Category: Other

Register now for Oct & Nov LSATs

Important Fall LSAT Update: We are hearing that there are wait lists for many October and November LSAT locations already. If you plan to take either of those tests, then it is strongly suggested that you register ASAP to get a seat! Upcoming LSAT options are: Mon, Oct. 28, Mon, Nov. 25, and Mon, Jan. 13 (2020). You can search for available test sites near you for each upcoming LSAT here.

The LSAC is advising that you add yourself to a waitlist for your preferred location for the October or November exam, and they will try to place you at that location or nearby. (Note that wait lists do not guarantee that you will get a seat.)

Registration is open for all LSATs through April of 2020 on the LSAC website here. For a thorough discussion of all the pros and cons of each upcoming LSAT revisit our blog here–despite the title, that blog post is not just for July LSAT takers!

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5 Things To Do After the July LSAT

The July LSAT is over!  Whether you’re applying to law school this fall or in future years, here are your next steps.

  1. Consider LSAT retake options. This is the only LSAT administration that will allow you to see your score, cancel it, and sign up for a free retake.  For a full consideration of ALL upcoming LSAT options–including timing for this fall’s applicants–revisit this post. Even though you don’t yet have results, now is a good time to consider your retake options so that you are ready to register as soon as scores are released.
  2. Get your letters of recommendation lined up. Have you already contacted your LOR writers and asked them to submit a letter for you? If not, do that now, because giving your writer all summer to write the letter is smart. Recent grads: Go ahead and approach your professors now, even if you don’t plan to apply for another year or two…having them submit their letter while they still remember you (and work here) is smart. Don’t wait until a super busy time for them–or come back to find that they’re retired, on medical leave, etc.–to ask. Here are some tips on getting great recommendations.
  3. Register for the Credential Assembly Service if you haven’t already. This is the account where your recommenders will send your letter–and they can’t write your letter until you set this up.  Click here for more information.
  4. Order your transcript(s) now if you aren’t taking summer classes. If you are taking summer classes, put a reminder on your calendar to order your transcript after August 12 (or Aug. 27 if you are a summer 2019 graduate). Note: You will need to order a transcript from every undergraduate institution where you took courses–even summer courses–so now is a good time to reach out to the registrar of any community colleges or schools from which you transferred. Here is where you order your UIUC transcript.
  5. Research law schools. The very first thing to consider is: What are your top 3 priorities in a legal education? (Location, employment, affordability, and admissibility are common priorities.) You’ll want to develop a list of 8-10 law schools that meet those priorities. You can find LSAT/GPA data, employment information, tuition, and more by using a resource like the American Bar Association’s Required Disclosure reports. On this website you will find these reports:
    1. 509 Required Disclosures = Previous year’s incoming class data such as GPA, LSAT, ethnicity, number of applicants + admits, etc., plus you can find tuition, number and amount of scholarships awarded, and transfer data.
    2. Employment Outcomes = Law schools are required to report the employment status of graduates 10 months after graduation. Here you will see how many of the law schools’s most recent grads are employed, and in what sectors.
    3. Bar Passage Outcomes = Law schools must report bar passage data about a year out. This report will show which state bar exam this school’s grads take, how many pass, and comparisons to the general state pass rate.

If you’re finished with the LSAT (not retaking it), then now is a good time to work on drafting a personal statement. We’ll post more about that in a future blog, or you can take a look at our Pre-Law Handbook (click on the Applying to Law School tab, then Personal Statements) for details.

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5 Things To Know & Do for the July LSAT

July LSAT takers, this post is for you. And there are a lot of you…the LSAC reports record demand for this administration.

