Author: agil6@illinois.edu

Over 100 Scholarships for Undergrads and Incoming Law Students!

Whether you’re heading off to law school this fall or staying here to continue your pre-law education, you’ll want to see this: Scholarships! Could you use an additional $500, $1000, or even $40,000 towards your undergrad or legal education? Then take a look at this resource. We have compiled over 100 scholarships available for BOTH incoming law students and pre-law undergraduates. Head over to our Compass page to find the full listings–but hurry, because some have upcoming deadlines! The full spreadsheet with 100+ scholarships is the very first item posted on our Compass page.

Popular Scholarship Websites

Here is a list of popular scholarship websites for you to research scholarships yourself!

All UIUC students can access our Compass page. Here’s how:

  • If you are an Illinois student who is designated pre-law: All students who are designated pre-law already have access to our Compass page. Log in to Compass and under “My Courses” look for OPEN LEARNING: Pre-Law Advising Services.
  • If you are an Illinois student who is not designated pre-law: Click here for instructions on how to add yourself to our Compass page.

Pre-Law Advising Services Update

Hello Pre-Law Students!

As we continue to navigate this new world of physical distancing, and given Governor Pritzker’s “Stay-At-Home” Order, there will be no on campus activities or programs for the rest of this semester.  However, various campus offices, like PLAS, will be providing additional and expanded online resources for students.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the University and COVID-19, please follow the link https://covid19.illinois.edu/.

All students are, of course, welcome to email an advisor with questions.  Judy Argentieri’s email is jargenti@illinois.edu; Alex Gil’s email is agil6@illinois.edu.  And finally, do not forget to use our main website, www.prelaw.illinois.edu, and particularly our “Pre-Law Handbook,” as a starting point for a quick answer to your question(s).

Final Appointments – Alex will be accepting appointments through this Thursday, April 23, then will be focusing on his law school final exams.  Judy will be taking student appointments through next Wednesday, April 29.  Please go to our online scheduling portal to make appointments.

Course Registration

Fall 2020 Time Tickets will be available to view Monday, April 6th.  For more information on registration, times follow the link: https://registrar.illinois.edu/registration/registration-process/reg-fall-20/.

Additionally, our “Suggestions for Fall 2020 Courses” blog has been posted so don’t forget to check it out!! Link here: http://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/2020/03/30/suggestions-for-fall-2020-courses/

LSAT UPDATE

Reminder those planning on taking the June LSAT, the registration deadline is April 24.  Since the cancelation of the March LSAT, and with the general uncertainty that may impact the April LSAT, there will be more people taking the June test.  Please check with the LSAC for any updates. Here is the link to the Coronavirus section of their webpage. https://www.lsac.org/update-coronavirus-and-lsat.

Spring Break Plans for Pre-Law Students!

How can you maximize your spring break? First things first: Get some sleep, watch Netflix, visit your family and friends. Then take a look at these lists to be super productive and make the rest of your semester SO much easier.

  • Complete your FAFSA if you haven’t already. This is how financial aid for federal loans for summer/fall will be determined, whether you are an undergrad or an incoming law student.

Registration Advice: For help on selecting pre-law courses, check out our blog post  Guide to selecting pre-law coursework for Illinois students! Also, keep a lookout for our blog post about our suggested courses for the fall!

Freshmen and Sophomores:

  • Apply for Summer Jobs and Internships. Do you have summer plans locked down? If not, apply for jobs and internships. Check out our internship newsletter over on our Compass page. We’ve also listed LOTS of internships on our Facebook page and on our blog!  Use the search box on either of these to find internships. You should also be checking Handshake regularly (or set it to email you when new listings appear).
  • Apply to Summer Pre-Law Programs. These are typically 4-week residential programs to teach the basics of law and how to prepare for law school, and most are free and come with a stipend for selected students. We have been posting these all spring on our blog and Facebook page. Take a look at the Summer Pre-Law Programs spreadsheet on our Compass page, listing over 40 summer programs, for even more opportunities. Note: Some deadlines have passed and others are April 1, so apply SOON.
  • Take a practice LSAT. Not ready to take the real LSAT yet but wondering what it’s all about? Go to this website to download a free practice test. When you’re done, you can score it and watch videos there with explanations of the answers. Want to take more practice LSATs? You can purchase books of 10 previously administered LSATs like this one at Amazon or another bookseller, or used on ebay.
  • Job shadow, or ask a lawyer to spend 30 minutes doing an informational interview with you. Don’t be intimidated; this is an opportunity for you to buy him/her coffee and ask about their professional life. Here’s a resource for planning your informational interview. 
  • Get caught up. Use this time to catch up on studying and prepare for finals–those grades are very important to law schools!

