Welcome to Law School Insider! In this multi-part blog series, you will hear directly from current law students about their favorite courses, law school myths, best tips, and more!

In this second post of the series, you will hear about all-time favorite specialized and upper-level (2L – 3L year) law school classes and why your fellow Illini chose them.

Sovereign Debt & Financial Stability

“Sovereign Debt & Financial Stability. It has been a practical and timely look into lawyers’ roles in preventing and resolving financial crises.”

-Sydney S. | Georgetown University Law Center

DID YOU MISS PART ONE?

Click here to read what current law students are saying are their favorite first-year courses!

Welcome to Law School Insider! In this multi-part blog series, you will hear directly from current law students about their favorite courses, law school myths, best tips, and more!

In this first post of the series, you will hear about all-time favorite first-year law school classes and why your fellow Illini chose them.

First-Year Courses

Although each law school will have unique features to their curriculum, all law schools have a required set of first-year courses in the foundational subjects for legal studies. In addition to courses in legal research and writing, these first-year subjects include Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law, Property, and Torts. In addition, some schools offer first-year students the option to take an elective course(s) in addition to their required coursework. Keep reading to learn more!

Property

“I loved property law because it was very straightforward and to the point. Although there were exceptions to the default rules, it seemed very rule-based and straightforward.”

-Cierra M. | University of Illinois College of Law

“So far, property. The class was taught by an extremely engaging professor and it truly makes you see the world in a different view.”

-Justin M. | Loyola Law School, Los Angeles

“Property. Lots of interesting historical and theoretical background.”

-Khalil R. | University of Chicago Law School

First-Year Electives

Some law schools allow first-year law students to select an elective course. See below for some favorites!

STAY TUNED!

Stay tuned for the next edition of Law School Insider: Favorite Law Courses Part II where will hear from current law students about their favorite upper-level courses!

Recommended Course Lists

It is that time of the year again! Registration for Summer and Fall 2023 is just around the corner!  Law schools do not require any particular major or coursework. 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, we have compiled a list of suggested summer and fall courses that pre-law students may find helpful and interesting.

In general, students interested in going to law school should take classes that focus on analytical and critical thinking, communication, research and writing, and when possible – legal topics of interest. The recommended course list includes classes from many different disciplines that might serve one, or more, of these goals.  Take a look at the chart to find courses that are both interesting to you and will help build the necessary skills for law school.

Please keep in mind that these lists should not be viewed as exhaustive as there are many beneficial courses offered each semester.  These lists should be used to highlight courses of particular interest and give a broad overview of options. 

Want to learn more?

See what fellow Illini say are some of their favorite pre-law related courses at Illinois…

Ben Mulaomerovic

Ben is currently the Class of 2025 Representative of the PLAS Advisory Council Ben is studying Finance and Accounting. He shared the following perspectives on his favorite pre-law related courses…

• FIN 241 – Fundamentals of Real Estate – Introduction to Real Estate Transactions, Property Rights & Regulation. Currently taught by practicing lawyer Scott E. Perkins who provides unique insight into the daily life of a practicing real estate lawyer and applicable real-life examples. Great foundational class for those with an initial interest in property/real estate transaction law and finance. 
• BADM 300 – The Legal Environment of Business – Although currently a mandatory aspect course of the business curriculum, BADM 300 is truly a fantastic introduction to corporate law and its many implications for current events, M&A, shareholder defense and so much more! The class is taught by Professor Warnick, who invests in students both inside and outside the classroom to ensure students with a particular interest in law have relevant insight into the life of a practicing corporate lawyer! 

Justin Davis

Justin is currently the Class of 2023 Representative of the PLAS Advisory Council and president of UIUC Accounting Club. He shared the following perspectives on his favorite pre-law related courses…

• PHIL 102 – Logic and Reasoning – It was a great introduction to applying critical thinking to a text and then writing down your analysis.
• BADM 300 – The Legal Environment of Business – This was my first perspective on what laws apply to corporations. It also provided a glimpse into liability, constitutional law, and the hierarchy of federal vs state laws.