5 Things to Know & Do for the July LSAT

  1. All July LSAT takers should take digital practice LSATs in case you are assigned that format. The LSAC has been adding to its digital LSAT prep, which now includes a familiarization tool and 3 full length digital LSATs–Prep Tests 71, 73, and 74–here. Tip: Avoid taking Prep Tests 71, 73, and 74 in their paper format before taking the digital version so that you get a realistic performance in a digital environment. The free Khan Academy LSAT Prep site also provides opportunities to practice LSAT questions in a digital environment.
  2. In addition to taking practice digital tests, review the digital LSAT FAQs here.  Know all of the details of the digital setup so that you can avoid spending precious time and brain energy figuring out this new format during the test.
  3. Remember to bring these items even though you may be taking the digital exam: Number 2 pencils (no mechanical pencils are allowed), eraser, and highlighter. Even those who are taking the digital format will receive scratch paper, so you will still need those items. You’ll also need your ID, admission ticket, snack, and other allowed items in a clear ziplock bag. Review this complete list of what is–and isn’t–allowed in the test room.
  4. Don’t forget to also take the separate LSAT Writing Sample after the test. You won’t be taking it during the test–instead, after the test you will log in to a secure website at home to write your sample and submit it. If you plan to apply to law school this year, then we suggest taking the writing part within 1 week of the LSAT so that you are completely done. Law school applications will NOT be complete without a writing sample submission. Tip: Put a reminder in your calendar to take the separate writing sample.
  5. Put these dates into your calendar: July LSAT scores will be released on August 28, and you’ll have until September 4 to cancel the score.  Note that Labor Day weekend is also during that time span, so if you will be on vacation, make sure you put multiple reminders in your calendar about the deadline to cancel. These dates also have important implications for LSAT retakes, which we will cover in the next blog posting…stay tuned!
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New LSAT Test Taking Limits

Breaking news…the LSAC has just announced new LSAT test taking limits. The LSAC indicates that more details will be announced soon but for now this information is not yet posted on the LSAC website.

Here are details from the bulletin we received from the LSAC:

Starting with the September 2019 test administration, test takers will be permitted to take the LSAT:

  • Three times in a single testing year (the testing year goes from June 1 to May 31).
  • Five times within the current and five past testing years (the period in which LSAC reports scores to law schools).
  • A total of seven times over a lifetime.
  • This policy is forward-looking, not retroactive. Tests taken prior to September 2019 will not count against these numerical limits.

In addition, test takers will not be permitted to retake the LSAT if they have already scored a 180 (perfect score) within the current and five past testing years, the period in which LSAC reports scores to law schools. This policy will be applied retroactively.

There will be an appeals process for test takers who have special circumstances and want to request an exception to this policy.

To summarize:

—Starting in Sept 2019, LSAT maximums are: Three times within one year; five times within the current year + past five; seven total times in a lifetime.

–Those who score a 180 (or those who scored a 180 in the current or past five testing years) cannot retake.

The LSAC will be announcing more details and adding this information to their website in the weeks ahead.

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What June LSAT Takers Should Know

Taking the LSAT next week? This blog is for you.

The June 2019 LSAT is just a few days away, and it’s the last paper and pencil exam, which made it extra sought after for some test takers. Here are a few things to know going into the test.

First, it’s important to acknowledge that some anxiety is normal. The LSAT is a difficult test, and it’s perfectly natural to feel some anxiety about performing well on it. Understanding all of your options can help you feel more in control of the situation.

Know that you have options as you head into the June LSAT. Let’s take a look at each.

Option 1: Withdraw from the June LSAT through June 2. You can withdraw from the June LSAT as late as the day before the test (June 2). Withdrawals are not seen by law schools–you will only lose your test registration fee. In the long run, this is a small price to pay to avoid having a low LSAT score. This might be a good option if you know you weren’t able to spend enough time on your LSAT prep this spring. This option can take the pressure off, allowing you to refocus your game plan for July or September.

  • If you’re considering July: Many test sites will be full, but registration is still open through June 4. Advice for those who make this choice: Keep in mind that this LSAT is 6 weeks away, so you’ll need to realistically assess whether that is enough time to be fully prepared. You’ll also want to make sure that you use the Digital LSAT resources here to familiarize yourself with that format, since you won’t get to choose digital or paper format for the July exam. Because you may not be able to snag a seat at a nearby test site, you may also need to make travel arrangements such as a hotel, train, or parking, and you’ll want to take care of all of those logistics ASAP.
  • If you’re considering September: You can withdraw and register for the September LSAT now (click here to do so). Advice for those who make this choice: DO NOT PROCRASTINATE. Once the pressure of the June LSAT is off, you will be very tempted to put your LSAT materials away all summer. DO NOT DO THIS. Use this summer wisely, and take the time you need to be fully prepared for September.

