Looking to get involved?  Want to connect with other pre-law students? Check out details and highlights for some of the University of Illinois pre-law student organizations!

UI Pre-Law Club

About: “The UI Pre-Law club gives students the opportunity to learn more about their pre-law journey. We host informational events with law school professors, and also host LSAT information sessions. Most importantly, we allow students to network with other pre-law students.”

How to get involved: There is no application deadline, nor GPA requirements. Members must pay dues. Contact the organization about joining.

How to connect:

• • Instagram: Uiprelaw
  • Facebook: UI Pre-Law Club
  • Website: https://illinois.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/uiplc
  • Email: prelawclubuiuc@gmail.com

How to learn more: Email to join the email listserv. Check out the website.

Spring Update: Welcome Back Event on Thursday, January 27th at 7pm in room 1035 at the Campus Instructional Facility (CIF).

Pre-Law Honors Society

About: “The Pre-Law Honors Society is an organization that brings high-achieving undergraduate students closer to a future in the legal field. We educate members on the requirements and preparation needed to enter law school and a career in law through LSAT prep workshops, law school trips, networking opportunities, guest speakers, social events, and more.”

How to get involved: Applications are open in the first couple of weeks in the fall and spring semester. There is a minimum GPA requirement of 3.4 thus, you must have one semester completed. To apply, students must complete an application, attach their unofficial transcript and resume, and provide a 200-word statement on why they want to join. There is a one-time fee.

How to connect:

• • Instagram: illinoisplhs
  • Website: http://www.uiucprelawhonorssociety.com/
  • Email: prelawhonorssociety@gmail.com

How to learn more: Visit the Instagram page for information on past events. Check out the website for information on how to apply as well as contact form to ask questions.

Additional: Pre-Law Honor Society is open to any student with even a slight interest in pursuing law – even those who haven’t decided if it’s for them yet. Members include a diverse group of students at every stage of their law school process and we want to welcome even more.

Spring Update: Spring 2022 applications are open and are due by February 6th at 5pm. Click here for more information.

Illinois Trial Team

About: “We are a pre-law organization that focuses on creating legal arguments, public speaking, and teamwork. Teams work together to analyze a case, create a theme and theory, and make arguments. We also offer fun social events, networking opportunities, and amazing academic resources.”

How to get involved: Tryouts take place at the beginning of the academic year, in the first few weeks of the fall semester. Members also must pay dues.

How to connect:

• • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IllinoisTrialTeam
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/illinoistrialteam/?hl=en
  • Website: illinoistrialteam.com
  • Email: illinoistrialteam@gmail.com

How to learn more: Check the organization website or reach out through website or Instagram.

MAFA (Minority Association for Future Attorneys)

About: “Founded to assist, support, and advance pre-law students on their journey to law school and becoming successful attorneys.”

How to connect:

• • Twitter: @MAFA_UIUC
  • Instagram: @mafa_uiuc
  • Email: illinois.mafa@gmail.com

How to learn more: Follow them on social media and join their email list by clicking here.

Kappa Alpha Pi

About: “Kappa Alpha Pi is a co-ed professional pre-law fraternity. We strive for excellence in professionalism and with our academics, while also creating a welcoming organization.”

How to get involved:  New member recruitment “rush” is a multi-week process and requires payment of dues. The recruitment process typically begins at the beginning of the fall semester and ends in mid September.

How to connect:

• • Email: kapprelawuiuc@gmail.com
  • Instagram: illinoiskap
  • Website: https://www.illinoiskap.com/

How to learn more: Check out the Instagram and/or the KAP website.

Spring Update: Info night on Thursday, January 27th at 6pm in 1320 at the Digital Computer Lab

Phi Alpha Delta

About: “Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International is the largest professional law fraternity in the United States. Founded in 1902, P.A.D. has since grown to 717 established pre-law, law, and alumni chapters and over 330,000 initiated members.”

How to get involved: There is no application deadline nor requirements besides completing local and national dues. Contact the organization about joining.

How to get connect:

• • Email: uiucpad.pl@gmail.com
  • Instagram: uiucpad

How to learn more: Reach out via email or direct message on Instagram.

Phi Delta Phi

About: “Founded in 1869 at the University of Michigan, Phi Delta Phi is the nation’s oldest legal honor society in continual existence. Phi Delta Phi boasts one of the most impressive lists of alumni out there, offering some of the best membership benefits available, and creating a space for like-minded individuals to gather. Regardless of if you are interested in law school or not, this organization has something to offer you, and will bolster your experience as an undergraduate. Whether you are looking for a place to network, a place to learn, or simply a community of accepting individuals, this organization has something to offer.”