Pre-Law Students and Alumni Applying This Fall:

  • Make your LSAT plans. 
    • Taking the June LSAT? You should already have selected your prep option and started studying. Spring break is a great time to crank up your LSAT studying. Tip: REGISTER FOR THE JUNE LSAT NOW, because the popular test sites fill up around spring break each year.
    • Taking the September LSAT? Now is the time to research LSAT prep options. Check out the LSAT Preparation folder over on our Compass page for information on free LSAT resources as well as listings of popular LSAT prep companies.
  • Decide who will be your recommendation writers. You will want to approach them by this May/June (at the end of THIS semester) so that they have plenty of time to write the letter and your performance is still fresh in their mind. If you are an alum, reach out ASAP because the longer you wait the more difficult it is to track people down and for them to remember you.
  • Register for the Credential Assembly Service. This is the account you will need to open in order to have your recommendation letters processed. Once you set it up, your account is good for five years. You can read all about it here.
  • Mark your calendars. We have upcoming workshops just for you that you should plan to attend. Find them all on our Event Calendar.

Seniors taking a gap year (or two) prior to law school:

  • It’s still a good idea to decide who on campus can write your recommendations, and approach them by the end of this semester. If you wait a year or more the professor is sometimes gone, on sabbatical, retired, etc., so it’s better to get them now. Register for the Credential Assembly Service as listed above so that you can send the letters into your account.
  • We will have a special workshop about Taking a Gap Year Before Law School on March 25th from 5:00 – 6:00 pm at 514 Illini Union Bookstore Building.  This workshop will cover how you can maximize your postgraduate time to make yourself an even better law school candidate, and we will share a timeline and game plan for applying to law school as a working professional. Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from current law students who worked prior to law school.

Seniors and alumni headed to law school this fall:

  • Complete your FAFSA! Your federal loans will not be disbursed without it.
  • Make final visits to law schools/attend admitted student days. If you’ve decided where to attend, then withdraw from the other schools that have admitted you so that they can offer that seat/scholarship to someone else.
  • Apply for scholarships. We’ve posted lots of scholarships in our blog and over on our Compass page! When you know which law school you are attending, ask your law school financial aid office about scholarship opportunities.

On Campus Events

Taking a Gap Year Before Law School Event – Wednesday, March 25, 2020, from 5:00 – 6:00 pm. at 514 Illini Union Bookstore Building

Nationwide, the average law student has taken one or more gap year(s) after undergrad before applying to law school. Whether you are planning to go straight through to law school after undergrad is over or looking at one or more years before law school, this workshop will help you prepare for that next step. What do people do during their gap years? How does taking a gap year or going straight through influence your law school experience? Hear from our panel of current law students from the University of Illinois College of Law and learn more about the pros and cons of both choices–as well as how you can maximize each option–to help you decide the path you want to take to get to law school. Bring your questions for the panelists!

Peace Corps General Information Meeting – Tuesday March 10th, 5:00 – 6:00 pm. The Career Center, Conference Room 143, 715 S. Wright St., Champaign

i-Programs have been the cornerstone initiative of the ILC since opening our doors. Designed as six-hour seminars (typically on Saturdays), these programs focus on a particular aspect of leadership practice. These programs aim to equip students with the skills and knowledge to help them become career ready.

Students can attend these seminars at no cost, but they must register for the program since space is limited and food is provided.

