justice in the United States. We work to hold our political institutions and laws accountable to the twin American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. The Brennan Center’s work ranges from voting rights to campaign finance reform, from ending mass incarceration to preserving Constitutional protections in the fight against terrorism. Part think tank, part advocacy group, part cutting edge communications hub, we start with rigorous research. We craft innovative policies. And we fight for them – in Congress and the states, in the courts, and in the court of public opinion.

We are seeking interns to provide research and administrative support for staff in our Washington, DC office.

Responsibilities: Interns assist with general administrative and clerical work for the Brennan Center, including filing, photocopying, answering phones, shipping and mailing, coordinating meetings, and drafting routine correspondence. In addition to administrative work, interns conduct research on a wide range of issues in both our Democracy and Justice programs; assist with legislative tracking; accompany staff to meetings on the Hill; and complete special projects for the Washington Office Director as needed.

Qualifications: Interns must have a passion for social justice and excellent written and verbal communication skills. The ideal candidates are independent, detail-oriented self-starters that are energetic and highly organized. Experience with Windows 2000/XP, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word is a must. Interns must be open to evolving responsibilities.

Only undergraduate students may apply for this internship.

Hours: 40 hours per week.
Pay: $15.00 per hour.
Applications due: Thursday, February 28, 2019 by 5pm!!

Duration: May – August 2019.

To Apply: Please visit https://brennancenter.applytojob.com/…/Summer-2019-Undergra… and upload (preferably in pdf) your cover letter, resume, and a list of contact details for three references. In your cover letter, please specify the department that most interests you. No phone calls, please.

Legal Internship Opportunity — Holder Law Group, LLP

Holder Law Group, LLP, a young law firm in Champaign-Urbana, is looking for interns who want to be involved in a fast paced, high-tech, multi-area, legal environment. Holder Law Group engages in personal injury, medical malpractice, and civil litigation. Attorneys at Holder Law Group have had experience in both public and private sectors of work, including small and large law firms and are happy to share their knowledge and experience. Interns jobs will vary, and be assigned based on capabilities, but may include medical record organization, filing, abstracting depositions, assisting in trial preparations, Court filings, and attending depositions and Court hearings and legal marketing. Work times are flexible and we are willing to work around your academic schedule. Positions are available for fall, spring, and summer semesters as well as during breaks. Please email resumes and cover letters to Ms. Betsy Holder: Betsy@holderlawllp.com  

Undergrad PAID Internship at UIUC in Environmental Humanities for 2019-2020 — Applications due March 1, 2019!

Environmental Humanities is environmental studies from a humanistic standpoint. Envrionmental Humanities pulls from different movements (environmental philosophy, environmental history, ecocriticism, cultural geography, anthropology, and others) to study the relationship between humans and non-human nature, past and present. The IPRH-Mellon Environmental Humanities Research Group is composed of professors, post-doctoral scholars, graduate students, and undergraduates from different disciplines who are united by their desire to understand the human place in nature, as well as to examine critically the way people make meaning of it.

The research group seeks three undergraduate interns who will work with the group on their seminars, workshops, and programs for the academic year 2019-2020. Interns will also work with the research group director, Professor Bob Morrissey, to develop their own research projects as well as a research symposium for undergraduates at the end of the spring semester.

Interns will work approximately 10-11 hours per week, paid at the rate of $15.75 per hours, and will have up to $600 to support their research. Applicants must be juniors or seniors the year of the internship. For more information and to apply, go here.  Remember: The application deadline is by 5:00pm on Friday, March 1! Please address questions to: Dr. Nancy Castro, at ncastro@illinois.edu.

LAW SCHOOL EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Diversity Law Day – Indiana University Maurer School of Law – THIS Saturday, February 9, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Diversity Law Day is dedicated to the idea that the legal profession must reflect the expanding diversity of our society. Joining efforts with the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC), we hope that this day will encourage student from underrepresented and underserved communities to discover career opportunities in law. This day is particularly tailored towards high school juniors and seniors, as well college freshman and sophomores.

Diversity Law Day is free to attend, but registration is required for planning purposes. To attend, simply complete the registration form at www.law.indiana.edu/diversity-day

Contact Kendra Abercrombie at klabercr@indiana.edu or 812-855-2704 if you have any questions.

The Wisconsin Statewide Pre-Law Diversity Day is set for Friday, February 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the University of Wisconsin Law School in Madison, Wisconsin. This event is open to all students. For more information and to register, visit their website here.  Cosponsored by the University of Wisconsin Law School and Marquette University Law School, this FREE event includes lunch and:

  • an update on law school admissions in Wisconsin featuring the University of Wisconsin and Marquette University Law Schools;
  • breakout workshops featuring a mock class for students ; and
  • law school fair featuring admissions representatives from law schools around the country.  Click here for a list of law schools that have registered for this year’s event.

Minnesota Pre-Law Scholars Summer Program – Application Due March 1!

Minnesota Pre-Law Scholars (MPLS) is a program that offers a select number of students a free LSAT prep class each summer at the University of Minnesota Law School. Admission is highly selective and based on a holistic review of the MPLS application material.

College students considering law school, especially rising seniors and those from groups historically underrepresented in law school, are encouraged to apply. The program is open to undergraduate students and recent graduates from any undergraduate institution.

Students will learn about law school admissions preparation from Minnesota Law School staff. The remaining portion of class, taught by an instructor from The Princeton Review, will be dedicated to LSAT preparation and practice exams.

There is no cost to participate in MPLS. However, participants must submit a $100 seat deposit which is fully refundable upon successful completion of the program. All books and study materials will be provided.  The program will run from early June to mid-August 2019.

To learn more about MPLS or to apply, click on this link:

https://www.law.umn.edu/admissions/minnesota-pre-law-scholars-mpls-program