Jack McNabb

Jack is currently a pre-law student of the Class of 2023, studying Sociology and Business & Informatics. Here are his perspectives on his list of favorite pre-law related courses…

• BADM 340 – Ethical Dilemmas of Business – I am currently taking this course and I have enjoyed it thus far. As the name states, this course explores some large ethical issues facing the current business world and could be valuable to students interested in business law.

Sruthi Navneetha

Sruthi is currently the At-large Representative of the PLAS Advisory Council, president of Phi Alpha Delta, and president and founder of Women In Law Pre-Law Society. She shared the following perspective on her favorite pre-law related course…

• ECON 437 – Game Theory – This can really help with other pre-law-related classes as topics in this class reappear in almost even Political Science class. It also helps people think critically, which is essential to scoring well on the LSAT.

Alex Nevarez

Alex is currently the Class of 2023 Representative of the PLAS Advisory Council, president of Pre-Law Honors Society, and vice-president of Kappa Alpha Pi. These are her favorite pre-law related courses…

• PHIL 103 – Logic and Reasoning QR 2 – This is the most important course I have taken because it is directly applicable to the LSAT. In this course, you learn logic, symbolic logic, and essentially a new way of thinking. This new way of thinking is directly applicable to the LSAT as there are two logic sections. Because I had already taken this course when I started LSAT studying the logic sections came easy to me because my brain already had logical thinking background.
• PHIL 104 – Intro to Ethics – In this course, it is logic, ethics, and writing combined. You cover three hot topics and read from philosophers coming from both sides and then you will write a paper on who you believe is right for each topic. The material is extremely in-depth and eye-opening and it aided me in helping me create good and sound arguments. I grew as a thinker and a writer.

Considering a minor?

Check out this informative video about the Legal Studies Minor, including a Q&A with Professor Jennifer Pahre: 

Visit the Legal Studies Minor website to learn more or email:  

law-undergrad@illinois.edu!

Still not sure what to take? 

Schedule a pre-law advising meeting to discuss course options!

An important part of a law school curriculum is the hands-on, applied, experiential learning opportunities that a prospective law school offers. Law schools offer many different types of experiential learning that allow students to “practice” and develop lawyering skills before graduation.  You can learn more about experiential learning from the ABA rules governing legal education. Here are a few of the common experiential learning opportunities present at law schools:

Actual/Real Client Experiential Courses

The following types of experiential courses provide students with the opportunity to work on legal matters for actual/real clients.  This work is conducted under the supervision of licensed attorneys.

Clinics

 

• A law clinic is a type of experiential learning program in which law students provide legal services to clients under the supervision of licensed attorneys. Law clinics are typically operated by law schools “in-house” or in partnership with external legal service-providing institutions. They offer students the opportunity to gain practical experience in the law while providing valuable services to the community. Law clinics typically specialize in a specific area of law ranging from immigration to housing to civil rights to family to criminal to financial to veterans’ affairs. Clinics often provide legal assistance to underserved populations, such as low-income individuals or victims of domestic violence.
  
  

  Clinics are credit-earning courses that are managed by a faculty member, who is also typically the supervising attorney. Through clinics students typically attend a class session as well as conduct legal work. Students may engage in a variety of legal activities, such as conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, representing clients in court, and negotiating with opposing parties. In some states, law students enrolled in clinics may need to apply for a special student license with the Board of Bar Examiners. In Illinois, this is called a “711 License”.

Field Placements

• Field placement is an experiential opportunity where law students have the opportunity to earn credit while also participating in actual client legal work.  Field placements may be very similar to clinics, however, they are often taught by an adjunct faculty member who is not a full-time member of the law school faculty and may only be offered during certain semesters. Field placements are typically partnerships with existing government or legal aid offices already providing legal services within the community. In addition to the legal work conducted by students under the supervision of a licensed attorney, there is also a course component that may include lectures or regular assignments. One of the most common types of field placement courses is an externship – read more on those below!

Externships

• A legal externship is an experiential learning opportunity in which law students work with practicing attorneys or judges to gain practical experience in the legal profession.  Legal externships are basically credit-earning “internships”.  In a legal externship, students secure a position with an organization such as a government agency or nonprofit legal aid organization working under the supervision of a licensed attorney or judge.
  
  

  During the externship, students may engage in legal research, draft legal documents, attend court proceedings, participate in client meetings, and do other legal activities. Externships are credit earning and are typically unpaid, although some may be paid depending on the externship program and specific placement.