Option 2: You can cancel your LSAT score within six days after the exam. This option is more appealing to those students who have serious test anxiety or whose LSAT prep shows inconsistent results–some days you do great, others are deeply disappointing. How will you feel on test day? It’s very hard to say. Keep in mind that if test day does not go well, you have six days to cancel your score. You won’t know what score you received, which means you’ll need to retake, but there is some benefit in taking an actual LSAT to make you feel more confident the next time around. Advice to those who choose this option: Follow the LSAC instructions carefully, as you only have 6 calendar days to cancel. (Click here for instructions.) Since you know you will be retaking, get back to your LSAT study prep right away–use your summer wisely if you’re planning to retake in September.

Option 3: Keep June scores and possibly retake. Most LSAT takers will continue LSAT prep diligently, take the June LSAT, see what happens, and let this dictate whether you retake. Advice for those who choose this option: June LSAT scores are projected to be released June 27. Given that the September exam is Sept. 21, if you want to retake, you’ll need to use the rest of the summer well.  Don’t waste weeks bouncing around the idea of retaking once your score is released. You should consider under what circumstance you’ll want to retake before your score even comes out. This way you can be prepared to make a quick decision when your score is released, and you can maximize your remaining study time.

Consider all of your options and be prepared to make a decision about cancellations and retakes quickly after test day so that you can get back to prepping if you need to do so.

Overall: Keep the big picture in mind. Do your absolute best to prepare and perform on this test. But don’t get sucked into tunnel vision about the LSAT and what it means. What the LSAT does is predict first-year law school performance. The LSAT does not measure intelligence or how successful you’ll be as a lawyer. A high LSAT score doesn’t mean you’ll be the best lawyer in the courtroom, just as a low LSAT score doesn’t exclude you from becoming a very effective and successful lawyer. Keeping some perspective can be helpful.

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Digital LSAT Update

So you all know that 2019 is the year the LSAT changes from a paper-and-pencil test to a digital exam administered on a tablet.  In fact, the June 2019 is the final all paper version of the LSAT. The July 2019 LSAT is the transition test – half of the registrants will be taking the paper version and half will be taking the digital version.  Registrants will not know prior to entering their test centers which LSAT version they will be given. In consideration of all this, the LSAC is allowing students to actually see their scores and then decide whether to cancel.  Note: the July 2019 LSAT is the first, last and ONLY time LSAC will permit test takers to see their results before deciding whether to cancel their scores.  If all of this news is catching you by surprise, here are links to previous blog posts explaining the changes. http://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/2019/01/16/digital-lsat-updates-resources-and-lsat-bootcamp/; http://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/2018/12/10/consider-your-2019-lsat-options-carefully/.

Since the conversion to digital format was announced last fall, the LSAC and several commercial LSAT prep companies have been working to convert practice LSAT materials from paper to digital to help prepare test takers for this change.  You can find the FREE LSAC digital practice information and practice tests here. https://www.lsac.org/lsat/lsat-prep/how-prepare-digital-lsat. And don’t forget about the FREE LSAT prep course offered by Khan Academy.  Go here for more information. https://www.khanacademy.org/prep/lsat

Our office has also been contacted by some of the commercial LSAT test prep companies about their efforts in this arena.  Each of those companies listed below offer some FREE LSAT prep materials, as well as their LSAT prep materials at various prices.  We encourage you to review all of this information before making any purchasing decisions.  These companies have provided the following links to allow varying degrees of access to their digital LSAT prep materials.

LSATMax: https://testmaxprep.com/lsat

LSATMax is offering a FREE sampling of their test prep courses for all students.  Click on the link above and follow the instructions on their website to learn more. LSATMax has a large inventory of LSAT prep materials, including actual previously administered LSATs, in the digital format that has been adopted by the LSAC for its upcoming digital conversion.  In addition to its comprehensive courses, beginning at $749 (with payment plans available), LSATMax also offers individual previously administered LSATs in digital format, with prices ranging from $2.99 to $9.99 per test.  So for those of you who do not want to purchase an entire class from LSATMax, you can simply purchase any or all of the the previously administered tests in the new digital format. And the latest course offering from LSATMax includes a brand new iPad.  Go here for more info:  https://testmaxprep.com/lsat/select-prep-package?utm_source=users&utm_medium=email&utm_content=lsatmaxtablet

TestMasters

TestMasters offers LSAT digital practice materials, some of which can be accessed for FREE.  For the access code, go here https://www.testmasters.net/mocklsat.  Follow the prompts to set up your account.  TestMasters is giving UIUC students free access to up to three digital practice LSATs.  After completing a digital test, students will receive a week of online access to personalized score reports, comprehensive written and video explanations for the questions on the exam and 24/7 academic support from their instructors.

