The summer is an excellent time to reconnect, gain new experiences, move forward with your academic progress, or simply relax and rejuvenate.  With the summer officially underway, this is an excellent time to evaluate your goals for the summer and set some priorities as they relate to your prelaw plans.

You have completed another academic year and it is something to be celebrated.  This summer spend some time planning and considering the following:

• • Is your academic curriculum set (major/minors)? Do some research as there is an incredibly diverse set of programs to choose from at Illinois!

• • How will you engage with the campus and the community? If you were involved, did you enjoy your experiences?  How can you gain additional leadership and volunteer experiences next year?
    • • Student Engagement at the University of Illinois

• • How is your academic performance? Now is the time to evaluate and reflect.  What worked and helped you succeed? If you experienced challenges, what were they and why?  Use the summer to identify what practices you will continue into next year to contribute to your success and where adjustments are necessary.  Research resources to assist in the areas where you would like to improve.
    • • Tutoring and Academic Support – Office of the Provost (illinois.edu)

• • Use the summer to research. What type of internships might you be interested in next year?  Are you interested in study abroad, Illinois in Washington, or other unique learning opportunities?  Learn more about internship opportunities with the PLAS Internship Newsletter!
    • • Stay Tuned!  Check back later this summer for our post on unique and prestigious opportunities at UIUC, perfect for prelaw students!

• • Network! Talk to individuals in the legal profession or to upper level peers who have pursued opportunities that you would be interested in.  Use these conversations to gain insights and perspectives about your future goals.
    • • Alumni Attorney Talks – catch up on our Alumni Attorney Talk series featuring practicing attorneys and judges.  The series can be found on this blog!  Just search on “Alumni Attorney Talks” or visit our Canvas page for a comprehensive list.

• • Think ahead.  Planning ahead is key for prelaw students.  It allows you to monitor progress and seek resources if necessary; manage competing obligations with success; and pursue unique opportunities that will benefit your goals for law school. If you will be applying during your senior year, you will likely begin your LSAT prep no later than the spring of your junior year.  How does that semester look in terms of course load?  What will your academic progress/achievements be at the beginning of your senior year (if this is the year you will apply to law school)?
    • • For those applying to law school during senior year, you will ideally be submitting applications during the Fall semester (approximately 1 year prior to when you would like to begin law school).  It is important to evaluate what achievements, academic work, and other opportunities will be included in your resume for consideration by law schools.

• • Take time to rejuvenate!  The summer should be utilized to take some time for yourself, tending to your wellness and recharging for the upcoming year.  Keep reading for some fun summer suggestions!

Just for Fun…

As mentioned summer should be utilized as a time to enjoy and relax.  

Here are some suggestions on some fun law-related books, movies, podcasts, and TV shows to check out!

Books:

• • The Color of Law
  • Thieves of Book Row
  • Crime and Punishment
  • The Rainmaker
  • To Kill a Mockingbird
  • In Cold Blood
  • I’ll Be Gone In the Dark
  • Radium Girls
  • The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
  • Becoming

Check out this list of recommended books for more options!

Movies/Documentaries:

• • The Staircase (documentary)
  • Find Me Guilty
  • Marshall
  • RBG
  • Erin Brockovich
  • On the Basis of Sex
  • Philadelphia
  • Legally Blonde
  • The Firm

Check out this list of recommended movies for more options!

TV Shows:

• • How to Get Away With Murder
  • Damages
  • Bull
  • Better Call Saul
  • The Good Wife
  • Law and Order

Check out this list of recommended shows for more options!

Want to share your favorites?

Visit us on Instagram to share your top picks!

“Everyone has some gift, some one thing he can do better than anything else, whether it is teaching, dancing, dramatics, cooking, or some other skill. Find that one thing and give of it to humanity if you want a well-rounded happy life.”