To learn more and register, visit http://leadership.illinois.edu/i-programs

 

Job & Internship Roundup

Job & Internship Opportunities for Pre-Law Students

For those of you who have not yet secured a job or internship this summer, do not fret, there are still opportunities available! But now is the time to secure those summer jobs and internship positions.  For some tips on applications, interviews, and other important things to do to make sure you land the perfect summer internship check out our blog post.

llini Career and Internship Fair, Thursday, April 2, 12pm-5pm, at the 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.

Utilize Campus Resources!

  1. The Career Center hosts great events for finding an internship. Click Here!
  2. The Office of Student Financial Aid offers a Virtual Job Board intended to assist you in finding part-time employment. Click Here!
  3. Make sure you are registered to use Handshake@Illinois. This resource helps connect you with employers looking for interns and other full time jobs. To register, Click here. 

  4. Get resume tips and get your resume reviewed. The Career Center offers tips for writing a resume. The Career Center also offers resume reviews.
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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  

Legal Intern: Car Freshener Corporation

CAR-FRESHNER’s Legal Department is a small, dynamic team responsible for protecting the trademarks, copyrights, and patents associated with the LITTLE TREES air fresheners around the world. This is an entry level position and requires no legal experience. 
Responsibilities:
  • Researches infringers in assigned region of the world
  • Recommends resolution strategies and negotiates settlements
  • Coordinates legal efforts with in-market attorneys
  • Drafts file summaries and reviews legal briefs
  • Conducts online research
  • Maintains legal files
Skills and Experience:
  • College Sophomore or Junior actively enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program from an accredited college or university
Program Details:
Our Summer Internship Program allows interns to gain experience by working on a small team, within a designated department. Interns have exposure to a wide range of projects, and we provide excellent training and mentoring. This program follows our Monday through Friday corporate work schedule.
For more information, or to apply visit jobs.littletrees.com

 

CAREER CENTER

INTERNSHIP: State Department Information Session

The Career Center offers regular opportunities for resume, cover letter and Linked In reviews. In addition, here is one workshop that might be of interest to those of you considering international law.

For a complete list of upcoming Career Center events, go here.

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

Mark Your Calendars – Week March 2

PLAS PROGRAMS

Taking a Gap Year Before Law School Event – Wednesday, March 25, 2020, from 5:00 – 6:00 pm. at 514 Illini Union Bookstore Building

Nationwide, the average law student has taken one or more gap year(s) after undergrad before applying to law school. Whether you are planning to go straight through to law school after undergrad is over or looking at one or more years before law school, this workshop will help you prepare for that next step. What do people do during their gap years? How does taking a gap year or going straight through influence your law school experience? Hear from our panel of current law students from the University of Illinois College of Law and learn more about the pros and cons of both choices–as well as how you can maximize each option–to help you decide the path you want to take to get to law school. Bring your questions for the panelists!

Pre-Law Events

The Pre-Law Honors Society is will be hosting an LSAT Basics Session with LSATMax on March 3rd from 6:00 – 7:00 pm. at Gregory Hall Room 111. The event will be led by a veteran LSATMax instructor who scored in the 99th percentile on the LSAT and graduated from UCLA Law. This session will cover everything from what the LSAT test to how it is scored and you’ll even get to practice on some real LSAT questions. Plus all attendees will get a discount on LSATMax courses or tutoring. Bring your friends too because there will be free pizza.
*PLAS does not endorse any commercial LSAT prep company*
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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 2020 — 2021 Applications due TODAY MONDAY, March 2, 2020!

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 2020-2021. Interns will also work with the research group director, Professor A. Naomi Paik, 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 5:00pm on Monday, March 2! Please address questions to: Dr. Nancy Castro, at ncastro@illinois.edu.

CAREER CENTER

INTERNSHIP: State Department Information Session

The Career Center offers regular opportunities for resume, cover letter and Linked In reviews. In addition, here is one workshop that might be of interest to those of you considering international law.

For a complete list of upcoming Career Center events, go here.

LAW SCHOOL EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Minnesota Pre-Law Scholars Summer Program – Applications Due March 6!