Blueprint

All students can access Blueprint’s proprietary Law School Compass and other  FREE LSAT resources with a FREE MyBlueprint account. Click on this link to create a free account: https://blueprintlsat.com/lsat/free-help/free-accounts

Blueprint also offers FREE webinars to students, as well as on-campus events. Pre-Law Students can learn more and register for sessions here:
https://blueprintlsat.com/free-events

Note: PLAS does not endorse any commercial test prep companies.  However, in the interest of helping students access as much digital LSAT prep material as possible, we have posted information from the above test prep companies to ease test takers’ transition to the new digital format. We would welcome and post information from other commercial test prep companies not listed here about their digital materials.  Interested companies should email Jamie Thomas-Ward at thomas99@illinois.edu with information about your digital LSAT offerings.

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End of Semester Edition – May 6, 2019

Well – finals are here and graduation is this weekend.  Congratulations and best of luck to the Class of 2019!  We would love to know your post graduation plans, whether they include law school, another grad school program or a job.  Please drop your advisor a quick email with an update!  You can also send an email to our PLAS address: ccaas-prelaw@illinois.edu.

As for you freshmen, sophomore, juniors and seniors still contemplating applying to law school – while the blog won’t be a regular weekly event, we will be beginning our “Applying to Law School” series in June.   So please keep checking back for this informative series and any LSAT updates, including an update on the digital LSAT THIS WEDNESDAY!  We will post information as we hear about it so don’t forget about the PLAS Blog, Facebook page and Twitter while you are on summer break!

Finally, one-on-one appointments with an advisor are available now until May 16.  We will be taking a short two-week break in mid-May, with advisor appointments resuming on June 3.  Please call our office at (217) 333-9669 if you would like to schedule an appointment.  Have a great summer!

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Mark Your Calendars: Week of April 22

PRE-LAW EVENTS

Our pre-law programming is complete for the semester. We will have appointments available until May 16, so feel free to make an appointment (by calling 333-9669) to discuss how to maximize your summer!

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES AND INFO FOR PRE-LAW STUDENTS

NOW is the time for July LSAT Registration–Planning to take the July LSAT? Demand is high, so click here to register now to get a seat.

Fall 2019 Course Suggestions: Still looking for some fall courses? As you know, students in ANY major can attend law school, and there are NO specifically required courses for pre-law undergrads. However, given an interest in law, click on the link here for some fall courses that pre-law students may find particularly helpful and interesting.

THIS SATURDAY: Law School is for Diverse People Too: How To Prepare for the Law School Admissions Process–Sat, April 27 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at University of Chicago Law School (1111 E  60th St, Chicago IL).

Sessions include:

  • The Secrets to a Successful Law School Application
  • Mastering the Law School Admissions Council’s Website and Other Resources for Diverse Applicants
  • Securing a Solid Letter of Recommendation
  • Strategically Financing Law School
  • How to Write a Persuasive Personal Statement

All students attending this year’s free sessions will receive information on how to obtain feedback on their personal statements from members of the University of Chicago Law School’s BLSA. The link to register is available here: https://www.law.uchicago.edu/lawschooldiversity

Writer’s Workshop is hosting these upcoming workshops. Visit their website here for more details.

  • Developing Arguments and Revising for the Big Picture–Tues, 4/23, 1-2 pm, 1060 Lincoln Hall. This presentation will review the basic principles for creating effective thesis statements. It will also help students review common essay structures and strategies. You will have the opportunity to put these principles into practice, so bring a current assignment to work on.
  • Avoiding Plagiarism: Using Sources Effectively–Wed, 4/24, 12-1 pm, 1057 Lincoln Hall. Worried about accidental plagiarism? This presentation reviews basic techniques for effectively incorporating sources through summarizing, paraphrasing, and quoting.
  • The Final Check: Proofreading and Editing Strategies–Thur, 4/25, 4:30-5:30 pm, 1057 Lincoln Hall.  Worried about your editing and proofreading skills? In this workshop, we will help writers develop and practice effective strategies for both. Bring a paper to practice with, or use the exercises provided at the workshop.