~ Maudelle Tanner Brown Bousfield | Class of 1906

We would like to offer our congratulations to graduating members of the Class of 2022.  Whether you are continuing your education in law school next year or planning to start your professional work after graduation, we congratulate you on the hard work, perseverance, and determination it has taken to realize this milestone in your life.

Congratulations graduates! We wish you all the best!

Warmly,

Pre-Law Advising Services

Don’t lose touch!

Don’t forget, PLAS is here to support you and your law school goals once you graduate.  Whether next year or several years from now, we are here to help!

• • Want to stay connected? Follow us on Instagram @uiucprelaw and join our listserv by emailing prelaw@illinois.edu, subject line “Listserv”.
  • Interested in hearing from pre-law students? We invite you to check out our two-part series: Reflections from a Law Student and Reflections from Senior Pre-Law Students on our blog!

Part II: Reflections from Senior Pre-Law Students

We hope that you enjoyed Part I of our two-part Reflections series with graduating law student, Courtney Koenig. If you missed it, you can access it here. In Part II, we hope you will enjoy reading and hearing reflections from three May 2022 graduating pre-law students!

Peer Perspectives:

Student peers can be some of the best resources for students to turn to while being pre-law students. Because everyone has their own, unique journey, it can be beneficial to gain different ideas and perspectives.

Three of our undergraduate senior pre-law students, Alice, Meera and Stella, share their personal experiences while being students here at UIUC and offer insights and advice about being pre-law, student organizations and activities, internships and externships, and more!

Are you interested in pre-law? We invite you to get curious and explore! Here are some suggestions to help you get started:

• • Interested in taking classes that will help build essential skills for law school? Check out our Course Recommendation Charts for Summer and Fall 2022. There are classes from a variety of majors.
  • Have you joined pre-law student organizations? Click here to learn more about the pre-law student organizations.
  • Do you want to gain invaluable experience before attending law school? Check out our internship document for endless opportunities including pre-law ones.
  • Join our Canvas page to have access to all things Pre-Law. Click here for instructions on how to self-enroll.
  • Explore our Alumni Attorney Talk series on our blog and in Canvas!

As another academic year comes to a close, we encourage you to reflect back on your own journey this year. Be proud of your accomplishments, learn from your experiences, and apply your wisdom to your future endeavors!  Have a wonderful summer and congratulations to the Class of 2022!

Each year, May brings important endings and new beginnings.  It also presents a perfect opportunity to reflect back and gain insights from past accomplishments, challenges, and experiences.  As we celebrate our Class of 2022 graduates we took the opportunity to gain some valuable insights from our graduating students.

Part I: Reflections from a Law Student

Courtney Koenig

Courtney has served as the Pre-Law Advising Services Graduate Assistant since Fall 2020.  Following graduation from the University of Illinois College of Law in May 2022, she will begin work at Thompson Coburn, LLP in St. Louis focusing her practice in Corporate and  Business Law topics.

A conversation with a law student…

Check out the video below to hear insights from Courtney about her pre-law journey, law school experience, professional opportunities, and her advice for pre-law students and alumni, including tips for individuals beginning their law school journey in Fall 2022!

Stay Tuned! Part II – Reflections from Pre-Law Seniors!

Wellness. Balance. Meditation. Mindfulness. These are big buzzwords. Everyone is talking about how to feel better, but why does it matter? And why should you, a future lawyer, consider incorporating these tools into your life?

“In its purest form, wellness involves doing whatever you need to do to feel better and be healthier on a day-to-day basis. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to achieving a general sense of well-being and overall health, and anyone who claims otherwise is selling you something.”

Lawyer Mental Health and Wellness: Why It Matters (clio.com)

As this quote shares, wellness is whatever makes you feel better, day-to-day. And it is important to feel as good as you can so that you can really show up for yourself, your studies, and your (future) clients. When you feel good, your mind is clearer, you process information better, communication increases, and your overall sense of purpose and satisfaction rises.