How to get involved: They have recruitment periods at the beginning of every semester. This entails both an application and interview process prior to acceptance.

How to connect:

• • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pdp_uiuc/
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pdp.uiuc.3
  • Twitter:  https://twitter.com/pdp_uiuc
  • Email: pdpuiuc@gmail.com

How to learn more: Connect with Phi Delta Phi on Instagram or via email at pdpuiuc@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Undergraduate Law Review

About: “The Review aims to shine a light on legal issues that affect the broader Champaign-Urbana community. We’re comprised of two organizational bodies – the executive board and the editorial board – and spend the year researching, developing, and ultimately writing articles on legal topics.”

How to get involved: The application period generally runs from late August through mid to late September, during which time the application is live on our website. Throughout the year, we consider membership requests depending on the size and progress of our organization (so don’t hesitate to reach out at any time of the year).

How to connect:

• • Website: http://www.uiucuglawreview.web.illinois.edu/wp

How to learn more: Visit our website, contact the president, or reach out via GetInvolved tab.

Additional: No prior experience or particular set of interests is required; we are open to anyone who would like to apply.

Looking for ways to connect with fellow peers interested in law school?   

Seeking leadership roles and activities to demonstrate your interest in the legal profession? 

We often hear from students looking for ways to be involved with pre-law activities and connect with fellow students interested in law school.  Extracurricular activities provide excellent opportunities to obtain leadership experience, gain additional insights about law school, and demonstrate your interest in the legal profession.  Recently we asked pre-law organizations at UIUC to share details about their organizations with us.  As you make plans for the upcoming year,  be sure to check out these highlighted organizations!

University of Illinois Pre-Law Club

University of Illinois Pre-Law Club is a professional student organization that helps students explore career paths with their Pre-Law track, learn from legal professionals, prepare the most successful law school applications, and build their law career. Pre-Law Club connects students with resources to assist them in their Pre-Law journey both on-campus and with test prep partners, such as The Princeton Review and LSATMax.

• • How to Join: Students can become members by sending an email to prelawclubuiuc@gmail.com. Students can become members at any time!
  • Learn More: Students can learn more about the organization and contact Pre-Law Club by visiting https://illinois.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/uiplc
  • Connect via Social Media: Instagram: @uiprelaw, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/uiplc/

• Illinois Trial Team

The Illinois Trial team is a law based competition program where students can learn the basics of trial advocacy. Members learn how to make legal arguments, think critically, and how to perfect their presentational skills. They simulate the trial experience by imitating attorneys and witnesses as we compete against other teams.

• • How to Join: There is a two round try out process that takes place in late August to early September.
  • Learn More: Check out their website: http://www.illinoistrialteam.com/ and/or their Instagram: Illinois Trial Team
  • Connect via Social Media: Instagram/Twitter: @illinoistrialteam

• Minority Association for Future Attorneys (MAFA)

Founded to assist and forward pre-law students, their journey to law school, and becoming successful attorneys.

• • Learn More: Follow them on social media and join their email list by clicking here.
  • Connect via Social Media: Twitter: @MAFA_UIUC and Instagram: @mafa_uiuc

Pre-Law Honors Society

The Pre-Law Honors Society of the University of Illinois seeks to provide activities and opportunities that will facilitate the needs and wants of pre-law students who have achieved high honors at the undergraduate level. Through such activities, they strive to further educate members on the requirements and preparation needed to enter a law school as well as any legal profession. One of their main goals is to create a productive and friendly environment for students who are interested in the study of law and to provide them with various resources regarding the law school application process. In doing so, PLHS offers its members various opportunities to be further explored at their own interest.

• • How to Join: As long as students have completed at least one semester of college and have a 3.4+ GPA, they can join during their fall or spring application periods at the beginning of each semester.
  • Learn More: Visit their website at http://www.uiucprelawhonorssociety.com/ or emailing them at prelawhonorssociety@gmail.com.
  • Connect via Social Media: Instagram: @illinoisplhs, LinkedIn: ​www.linkedin.com/company/illinoisplhs

Kappa Alpha Pi (KAP)

Kappa Alpha Pi fraternity focuses on growing its members’ professional skills while also giving them access to law school related resources such as LSAT prep and advice from law school admissions counselors during our annual KAP Conference. They hosts events all year round that promote a sense of community, teach our members essential career-building skills, expose their members to different legal opportunities, and provide them with the resources to succeed.