Still looking for a summer job? Check out the University of Illinois Virtual Job Board for paid summer positions right here on campus.

fulbright scholarship information and workshop sessions

Are you looking for an exciting way to spend a year abroad starting in the Fall of 2020? If so, it’s time to think seriously about submitting an application for a Fulbright Scholarship!  Join us for an informational session and on-campus workshops to learn more.

Fulbright Information Session  Tuesday, April 23rd, 12:00-1:00 p.m. CST. Hosted by the National and International Scholarship Program. This is an informational webinar (open to all, but particularly useful for Illinois alumni and students abroad):

Link to attend the webinar: https://us.bbcollab.com/collab/ui/session/guest/7e732c00eb1f4a0baeada1df96a2083d

Wednesday, May 1st, 8:30-9:30 a.m. CST

Link to attend the webinar on Wednesday, May 1st:

https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/2085a821f124472baf44446a33d22579

On-Campus Fulbright Workshops – All Hosted by the National and International Scholarships Program:

Fulbright Personal Statement Workshop: Friday, April 26th, 3:30-5:00pm, 514 Illini Union Bookstore

English Teaching Assistant Application Workshop: Thursday, May 2nd, 11:00 am -12:00 pm, 514 Illini Union Bookstore

Designing a Fulbright Research Proposal Workshop: Thursday, May 2nd, 4:00-5:00 pm, 514 Illini Union Bookstore

Sessions are targeted to juniors, seniors, and recent alumni who wish to apply for the Fulbright Priority Deadline of June 17, 2019.

PAID SUMMER LEGAL INTERNSHIP IN CHICAGO: Deadline April 30

Elise Harmening is the Owner and Principal Attorney for Harmening Law, LLC. Elise began Harmening Law, LLC as part of the Justice Entrepreneur’s Project through the Chicago Bar Foundation.  Harmening Law, LLC is committed to providing legal services for clients who do not fit into the traditional legal services model or qualify for legal aid. Throughout her life, Elise has found a real connection with working with families and youth. She has personal experience working through the school system to advocate for accommodations and understands, intensely, what it feels like on both sides of the table. Harmening Law only deals with family and education law. Interns will be able to learn the ins and outs of family and education law. Harmening Law is offering a paid summer internship of $13 an hour for 10-30 hours a week to one intern.

Qualifications:

– Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree.
– Preferably majoring in Political Science, International Relations, Criminal Justice, Philosophy and other related fields of study
– Strong writing skills
– Ability to analyze information
– Ability to quickly learn new tasks
– Ability to do projects independently with deadlines
– Passion in law

Responsibilities:

– Filing and making copies
– Writing responses
– Organizing schedule
– Take notes for meetings
– Go to the courthouse at least once a week
– Organizing evidence
– Assist with fillings
– Assisting with client intakes

To apply, send a cover letter (include availability), resume and sample paper to
elise@harmeninglaw.com. Deadline is April 30, 2019.

career center events

Drop-in Career Advising:
The Career Center, 715 S. Wright, offers drop-in service Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. for students with quick career-related questions.

International Student Career Meetup: Enhancing Networking and Communication Skills–April 26, 4-5:30 pm, Career Center Interview Suite Room 213.

Work-It Wednesday: Connect with Representatives from The Children’s Home–April 24 (various times). Are you still looking for an internship or full-time opportunity? Are you interested in social services, counseling, or working with children?

Join the Childrens Home Association of Illinois on Wednesday, April 24th at The Career Center for the last Work-It-Wednesday of the spring semester! The Childrens Home is committed to community-based, family focused programs that provide counseling, education and support to more than 1,700 children and families each month. They are currently hiring for numerous internships and full-time positionsmany which only require a bachelors degree.

Check out the schedule below and attend when and where you can!

1:00 – 2:00 pm Informal Coffee and Cookies Chats with the Childrens Home. Stop in to learn more about the Childrens Home or ask any questions you might have about your internship/job search – how to stand out for social service jobs, application and resume tips, or anything that interests you! Located at The Career Center Resource Center (715 S. Wright Street).

2:00 pm – 3:30 pm Resume Reviews with the Childrens Home. Get your resume reviewed by a Childrens Home representative who specifically hires for social service-focused work. Located at The Career Center (715 S. Wright Street).

4:00 – 5:00 pm Childrens Home Information Session. Attend an informal information session to learn more about the numerous internship and full-time opportunities with the Childrens Home and how you can be a good fit for them! Located at The Career Center Interview Suite, 616 E. Green Street, Suite 213.