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. Some daytime events such as law firm visits will also be offered. Three (3) excused absences will be allowed during the summer session.

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 June to mid-August 2020.

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

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

SCHOLARSHIPS

Fred S. Bailey Unpaid Internship Scholarship Program – Applications Due April 7

The University YMCA’s Fred S. Bailey Unpaid Internship Scholarship program provides scholarship funding to students who accept unpaid internships with public service agencies and not for profit organizations.  These internships provide an opportunity for students to complement their academic preparation with direct practical experience. The effort to combine a productive work experience with an intentional learning component is a proven method for promoting the academic, personal, and career development of students.

Students will be selected on the basis of their demonstrated commitment to community development, service, and activism and the internship’s potential impact on the student’s learning and professional development as well as financial need.

Award Amount: The University YMCA’s Fred S. Bailey Unpaid Internship Scholarship program provides $1000 scholarships for part-time unpaid internships and $2500 for full-time unpaid internships.  A full-time internship shall be defined as any internship that requires 30 or more work hours/week on average. A part-time internship shall be defined as an internship that requires less than 30 work hours/week on average but a minimum of 125 total work hours over the course of the internship.  The minimum length of both part-time and full-time internships to be funded is 8 weeks.  Awards are made directly to the student, not the organization sponsoring the internship.

Eligibility/Qualifications: The internship must meet certain criteria as listed below.

Internship activities that are eligible for funding: program development; fundraising; projects; generating marketing plans; designing posters; conducting studies and surveys; developing presentations; creating social media sites; preparing budgets and financial reports & more!

Internship activities that are ineligible for funding: primarily administrative responsibilities such as mailings, data entry, etc.; internships at for-profit businesses (except where exemptions are granted by the Bailey Scholarship committee); internships without clear learning opportunities; internships without supervision/mentorship; student teaching, internships, and other activities that are required for graduation.

For more information and to apply, go here.

La Casa Cultural Latina Scholarship – Application Now Open!  All applications due by 5pm on Friday, March 20!

 

AccessLex Institute – LexScholars Applications Due April 1!

AccessLex Institute is accepting applications for LexScholars by AccessLex℠, an innovative new diversity pipeline initiative focused on developing sustainable models for improving access to law school.

LexScholars is for prospective law students from underrepresented racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds who possess the potential for law school success but may be unlikely to gain admission due to unfavorable LSAT scores and/or undergraduate grades.

Participants will benefit from access to various resources, including LSAT preparation, law school admissions counseling, financial education, writing skills development and wellness training. And there are no costs associated with the program for participants.

There are eligibility requirements, and students will need two recommender assessments to apply.

Applications will be accepted through Wednesday, April 1.  Click on this link for more information and to apply!

OFF-CAMPUS EVENTS

The 17th Annual Illinois Latino Law Forum – NEXT Saturday, March 7, 2020, DePaul University College of Law

The Illinois Latino Law Student Association (ILLSA) is a coalition of Latinx law students dedicated to increasing diversity in law school. ILLSA takes great pleasure in announcing the 17th Annual Illinois Latino Law Forum that will take place on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at DePaul University College of Law in downtown Chicago.

We cordially invite high school and college students to participate in this pipeline program – offered at no cost – designed to encourage more Latino/as to consider the field of law as a profession by exposing them to the value of a legal education and a career in the field of law.

Guest speakers include: judges; practicing attorneys; law school administrators, including one of only a very small number of Latina law school Deans in the country; government lawyers, and many other inspiring professionals.

This event is free to attend but advanced registration is required!

In conjunction with the Law School Admission Council’s DiscoverLaw Program, we are pleased to offer the following highlights for the ILLSA Forum:

Illinois Latino Law Forum Highlights

·         Breakfast and lunch

·         Introduction to the study of law from the perspective of Latino/a judges and attorneys

·         Mock law school class taught by a DePaul Law professor

·         Tips and advice from law school admission professionals about the law school applicatoin and financial aid process

·         Opportunity to meet with members of the current Illinois Latino/a legal community, from judges and professors, to lawyers and current law students;

·         Law school information fair with various law schools present and the chance to obtain materials and ask further questions about the law school admissions process

·         Opportunity for college students to sign-up for a mentorship program and meet their law student mentor

·         Opportunity for college juniors, senior and recent graduates to apply for scholarships

Register today to meet some of the most influential Latinx attorneys in our country and be encouraged to become a part of the legal profession.