• • How to Join: Each semester Kappa Alpha Pi holds a recruitment process that consists of multiple rounds of interviews. An interested student can contact them at any point during the school year and they will add them to their contact list where they will be notified about when the next rush process will be.
  • Learn More: KAP is active on their instagram page, which is @illinoiskap. If a student has questions, they are always welcome to email them at uiuckapprelaw@gmail.com.
  • Connect via Social Media: Instagram: @illinoiskap

Phi Alpha Delta (PAD)

Phi Alpha Delta is a Pre-Law Professional Fraternity. Members have access to a network of thousands of PAD members, both pre-law and law students, as well as events held by both national and local organizations. Some examples of events PAD has done: talks with senators, judge speakers, linkedin and resume workshops, study parties, internship opportunities, and much more.

• • How to Join: Students can join Phi Alpha Delta at any time. Contact the following email for further instruction: uiuc.pad.pl@gmail.com.
  • Learn More: Dm PAD on Instagram or send us an email!
  • Connect via Social Media: Instagram: @uiuc_pad

Phi Delta Phi

Founded in 1869 at the University of Michigan, Phi Delta Phi is the nation’s oldest legal honor society in continual existence, predating even the American Bar Association. Throughout its 150 years of existence, Phi Delta Phi has become an international powerhouse, boasting one of the most impressive lists of alumni out there, offering some of the best membership benefits available, and creating a space for like-minded individuals to gather. Regardless of if you are interested in law school or not, this organization has something to offer you, and will bolster your experience as an undergraduate. Whether you are looking for a place to network, a place to learn, or simply a community of accepting individuals, this organization has something to offer.

• • How to Join: Phi Delta Phi has recruitment periods at the beginning of every semester. This entails both an application and interview process prior to acceptance.
  • Learn More: Feel free to connect with Phi Delta Phi on Instagram or via email at pdpuiuc@gmail.com if you have any questions.
  • Connect via Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pdp_uiuc/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pdp.uiuc.3  Twitter:
    https://twitter.com/pdp_uiuc

Undergraduate Law Review

The undergraduate law review is a group of students with an interest in law and relevant legal/political issues. Each year, in teams of writing blocs, the students research and write articles under an overall theme. These articles (typically numbering 3-4 per year, one per bloc) are all published on the UGLR website in the spring.

• • How to Join: Interested students are welcome to apply at the beginning of each semester (preferably in the fall). The organization does run on a year-long publication timeline, but sometimes openings arise during the middle of the year which an eager student could certainly fill.
  • Learn More: Interested students can visit the UGLR’s website to get a sense of its mission and to read past volumes.

Still looking for activities?

Visit the campus Student Engagement website to learn more about diverse student organizations and activities on campus!

Spring is Here!

The weather is finally warming up, spring flowers are beginning to appear, and this week was the second spring break wellness day of the semester.  Here are some suggestions and ideas to maximize the second half of the spring semester and to help with your initial planning for the upcoming summer!

• Scholarships: This is a great time to apply for scholarships as many have upcoming deadlines. Pre-Law Advising just released an updated scholarship document with over 100 scholarships! This document can be found on our compass page and on a recent blog post.

• Internships: Do you have your summer plans figured out? If not, start applying for jobs and internships. Our compass page has an internship newsletter that contains many unique and interesting opportunities for students. The 2020 Internship Newsletter has new internships being added all the time.

• Plan Ahead: Use this time to look into future events you might wish to attend and get those on your calendar. The Monthly Snapshot on the blog has tons of programs and information for pre-law students.  The Snapshot is posted on the first business day of the month and is continuously being updated. Check out the Pre-Law Advising website for a list of our remaining programs coming up this semester. Schedule an advising appointment with Pre-Law Advising Services to get your questions answered and obtain help with your law school application or stop by virtual Open Office Hours on Wednesdays from 4:00 – 5:00 pm.

• LSAT Planning: Start thinking about when you want to take the LSAT if you have not already. For Juniors or graduating Seniors, the summer is a great time to take the LSAT but deadlines to sign up are fast approaching. Make sure that whenever you plan to take the LSAT you have allocated sufficient time to study and prepare – recommendations range from 2-6 months. Begin to consider which prep options you plan to use and if a study group is right for you. A great place to start your prep is with a practice LSAT – this will give you a helpful baseline of your performance level prior to starting your prep and helpful insights on how much prep time you may wish to allocate.  Check out Kahn Academy for a free diagnostic test!