Let’s explore different types of wellness and how you can incorporate those that align with you into your life.

Water: Our bodies absolutely need water to survive. And our bodies need to be properly hydrated to thrive. Consider evaluating your water intake and increasing it if it is not enough.

Movement: Our bodies need to move! Perhaps that is going for a walk or taking a HIIT class, make sure you move your body to keep it (and your mind!) strong and sharp. Consider visiting the ARC on campus Activities and Recreation Center (ARC) – Campus Recreation (illinois.edu) to explore different ways you can move.

Mental Health: Mental health is everything. When you feel better, you do better. Stress and anxiety can impact your ability to focus and work at your best level. There are many wonderful resources on campus such as counselors, group therapy, workshops, and more! Visit the UIUC Counseling Center website for information. Looking to attend a workshop? Explore the Outreach Series here.

Meditation: Meditation has been shown to provide wonderful benefits. Healthline states that meditation may reduce stress, control anxiety, promote emotional health, enhance self-awareness, improve sleep, enhance memory, and more. Consider getting started with daily mindfulness sessions on campus! Here’s a great meditation resource for Test Anxiety from Northwestern: Test Anxiety: Breathe – Northwestern University.

Financial Health: Learning how to manage your finances is very important to your overall wellness! According to the American Psychological Association, 72% of Americans are worried about money. Being stressed about money can lead to poor sleep, decreased mental health, and more. Learning how to work with your finances is going to pay dividends! Explore UIUC’s Financial Wellbeing program to learn how you can enhance your financial wellness!

At PLAS, we are committed to supporting your academic and professional growth and that means supporting your overall wellness, too. Visit our Canvas page for additional Wellness resources!

Making the Right Choice for You…

You’ve applied, you’ve waited, and you’ve been accepted – now you have to decide.  Although this might feel like the easiest part of the process, many applicants are surprised to feel unsure, anxious, and overwhelmed once they face making the final decision on where to attend law school.  It’s important to know that these feelings are normal!

As you advance through the application process you gain more knowledge and insights about the schools you have chosen to apply to, what it means to attend law school, and what the most important aspects of a law school are to you.  As a natural result, your priorities and perspectives about the schools you applied to may have also changed.  A school that may have been in the middle of your list – could now be your top choice.  A top choice school, may no longer feel like the right fit for you.

One of the most important things you can do at this stage is to reevaluate! 

In addition to your personal rankings and perspectives, you are also now working with more information about the realities of what your choices may be.  Some schools may no longer be options (aka you received a denial), you may have received generous scholarship offers you weren’t expecting.   This is an important time to step back and assess your situation – reevaluating your goals and seeking out information you need to feel confident in your decision.

Take a look at the following slides for perspectives on navigating your selection process:

Need to Talk? Join Us…

SOUND OFF @ 7: March 23|April 6

Many applicants seek peer perspectives through online discussion platforms and social media as way to help navigate the application process and create community.  Sound Off is a discussion group which aims to create a community unique to UIUC students and alumni who are participating in this year’s application cycle.  Sound Off provides an opportunity to discuss personal experiences, share insights, offer advice, and connect with one another. This is a great way to meet new people and establish a network of UIUC students who will be attending law school after graduation.  We hope you can join us!

Discussion are held at 7 pm via Zoom, visit the PLAS calendar for Zoom link and to learn more!

Spring Break is right around the corner and is a wonderful opportunity to make some progress towards your law school goals. Here is our “Spring Break Top Ten” list to help you maximize Spring Break!

#10: 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 a returning undergrad or planning on being an incoming law student next year, be sure to get this done ASAP!

#9: Think about what classes you want to take

Spring break is a great time to begin researching classes and upcoming academic opportunities. Check out our blog post: Guide to selecting Pre-Law coursework for Illinois students! Also, stay tuned for a future blog post about our suggested courses for the Summer 2022 and Fall 2022 semesters!