For questions, please email Tori Spring at vspring@illinois.edu.

Details can also be found on Handshake at: https://illinois.joinhandshake.com/events/240535/share_preview

SCHOLARSHIPS

American Bar Association Legal Opportunity Scholarship–Applications due May 1. The ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship Fund will award $5,000 of financial assistance annually to each scholarship recipient attending an ABA-accredited law school.  An award made to an entering first-year student may be renewable for two additional years, resulting in financial assistance totaling $15,000 during his or her time in law school. In addition to whether the applicant is a member of a racial and/or ethnic minority that has been underrepresented in the legal profession, the applicant’s financial need; personal, family, and educational background; personal statement; and participation in community service activities will be considered in selecting the recipients. For more information and to apply visit their website here.

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

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Email Etiquette — “Hey” Doesn’t Cut It!

Note – we originally published a version of this blog in 2014.  Since we continue to experience and hear about email etiquette gaffes (from law school admissions deans – yikes!), we thought we would run an updated post on this topic.

Email etiquette is a critical skill whether you are communicating with law school admissions officers, potential employers, professors or your pre-law advisors! Remember: these contacts are formal and therefore VERY different from emails sent to friends or family members. A lack of professionalism and/or respect can create very negative impressions, which then likely lead to unhappy admissions or employment outcomes.  Want to avoid common email pitfalls? Read on for some practical and easy tips.

1. Salutation: DO NOT begin your email with “Hey” or “Joe”.  You should ALWAYS err on the side of being more formal: “Dear Dean Jones” or “Dear Ms. Smith.”  First names or casual openings are for friends and family only. NEVER address individuals you encounter in a professional setting by their first names until you have been invited to do so!

2. Subject Line:  Never leave this blank.  Instead write a brief but accurate description of the content of the email.  Examples: “Application Status Inquiry” or “Interview Follow Up.”

3. Organization:  Collect your thoughts (what are you trying to say?) and then organize your email into an introduction, body and closing.  The introduction states your reason for contacting the person.  The body details the information you are trying to convey.  The closing wraps up your email, including whether you will be contacting them in the future or if you would like them to contact you.

4. Proofread:  Nothing leaves a bad impression like a careless typo or typos.  Draft your email and reread it, checking it several times for any spelling or grammatical errors.

5. Manners:  Say “please,” “thank you,” and sign your emails with a courteous sign off, such as “sincerely” or “best.”  Remember: anything you put in writing is there forever.  Do you want to be remembered as the polite, interested candidate or the clueless jerk?!  And, by the way, if you receive a reply to your inquiry, always write a quick thank you for that response!

For more info on these suggestions and for other tips about composing professional emails, read “10 Professional Email Tips” by Elizabeth Hoyt, May 8, 2018, at fastweb.com.

https://www.fastweb.com/career-planning/articles/the-10-professional-email-tips

 

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Mark Your Calendars – Week of April 15, 2019

Hello Pre-Law Students!  Scroll down for info on our Personal Statement Workshop, Fulbright Scholarships and more.  Also – the July LSAT will be administered exactly 3 months from today!  There are some unique aspects to the July 2019 LSAT, including the fact that you will be able to see your score BEFORE you decide whether to submit it to the law schools.  For more information about the July 2019 LSAT, click on this link.  You might also want to review our blog post “A Guide to ALL of the 2019 LSAT Options.”

PRE-LAW EVENTS

Personal Statement and Resume Workshop for Fall 2019 Applicants – NEXT Monday, April 22, 4-5pm, Room 514 IUB

Planning to apply to law school in the fall? Not sure what to write in your law school application? Applicants who plan to apply for law school this fall can get a head start by working on your personal statement and resume this summer! This workshop will cover: What the personal statement and law school resume are; how they complement each other; a plan for how to write the personal statement; tips and suggestions for how to maximize the personal statement and the resume as well as how to make them stand out. Bring your questions! For more information and to register please click on this link so that we can ensure enough seating and materials for everyone.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES AND INFO FOR PRE-LAW STUDENTS

NOW is the time for July LSAT Registration–Planning to take the July LSAT? Demand is high, so click here to register now to get a seat.