For directions to DePaul College of Law, visit our website.  There is ample parking at a number of public parking lots in the vicinity of the law school and multiple forms of public transportation.

For questions or require additional information, please contact depaul.illsa@gmail.com.

Mark Your Calendars – Week of February 10

PRE-LAW ADVISING SERVICES WORKSHOPS AND PROGRAMS

LSAT Bootcamp  – February 10, 2020 4:00 – 6:00 pm, Location: 514 Illini Union Bookstore Building (807 S Wright Street)

DON’T MISS OUT! What’s covered on the LSAT? What is it really like to take it on a tablet? 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, which includes presentations by both the representatives from the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) and Kaplan Testing Services! Visit this website for workshop schedules and more details.

This is an event for Illinois students and alumni to get to know the Law School Admission Test and how to prep for it. Join us for all or part of the event. All Illini students and alumni are welcome, whether you’re taking the LSAT next month or just considering it in your future.

Schedule of Events:

      • 4:00-5:00 Get to Know the Digital LSAT
      • 5:00-6:00 LSAT Prep Workshop

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

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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 2020 — 2021 Applications due March 2, 2020!

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 2020-2021. Interns will also work with the research group director, Professor A. Naomi Paik, 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 5:00pm on Monday, March 2! 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 28, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Marquette University Law School in Milwaukee, 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 participated in last year’s event.

Minnesota Pre-Law Scholars Summer Program – Application Due March 6!

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. Some daytime events such as law firm visits will also be offered. Three (3) excused absences will be allowed during the summer session.

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 June to mid-August 2020.

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

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

Law School Open Houses and Admitted Students Days

As we first mentioned in several of our fall blog posts, many law schools host open houses for prospective applicants and all law schools strongly encourage students to visit their campuses.  Note: spring semester is a time when many law schools will host events specifically for admitted students. Make sure you check the law school websites to see what types of events the schools in which you have an interest are offering.

UIC John Marshall Law School Open House, Tuesday, February 11, 5:30pm-8:30pm. For more information or to register, go here.

SCHOLARSHIPS

FRED S. BAILEY SCHOLARSHIP FOR CAUSE DRIVEN LEADERS

The Bailey Undergraduate awards are $3000 awards ($1500/semester) given each year to undergraduate students at the University of Illinois who have demonstrated positive impact and commitment as a result of service, community involvement, leadership, and action. Financial need and academic achievement will also be considered. University of Illinois – Urbana campus undergraduate students in all programs are eligible to apply.

For more information or to apply online, visit: www.universityymca.org/bailey

Application deadline: February 16

FRED S. BAILEY INTERNATIONAL SERVICE TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIP FOR CAUSE-DRIVEN LEADERS

This program offers scholarships of $600-1800 dollars to University of Illinois undergraduate and Master’s level graduate students leading international service projects who plan to travel within the specified period.  Recipients will be selected on the basis of their demonstrated commitment to the project/program, long-term career goals in international development or related fields, the trip’s potential impact on the student’s learning and professional development, potential for positive impact on the host community and financial need. If selected, all recipients must participate in a 7-week online pre-departure course.  (For trips that occur between May 1, 2020 – January 17, 2021)

Applications Open: January 21, 2020; Application Deadline: February 24, 2020

To learn more and apply, visit: universityymca.org/bailey/travel-scholarship/

Contact: Kasey Umland

Director, Bailey Scholarship Program, University YMCA

217.337.1514; bailey@universityymca.org

Office of Undergraduate Research

The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) is now accepting submissions for the 2020 Undergraduate Research Symposium (URS), set for Thursday, April 30. Deadline for submitting an application to the URS is Sunday, March 1, 2020, at 11:59 pm. The application can be found here. 