#8: Start thinking about your summer plans

Will you be working or completing an internship? Will you be taking summer classes?  Perhaps a Pre-Law Summer program is exactly what you need! Start making a plan for how you will maximize your summer. Check our internship newsletter and Handshake regularly for new opportunities!

#7: Research and Connect

Job shadow, or ask a law student or lawyer to spend 30 minutes doing an informational interview with you. Don’t be intimidated; this is an informal opportunity for you to have coffee with someone new and ask about their educational and/or professional life. Here’s a resource for planning your informational interview. 

#6: Get a head start on LSAT Prep

If you are in the early stages of your application process, consider using this time to take a practice LSAT. 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.

#5: Visit Law Schools

Have you started receiving letters of admission to law schools? Consider using this time to visit (virtually or in-person) your top choices! This is also a good time to begin narrowing your list and withdrawing from schools that you know you are not going to attend.

#4: Start Planning

Are you getting ready to apply to the 2022-2023 cycle? Think about when you will take the LSAT. You’ll want to consider how much time you need to study and the possibility that you may choose to take the LSAT twice. June, August, or September are good test dates to consider.  Start building out your overall timeline for law school applications considering when you will submit an application and planning for big events in the fall!  Be sure to mark important deadlines and dates now!

• • • Consider registering for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) if you will be applying to law school during the 2022-2023 application cycle.  This is the account you will need to open in order to have your recommendation letters processed, submit transcripts, and compile your application materials. Once you set it up, your account is good for five years. You can read all about it here.  We recommend setting up your account no later than August if you will be applying this cycle.

#3: Decide who will be your recommendation writers

Letters of recommendation will be necessary for many different opportunities throughout college including scholarships, leadership roles, internships, and other positions.  This is particularly true as you enter your upper-level years and prepare for your law applications.  If you are a junior or senior, you will want to consider approaching potential recommenders by the end of THIS semester for upcoming opportunities this summer or fall (including your law application). 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.

#2 WORK AHEAD

The end of the spring semester is fast approaching. Consider carving out an hour or two a day to work ahead on a project or assignment, internship and/or leadership application, or your resume. By working ahead you are setting yourself up to make your last few weeks go really smoothly! Your future self will thank you.

#1 Recharge!

Returning from spring break not only means the final weeks of the semester are approaching, but the end of the entire academic year – it will be busy! Get some rest, reconnect with friends and family, catch up on your favorite shows, read for fun, get outside! Use this time to reflect, rest, and regroup!

The LSAT

The LSAT (Law School Admission Test) is administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).  The LSAT assesses critical thinking skills and is an essential aspect to the law school admissions process, similar to the ACT or SAT for undergraduate admissions.

The Basics:

• • • The LSAT consists of two parts, the Multiple-Choice (MC) and Writing portions. 
      • • The MC portion of the exam is the graded portion of the exam.  It consists of four, 35-minute sections.  There is one graded section each of reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning question types.  The fourth section of the MC portion is an ungraded, experimental question section.
        • The Writing portion of the exam is taken at a separate time from the MC section.  This section consists of a 35-minute persuasive writing exercise.  The Writing portion is ungraded, but most be completed to receive a MC score.
    • The LSAT is a digital, remotely proctored exam.  The exam is administered multiple times each testing cycle, with summer and fall administrations typically being the most popular.  Test takers may choose from a selection of days and times during each administration. 
    • Plan Ahead! Advanced planning is essential for success on the LSAT.  We typically recommend planning to spend 4-6 months prepping for your first exam and registration deadlines are approximately six-weeks in advance of test dates.

To learn more about the LSAT, visit lsac.org or view a recording of the 2022 LSAT Bootcamp: Session 1 below. 

Peer Perspectives!

Student peers can be some of the best resources for students to turn to while navigating the law school admission process. Everyone has their own, unique journey, so it can be beneficial to gain different ideas and perspectives.

