The summer is an excellent time to reconnect, gain new experiences, move forward with your academic progress, or simply relax and rejuvenate. With the summer officially underway, this is an excellent time to evaluate your goals for the summer and set some priorities as they relate to your prelaw plans.
You have completed another academic year and it is something to be celebrated. This summer spend some time planning and considering the following:
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- Is your academic curriculum set (major/minors)? Do some research as there is an incredibly diverse set of programs to choose from at Illinois!
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- How will you engage with the campus and the community? If you were involved, did you enjoy your experiences? How can you gain additional leadership and volunteer experiences next year?
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- How is your academic performance? Now is the time to evaluate and reflect. What worked and helped you succeed? If you experienced challenges, what were they and why? Use the summer to identify what practices you will continue into next year to contribute to your success and where adjustments are necessary. Research resources to assist in the areas where you would like to improve.
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- Use the summer to research. What type of internships might you be interested in next year? Are you interested in study abroad, Illinois in Washington, or other unique learning opportunities? Learn more about internship opportunities with the PLAS Internship Newsletter!
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- Stay Tuned! Check back later this summer for our post on unique and prestigious opportunities at UIUC, perfect for prelaw students!
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- Use the summer to research. What type of internships might you be interested in next year? Are you interested in study abroad, Illinois in Washington, or other unique learning opportunities? Learn more about internship opportunities with the PLAS Internship Newsletter!
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- Network! Talk to individuals in the legal profession or to upper level peers who have pursued opportunities that you would be interested in. Use these conversations to gain insights and perspectives about your future goals.
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- Alumni Attorney Talks – catch up on our Alumni Attorney Talk series featuring practicing attorneys and judges. The series can be found on this blog! Just search on “Alumni Attorney Talks” or visit our Canvas page for a comprehensive list.
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- Network! Talk to individuals in the legal profession or to upper level peers who have pursued opportunities that you would be interested in. Use these conversations to gain insights and perspectives about your future goals.
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- Think ahead. Planning ahead is key for prelaw students. It allows you to monitor progress and seek resources if necessary; manage competing obligations with success; and pursue unique opportunities that will benefit your goals for law school. If you will be applying during your senior year, you will likely begin your LSAT prep no later than the spring of your junior year. How does that semester look in terms of course load? What will your academic progress/achievements be at the beginning of your senior year (if this is the year you will apply to law school)?
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- For those applying to law school during senior year, you will ideally be submitting applications during the Fall semester (approximately 1 year prior to when you would like to begin law school). It is important to evaluate what achievements, academic work, and other opportunities will be included in your resume for consideration by law schools.
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- Think ahead. Planning ahead is key for prelaw students. It allows you to monitor progress and seek resources if necessary; manage competing obligations with success; and pursue unique opportunities that will benefit your goals for law school. If you will be applying during your senior year, you will likely begin your LSAT prep no later than the spring of your junior year. How does that semester look in terms of course load? What will your academic progress/achievements be at the beginning of your senior year (if this is the year you will apply to law school)?
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- Take time to rejuvenate! The summer should be utilized to take some time for yourself, tending to your wellness and recharging for the upcoming year. Keep reading for some fun summer suggestions!
Just for Fun…
As mentioned summer should be utilized as a time to enjoy and relax. 
Here are some suggestions on some fun law-related books, movies, podcasts, and TV shows to check out!
Books:
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- The Color of Law
- Thieves of Book Row
- Crime and Punishment
- The Rainmaker
- To Kill a Mockingbird
- In Cold Blood
- I’ll Be Gone In the Dark
- Radium Girls
- The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
- Becoming
Check out this list of recommended books for more options!
Movies/Documentaries:
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- The Staircase (documentary)
- Find Me Guilty
- Marshall
- RBG
- Erin Brockovich
- On the Basis of Sex
- Philadelphia
- Legally Blonde
- The Firm
Check out this list of recommended movies for more options!
TV Shows:
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- How to Get Away With Murder
- Damages
- Bull
- Better Call Saul
- The Good Wife
- Law and Order
Check out this list of recommended shows for more options!
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