The URS is the signature event of Undergraduate Research Week (April 26-May 2, 2020), and brings together students, faculty, and staff from all disciplines on the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus, as well as corporate partners and sponsors, to learn more about undergraduate research and its potential to change the world. Students are encouraged to apply even if titles or abstracts have not yet been finalized – they can be edited.  Just make sure the application is successfully submitted by March 1!

It’s Never Too Late to be Pre-Law!!

Good news, ANYONE can be a Pre-Law student!! That’s right, there is no pre-law major here on campus, so students can choose to designate themselves as a Pre-Law. There is no additional credits or courses required. Student simply need to  follow the steps below to in order to become a Pre-Law student!

We at the Pre-Law Advising Services  help Illini students and alumni explore legal careers, build academic skills for law school, and prepare their most successful law school applications, maximizing admission and financial aid.

Students interested in Pre-Law should email ccaas-prelaw@illinois.edu. Once, you have sent the email, add yourself to our Compass 2g page by following the steps below.

Pre-Law Compass Page

Have you explored our Pre-Law Compass page? There we share videos (including our Pre-Law 101 video), handouts, Illinois law school applicant profiles, and helpful handouts.

It’s easy to add yourself to our Compass page–just follow these simple steps.

      1. Login to Compass
      2. Scroll to the bottom of the page and select “Browse Course Catalog”
      3. Type Pre-Law into the search box and click “Go”
      4. Go to the right of the course ID and click on the drop down menu (the circle with the downward arrow) that appears
      5. Select Enroll (after clicking on the drop down menu arrow)
      6. The Pre-Law Advising page will appear in the “My Courses” section of your Compass homepage.

*Please note that it can take up to 24 hours for a newly enrolled course to appear in your My Courses menu

Mark Your Calendars – Week of February 3

PRE-LAW ADVISING SERVICES WORKSHOPS AND PROGRAMS

LSAT Bootcamp  – February 10, 2020 4:00 – 6:00 pm, Location: 514 Illini Union Bookstore Building (807 S Wright Street)

DON’T MISS OUT! What’s covered on the LSAT? What is it really like to take it on a tablet? 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, which includes presentations by both the representatives from the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) and Kaplan Testing Services! Visit this website for workshop schedules and more details.

This is an event for Illinois students and alumni to get to know the Law School Admission Test and how to prep for it. Join us for all or part of the event. All Illini students and alumni are welcome, whether you’re taking the LSAT next month or just considering it in your future.

Schedule of Events:

      • 4:00-5:00 Get to Know the Digital LSAT
      • 5:00-6:00 LSAT Prep Workshop

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

Pre-Law Honors Society – Testmasters LSAT prep workshop

Tuesday, February 4th from 6:00 – 7:30 pm at Lincoln Hall room 1060. Join the Pre-Law Honors Society and Testmasters LSAT Prep in an LSAT workshop to learn skills and insight for the exam. Open to all students.

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

REVISED – Legal Administrative Intern Opportunity –  UIUC Office of University Counsel

The Office of University Counsel seeks 1-2 undergraduate student interns for 2020-2021. This PAID position will provide administrative support to the office, with specific duties outlined below. Hours per week will depend upon intern availability. Interns will gain experience working in a legal environment and will also be introduced to legal procedures with the possibility of increased responsibilities over time.

Required: Sophomore, junior, or senior standing; minimum 3.0 GPA; consistent weekly availability. Preference will be given to candidates with availability over breaks.

About the office: The Office of University Counsel (OUC) provides legal advice and representation to the university, its administrators/employees, University Related Organizations and others who seek legal advice arising from their official university responsibilities. OUC attorneys provide advice on an extremely wide variety of subjects. The office staff consists of attorneys and staff with unique skills and specialized training, as well as generalists who are well versed in multiple areas of law and policy. For more information, please visit: legal.uillinois.edu

Specific intern duties will include:

  • Responsible for review of legal invoices to verify compliance with contract requirements
  • Maintains electronic files of invoices, approvals and any supporting documentation.  Record must be accurate and complete for auditing and reporting purposes
  • Completes data entry and ensures the data integrity of legal services invoices in OUC systems (Legal Files eBill)
  • Provide backup support for answering main phone line and directing calls to appropriate personnel (attorneys, support staff and business staff)
  • Copying/scanning/shredding projects as needed including highly confidential legal documents
  • Assisting with legal and business document compilation, organization and delivery
  • Other duties as assigned

To apply: Submit a resume and cover letter to Ms. Karen Quinlan at kquinlan@uillinois.edu.  NOTE: the earlier version of this post listed the incorrect contact person.  Please direct your resume and cover letter to Ms. Karen Quinlan.  Cover letters should include: 1) Relevant experience; 2) Weekly availability; 3) GPA and class standing; and 4) Availability over breaks.

Deadline to submit applications is 5:00pm February 7.

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 2020 — 2021 Applications due March 2, 2020!

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 2020-2021. Interns will also work with the research group director, Professor A. Naomi Paik, 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 5:00pm on Monday, March 2! 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 – February 8, 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, Assistant Director of Admissions and Diversity Initiatives, 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 28, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Marquette University Law School in Milwaukee, 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 participated in last year’s event.

Minnesota Pre-Law Scholars Summer Program – Application Due March 6!

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. Some daytime events such as law firm visits will also be offered. Three (3) excused absences will be allowed during the summer session.

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 June to mid-August 2020.

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

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

Law School Open Houses and Admitted Students Days

As we first mentioned in several of our fall blog posts, many law schools host open houses for prospective applicants and all law schools strongly encourage students to visit their campuses.  Note: spring semester is a time when many law schools will host events specifically for admitted students. Make sure you check the law school websites to see what types of events the schools in which you have an interest are offering.

UIC John Marshall Law School Open House, Tuesday, February 11, 5:30pm-8:30pm. For more information or to register, go here.

OTHER CAMPUS OPPORTUNITIES

​Career Center

The Career Certificate – International Students (CC-I) program is a nationally awarded career program designed to help international students be more competitive job/internship candidates.

SCHOLARSHIPS

FRED S. BAILEY SCHOLARSHIP FOR CAUSE DRIVEN LEADERS

The Bailey Undergraduate awards are $3000 awards ($1500/semester) given each year to undergraduate students at the University of Illinois who have demonstrated positive impact and commitment as a result of service, community involvement, leadership, and action. Financial need and academic achievement will also be considered. University of Illinois – Urbana campus undergraduate students in all programs are eligible to apply.

For more information or to apply online, visit: www.universityymca.org/bailey

Application deadline: February 16

FRED S. BAILEY INTERNATIONAL SERVICE TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIP FOR CAUSE-DRIVEN LEADERS

This program offers scholarships of $600-1800 dollars to University of Illinois undergraduate and Master’s level graduate students leading international service projects who plan to travel within the specified period.  Recipients will be selected on the basis of their demonstrated commitment to the project/program, long-term career goals in international development or related fields, the trip’s potential impact on the student’s learning and professional development, potential for positive impact on the host community and financial need. If selected, all recipients must participate in a 7-week online pre-departure course.  (For trips that occur between May 1, 2020 – January 17, 2021)

Applications Open: January 21, 2020; Application Deadline: February 24, 2020

To learn more and apply, visit: universityymca.org/bailey/travel-scholarship/

Contact: Kasey Umland

Director, Bailey Scholarship Program, University YMCA

217.337.1514; bailey@universityymca.org

Office of Undergraduate Research

The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) is now accepting submissions for the 2020 Undergraduate Research Symposium (URS), set for Thursday, April 30. Deadline for submitting an application to the URS is Sunday, March 1, 2020, at 11:59 pm. The application can be found here. 

The URS is the signature event of Undergraduate Research Week (April 26-May 2, 2020), and brings together students, faculty, and staff from all disciplines on the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus, as well as corporate partners and sponsors, to learn more about undergraduate research and its potential to change the world. Students are encouraged to apply even if titles or abstracts have not yet been finalized – they can be edited.  Just make sure the application is successfully submitted by March 1!