Three of our undergraduate pre-law students, Rama, Adem, and Stella, share their personal experiences with the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and offer insights and advice for anyone who is preparing to sit for an upcoming LSAT administration. 

Please note there are many preparation resources available for students, including those for free or low-cost through LSAC.  Explore the many options available and find what is right for you.  Don’t hesitate to reach out to our office to talk through an individual study plan for you!

Want to learn more?

Check out this helpful presentation by LSAC to learn more about the LSAT, preparation resources available, and logistics for signing up for an upcoming exam!  

LSAT Bootcamp – Session 1

Presented by the Law School Admission Council

Click here to view online!

*LSAT Bootcamp – Session 1 was recorded on February 1, 2022.

Additional Resources | Test Anxiety

Many students find taking tests, completing assignments, and/or giving presentations very stressful. At times, this stress can be counterproductive and negatively impact performance. Fortunately, there are ways to address anxiety so that you can do your best work. During the academic year, we offer drop-in Test Anxiety Workshops. These workshops are free for students, but space is limited, so we request that you register in advance by completing a brief form for the date you want to register. Test Anxiety Workshops | University of Illinois Counseling Center

As a pre-law student, you will likely come across many opportunities to interview. Perhaps you are interviewing at the law school of your dreams or for a summer internship. Maybe you have started networking and have a few informational interviews scheduled. Regardless, interviewing is an important aspect to many opportunities you will have as an undergraduate student and will be an essential skill as you look toward a career in law.

No matter what type of interview you have coming up, we are here to help! In this post you will find helpful insights and information you need to know about interviews–what they are, how to prepare for them, and what to expect. Happy Interviewing!

INTERVIEWING FOR:
INTERNSHIPS/SUMMER POSITIONS

What is the purpose of the interview? Interviews are generally part of an internship application process. This is also true of summer positions, regardless of whether they are paid. Employers and Internship Hosts want to get to know you and evaluate if you are a good fit for the position. Applicants also have an opportunity to get to know the employer/internship host and ask questions.

INTERVIEWING FOR:
LAW SCHOOLS OR SPRING VISITS

What is the purpose of the interview? In addition to admission, law schools might use the interview to screen candidates for scholarships, research opportunities, or special programs such as law school ambassadors. It is definitely worth an applicant’s time and effort to take the interview seriously.

TIP: Know what kind of interviews your preferred law schools offer.

Research your law schools’ websites to see whether and what format of interview is offered. Not all law schools offer interviews as part of their admissions process and the format of interviews can vary between different institutions. It is important to know if interviews might be part of your experience.   We’ve provided some examples of interview formats below for reference!

• • • First come, first served interviews–Some law schools like Northwestern offer interview slots to all applicants on a first-come, first-served basis.
      • • Note – IF you are applying Early Decision then you must interview and it must be complete by the ED deadline.
    • Group interviews–Some schools may offer group interviews in selected cities or virtually.
    • By invitation only – Some law schools like University of Chicago choose to interview applicants after applications are submitted and by invitation only.
    • Recorded interviews – Some law schools are now offering applicants the opportunity to record an interview. Usually this is how it works: You are given a prompt, and then 2-3 minutes to think about that prompt. Then the webcam records you for a few minutes while you give your answer to the prompt.

INTERVIEWING FOR:
NETWORKING/INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS

What is the purpose of the interview? Informational interviews are a wonderful way to network with professionals and to learn about the profession you are interested in. Typically informational interviews are short and rely on you to come prepared with questions for the expert.  While these may be less formal than a job or law school interview, you still need to be prepared, professional, and most importantly, yourself.

Securing an informational interview can be as simply as  reaching out and asking. Don’t be intimidated; this is an opportunity for you to buy them coffee and ask about their professional life. Here’s a resource for planning your informational interview. Check out this additional resource on the topic from the Career Center.