• Work on Application Documents: Take some time to begin drafting law school application documents such as your resume.   You will continue to update your resume as you approach the application cycle, however, get a head start now by reviewing your resume, perfecting your formatting, and adding any items to bring it current. Start thinking about who you will ask to write letters of recommendation for you. If you already have someone in mind, reach out to them now and begin sharing your timeline and plans.

• Get Involved: Think about joining pre-law student organizations or pursuing leadership positions in organizations you are already involved in. Consider volunteering in your local community.

• Study: Catch up on schoolwork and study! This has been a uniquely challenging academic year – but you have almost made it through!  Impress law school admissions with your excellent academic performance!  Evaluate where you are at now with your academic progress, make a study plan and schedule for the rest of the semester (keep in mind big projects, papers, and exams), and finish the semester strong.
  • • Are you struggling with a course or two? Don’t forget to utilize the many resources on campus to support you – including visiting open office hours with professors and talking to your advisors!

• Watch Attorney Talks Interviews: We have recently interviewed more attorneys for our Attorney Talks Interviews. Obtain insights from UIUC alumni attorneys practicing in many different areas. Learn what you can do with a law degree and hear advice from practicing attorneys!

Summer 2021 Course Recommendations

Considering taking a class or two this summer but not sure which classes to take? This is the perfect time to figure out a summer class schedule. Taking summer classes can help alleviate your course load next semester, raise your GPA if you will be entering the application cycle in the fall, and help you complete general education requirements creating more flexibility for future semesters.  Check out this handy chart for a list of recommended classes for pre-law students! Learn more about the registration and summer course options online!

Be sure to keep in mind…

• • This is not an exhaustive list.  There are 700+ classes being offered this summer. The highlighted classes may be particularly helpful and interesting for pre-law students, but there are many great options available!
  • These courses are only suggestions and are NOT requirements. Students in ANY major can attend law school, and there are NO specifically required courses for pre-law undergrads. Law schools do not require any particular major or coursework.
  • Some of these courses have prerequisites or may be restricted to students in the same department; check Course Explorer and speak to your academic advisor about the best individual courses for you.  We are always here to help as well!

There are hundreds of internal and external scholarship opportunities available to support individuals interested in graduate and law school each year. Check out our Spring 2021 Scholarship Newsletter for a highlight of over 100 of these incredible opportunities!

*You may also access the Scholarship Newsletter on our Compass page.

Explore all your options!

Scholarship opportunities are available from many different sources including – professional organizations, business entities, educational institutions, leadership and social organizations (ex: national sororities/fraternities), and local organizations and businesses.  Think about what makes you unique, your interests, and what connections you currently have.  Investigate on the internet and through contacts with organizations and groups you may belong.   To help you get started, below is information about scholarship resources here at UIUC for this semester and for future consideration…

College of Agricultural Consumer and Environmental Sciences: They have a general scholarship application that will be open from April 1^st until May 14^th. They also have more specific scholarship opportunities. More information can be found here.

College of Applied Health Sciences: They have a general scholarship application that closed on February 1. For updates, click here.

Gies College of Business: Scholarship Information can be found here.

College of Education has great scholarship opportunities.

• • • The Golden Apple Scholarship is due April 1, 2021 and can be found here.
    • The Illinois Club Isabelle Purnell Education Awards are not yet open for 2021, but information will be released here.
    • Undergraduate Education Scholarship information will be updated here no later than March 1.

Office of Minority Student Affairs: They will be releasing information here soon about their scholarships.

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: They have scholarship opportunities for current students, incoming students, study abroad, life and career design, honors, and access and achievement program. More information will be coming soon about the various scholarships so continue to check out their website here. The James Scholar Preble Research Award application closes on February 28^th!

Illinois National and International Scholarships Program: They have many scholarships available for students to apply for. These are merit-based and fall into many categories. Click here to find out about the different opportunities available.

Grainger College of Engineering: They have general scholarship application is due March 8, 2021 and can be found here.

College of Fine and Applied Arts: They have a list of scholarships available. Click here to see the scholarships.

School of Social Work: They have three amazing opportunities that can be found here.

• • • DCFC Scholarship Program
    • Social Work Heals-IL
    • James Scholar Honors Program

School of Labor and Employment Relations: They are offering the August E. Burnier Labor Education Award. For more information about the scholarship and the requirements, click here.