Whether you are a returning student or are new to our campus, on behalf of the entire Pre-Law Advising Team, welcome to the 2025-2026 school year!
Welcome, Pre-Law Illini!
Being pre-law at Illinois means joining a community that is talented, motivated, and supportive. Our pre-law Illini—past and present—are among the most accomplished students at the university, representing a wide variety of majors, interests, and backgrounds. What brings you all together is a shared interest in law, but the path to law school looks different for every student. Along the way, your journey will be enriched by academic opportunities, extracurricular activities, internships, and professional experiences.
Success in law school and beyond begins with success as an undergraduate. That’s why we encourage you to take full advantage of all Illinois has to offer—inside and outside the classroom. Pursue your passions, challenge yourself academically, and invest in opportunities that help you grow both professionally and personally. Your time here is about more than earning a degree; it’s about discovering who you are and preparing for the kind of lawyer—and leader—you want to become.
To help you get started, we’ve gathered resources and upcoming events designed to support you in planning your semester. We look forward to connecting with you throughout the year and wish you a rewarding and successful start to your journey at Illinois.
Pre-Law Information & Resources
Let’s Connect!
Whether you are new to pre-law or returning, make sure you stay connected with PLAS in any of the following ways:
- Instagram: Follow PLAS on Instagram and stay up-to-date!
- Pre-Law Designation and ListServ: Fill out this form to get the pre-law designation and be added to the pre-law listserv. You’ll never miss an update!
- Workshops and Events: Bookmark the PLAS Calendar of Events so you never miss a relevant program!
- Advising Appointments: We look forward to meeting with you to discuss your plans and goals. Be sure to set up an individual advising session! Freshman students (first year undergraduates) may schedule an appointment starting January 1.
Upcoming Events
- September 2: Application Roadmap Workshop | 4:30 pm, ONLINE. To learn more, click here.
- September 3: Pre-Law RSO Preview Nite | 6:00 – 7:30 pm, Gregory Hall 100. To learn more, click here.
- September 8: Drafting Applications Workshop | 4:00 pm, ONLINE. To learn more, click here.
- September 9: Transfer Student Information Session | 4:00 – 5:00 pm, IUB 514. To learn more and register, click here.
- September 16: 2025 Law School Fair and Law Admissions Panel | 11:00 am – 3:30 pm. Illini Union. To learn more, click here.
- September 24: Drafting Applications Workshop | 4:00 pm, ONLINE. To learn more, click here.
- October 14: Drafting Applications Workshop | 4:00 pm, ONLINE. To learn more, click here.
View more upcoming events by visiting the Pre-Law Master Calendar.
More About Pre-Law Advising Services
The Pre-Law Advising Services office (PLAS) offers guidance and support to students and alumni at every stage of the pre-law journey. PLAS’s comprehensive and innovative approach helps us achieve our three-pronged mission:
- to help Illini determine if a legal career and education is the right choice,
- to offer resources and guidance that will support Illini in preparing for success during their undergraduate studies, through the law admissions process, and during the first semesters of law school, and
- to guide and support Illini applicants to success in the law admissions process.
The motto of PLAS is “Our Expertise, Your Success”. Current students are encouraged to connect with our office as early as freshman year and to utilize our resources, expertise, and unique programming throughout their undergraduate experience. Regardless of when you decide on a path to law school, PLAS is here to help, and we invite you to become a member of our Illinois pre-law community.
Want to learn more about what we do? Watch the 2024-2025 Year in Review video to learn more!
Freshman Students – Tips for Getting Started
Welcome to Illinois! As you settle into being a pre-law student at Illinois, here are some steps to help you start strong!
Pre-Law 101:
The Pre-Law 101 workshop is a two-part series and an introductory program for students at Illinois. The Pre-Law 101 workshop series provides a comprehensive overview of the law as a career, legal education, strategies and goals for a successful pre-law plan, and the process of preparing for and applying to law school. Part I begins with a webinar series, followed by an in-person Capstone Event at the end of the semester (November/April). Learn more about Pre-Law 101 online!
Freshman Checklist:
Get started on your pre-law journey with this freshman (first) year checklist! Broken down into targeted action items, this list will support and help guide you during your first semesters on campus. Grab the Freshman Checklist in the Canvas page!
Advising Appointments:
We look forward to connecting with you during the upcoming academic year. Due to peak advising times in fall, freshman students may schedule an advising appointment starting January 1. Learn more about advising appointments at Illinois by clicking here.
Calling the Class of 2029 – Seeking Advisory Council Representatives
Established in 2022, the Advisory Council serves as an important bridge between the Pre-Law Advising Services Office (PLAS) and the pre-law student and alumni community at Illinois. The Advisory Council is made up of a diverse group of pre-law students and alumni representing different colleges, majors, and stages of the pre-law journey. Together, the Council serves an important role in helping support the work of the Pre-Law Advising Services Office to enhance the resources and opportunities for all Illinois pre-law students and alumni. Learn more about the Council by clicking here.
Applications for the Class of 2029 Representatives are now open! Applications will be accepted until 11:59 pm on Monday, September 8, 2025.
Have a Fantastic Start to the Semester!