GENERAL INTERVIEWING TIPS

ALWAYS BE PREPARED:

• • Do your research. You should expect them to ask you “Why this law school or this employer or this opportunity?” and they will want to hear specific answers. Take a careful look at the appropriate websites, blogs, videos, and/or news articles. Get to know the place you are interviewing at.
  • Be prepared with specific talking points about the school or employer that interests you. For example, if this is a law school interview, you may want to research a particular journal, clinic, moot court, externship, or certificate program that is interesting to you. If this is an internship or summer position, understand the work they do and how you can contribute.
  • Carefully review your resume and be prepared to discuss anything on it.
  • You may also be asked something like “What are your career goals?” or “Where do you see yourself in 5/10 years?,” or even “Why do you want to be a lawyer?” and you should be prepared to discuss your career interests.
  • Decide how you will address the inevitable “What are your strengths and weaknesses” question.
  • Behavioral interviewing – “Tell me about a time when…”. This mode of interviewing will ask you to address a hypothetical or refer back to prior situations and experiences.  For example, you might be asked to tell about a time when you resolved a conflict, managed a team project, made a mistake, or made a big decision.
  • Practice. Sign up for a mock interview with Career Services, or have a lawyer/professor/trusted person sit down with you and ask you mock questions. Think carefully about what you want to say, and how you can best convey it.
  • Know the format – plan accordingly.  Many interviews are now conducted via Zoom/online format.  It is important to know the format and plan accordingly for best success. Make sure you have equipment that is working and select a location that is a quiet place without interruptions. Also, take a picture with your webcam before the interview so that you can see what’s behind you…you may be surprised to see that pile of laundry or unmade bed in the background.

“At” the interview:

Although many schools, companies, and organizations have moved to online formats for interviewing, almost all of the same “rules” that apply for traditional interviews are true for online formats as well.  No matter what type of interview you have, be sure to follow these important tips. Make sure that you look professional and

• • DO NOT BE LATE under any circumstances. Allow yourself plenty of time for parking/traffic/restroom. If you absolutely cannot avoid being late, call the office to let them know. This applies to online interviews as well. Make sure you are online and everything is working properly. Don’t assume that because it is online that you can hop on 30 seconds before.
  • Make eye contact, introduce yourself, and shake hands (if appropriate). (You would be surprised how many people skip this. Seriously.
  • Dress up. This is not a business-casual situation; business formal is best unless the interview parameters explicitly state something else. Even if you are on Zoom or online, treat it just as seriously and professionally as if you were in-person.
  • Engaging in small talk is not only socially necessary but also gives the interviewer an idea of how good you are at making people feel comfortable talking with you–a critical skill to be a successful lawyer. This might even be part of the interview itself.
    • • Some interviews may be “recorded” and are conducted by question prompts instead of a traditional back and forth conversation.  Think about ways you can help express your personality if small talk is not part of your interview structure.
  • Bring questions for the interviewer.  Most interviewers will ask if you have any questions for them. Use the opportunity to ask some thoughtful questions. Some examples might include:
    • • • • What are the most important qualities in a Law School X student or, in a Business Y employee or intern?
          • How would you describe the student body/atmosphere here?
          • What challenges do you see current law students facing?
          • What’s the best advice you have for an aspiring law student/lawyer?
  • Thank the interviewer for their time. Reiterate your interest in the law school or position you are applying to.

After the interview

• • Follow up with an email thanking the interviewer for their time.
  • Include something specific that you learned or enjoyed about the interview. Examples:
    • • Thank you for your advice about _______________; I found that very insightful.
      • It was so interesting to hear your perspective on the unique qualities of this school or position.
      • I appreciate your candid advice on ____________________.
  • Take the opportunity–again–to reiterate your interest.
  • Reflect on the interview. What went well? What could you improve? What did you learn that was really useful?
  • Celebrate! Congratulations, you completed the interview!

 Finally, check out these tips on interviewing from The Career Center.