Fall 2019 Course Suggestions: Still looking for some fall courses? As you know, students in ANY major can attend law school, and there are NO specifically required courses for pre-law undergrads. However, given an interest in law, click on the link here for some fall courses that pre-law students may find particularly helpful and interesting.

fulbright scholarship information and workshop sessions

Are you looking for an exciting way to spend a year abroad starting in the Fall of 2020? If so, it’s time to think seriously about submitting an application for a Fulbright Scholarship!  Join us for an informational session and on-campus workshops to learn more.

Informational Sessions:

Fulbright Information Session: Tuesday, April 16th, 3:30-5:00 pm, 180 Bevier Hall

Hosted by the National and International Scholarship Program with recent Fulbright grantee speakers

Can’t make the on-campus session? Please plan to attend an informational webinar (open to all, but particularly useful for Illinois alumni and students abroad):

Tuesday, April 23rd, 12:00-1:00 p.m. CST

Link to attend the webinar on Tuesday, April 23rd: https://us.bbcollab.com/collab/ui/session/guest/7e732c00eb1f4a0baeada1df96a2083d

Wednesday, May 1st, 8:30-9:30 a.m. CST

Link to attend the webinar on Wednesday, May 1st:

https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/2085a821f124472baf44446a33d22579

On-Campus Fulbright Workshops – All Hosted by the National and International Scholarships Program:

Fulbright Personal Statement Workshop: Friday, April 26th, 3:30-5:00pm, 514 Illini Union Bookstore

English Teaching Assistant Application Workshop: Thursday, May 2nd, 11:00 am -12:00 pm, 514 Illini Union Bookstore

Designing a Fulbright Research Proposal Workshop: Thursday, May 2nd, 4:00-5:00 pm, 514 Illini Union Bookstore

Sessions are targeted to juniors, seniors, and recent alumni who wish to apply for the Fulbright Priority Deadline of June 17, 2019.

PAID SUMMER LEGAL INTERNSHIP IN CHICAGO

Elise Harmening is the Owner and Principal Attorney for Harmening Law, LLC. Elise began Harmening Law, LLC as part of the Justice Entrepreneur’s Project through the Chicago Bar Foundation.  Harmening Law, LLC is committed to providing legal services for clients who do not fit into the traditional legal services model or qualify for legal aid. Throughout her life, Elise has found a real connection with working with families and youth. She has personal experience working through the school system to advocate for accommodations and understands, intensely, what it feels like on both sides of the table. Harmening Law only deals with family and education law. Interns will be able to learn the ins and outs of family and education law. Harmening Law is offering a paid summer internship of $13 an hour for 10-30 hours a week to one intern.

Qualifications:

– Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree.
– Preferably majoring in Political Science, International Relations, Criminal Justice, Philosophy and other related fields of study
– Strong writing skills
– Ability to analyze information
– Ability to quickly learn new tasks
– Ability to do projects independently with deadlines
– Passion in law

Responsibilities:

– Filing and making copies
– Writing responses
– Organizing schedule
– Take notes for meetings
– Go to the courthouse at least once a week
– Organizing evidence
– Assist with fillings
– Assisting with client intakes

To apply, send a cover letter (include availability), resume and sample paper to
elise@harmeninglaw.com. Deadline is April 30, 2019.

career center events

Finding and Applying to Federal Government Jobs – Wednesday, April 17, 3-4pm, The 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.

You can find information on other upcoming Career Center Events here: https://www.careercenter.illinois.edu/events

Drop-in Career Advising:
The Career Center, 715 S. Wright, offers drop-in service Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. for students with quick career-related questions.

Resume/Cover Letter/ LinkedIn Review Hours: The Career Center offers resume and cover letter reviews at various places and times throughout the week:
· Monday-Friday, 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at The Career Center, 715 S. Wright
· Monday 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Ikenberry Commons
· Tuesday 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Brewlab
· Wednesday 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Brewlab
· Sunday 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Ikenberry Commons

SCHOLARSHIPS

American Bar Association Legal Opportunity Scholarship–Applications due May 1. The ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship Fund will award $5,000 of financial assistance annually to each scholarship recipient attending an ABA-accredited law school.  An award made to an entering first-year student may be renewable for two additional years, resulting in financial assistance totaling $15,000 during his or her time in law school. In addition to whether the applicant is a member of a racial and/or ethnic minority that has been underrepresented in the legal profession, the applicant’s financial need; personal, family, and educational background; personal statement; and participation in community service activities will be considered in selecting the recipients. For more information and to apply visit their website here.

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

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