  
  

  Legal externships are available in a variety of legal practice areas, including civil rights, criminal defense, corporate law, environmental law, intellectual property law, and more. Participating in a legal externship can be a valuable experience for law students, as it enables them to gain practical skills, make professional connections, earn credit hours toward their degree, and gain insight into the legal profession.  Externships are very popular activities for students during the summer between 1L and 2L year, and some students will also participate in externships during the academic year.

Simulated Learning

Simulated experiential courses provide students the opportunity to develop skills necessary to practice law by recreating real-life legal scenarios and procedures. These courses do not provide include actual client work.

Trial Advocacy

• Trial courts are courts of first review for legal issues where issues of evidence and facts are determined.
  
  For example, in a criminal trial for murder, a prosecutor will attempt to present sufficient evidence to support a guilty verdict, asking the jury to determine if there is enough evidence (facts) to prove the defendant committed the crime of murder as the law defines murder.
  
  Trial advocacy courses in law school are designed to teach law students the practical skills necessary to be effective advocates in a trial setting including oral advocacy, courtroom strategy, motion practice, and evidence presentation.
  
  In trial advocacy courses, students are taught to master the art of persuasion and to develop techniques for communicating complex legal concepts to juries in a compelling and understandable manner. The curriculum also includes instruction on the principles of evidence, the rules of courtroom procedure, and the strategies and tactics of trial advocacy.
  
  Trial advocacy courses usually include simulated trials where students are required to present opening statements, conduct direct and cross-examinations of witnesses, introduce evidence, and present closing arguments. In addition to simulations, trial advocacy courses often involve lectures, workshops, and seminars.

Moot Court

• Moot court is a curricular offering in law schools that simulates appellate court proceedings. Appellate courts consider cases in which a trial court has previously issued a judgment.
  
  For example: If a defendant was convicted of murder by a trial court, defense attorneys may choose to appeal that verdict to an appellate court.
  
  Appellate courts consider issues of law and therefore require different procedures. Moot court allows students the opportunity to enhance legal writing, advocacy skills, legal analysis, and oral argument abilities.
  
  Moot court involves a hypothetical case that is typically based on real legal issues. Students are provided a packet of information that simulates a trial court record and judgment. Students will research legal issues presented in the “trial court packet” and then draft a “legal brief”. Students will work in teams and consider 2-4 legal issues which they will argue in their brief supported by existing case law. Once briefs are completed, students will prepare an oral argument to present to a panel of “judges” typically comprised of law professors, practicing attorneys, or judges who represent an appellate court. Oral arguments are typically timed as in real court proceedings, and students are expected to argue convincingly, persuasively, and professionally.
  
  Moot court classes often include an internal law school competition, however, there are many moot court competitions hosted annually each year across the country. Students may compete in these external annual competitions for credit after advancing from the internal moot court competition or having been selected through tryouts. Some students may compete in such competitions as an extracurricular activity if their law school does not have a credit-earning team.
  
  Moot court provides law students with a valuable opportunity to develop essential advocacy skills, such as legal writing, critical thinking, legal research, public speaking, and persuasion.

Additional Simulated Courses

Law schools offer simulated courses in many different aspects of legal practice. Some common types of additional simulated courses are listed below:

Negotiation Courses

• Negotiation courses teach law students the skills and techniques necessary to effectively negotiate in legal settings through hypothetical scenarios. These courses also provide students with a strong foundation in the theory and practice of negotiation, emphasizing the importance of preparation, communication, and problem-solving through regular lectures.
  
  Negotiation courses often emphasize the importance of communication skills in negotiation, including active listening, effective questioning, and persuasive speaking. Students learn to develop and deliver persuasive arguments, build rapport with their negotiating partners, and manage emotions and conflicts that may arise during negotiations.
  
  Negotiation courses are important as these are essential skills and knowledge for any legal practice.

Client Counseling

• Client counseling is a course offered in law school that focuses on developing skills in communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building with clients. The goal of the course is to help law students become more effective in working with clients in a variety of legal contexts, such as litigation, transactional law, or alternative dispute resolution.
  
  In client counseling courses, students learn techniques for effective communication with clients, such as active listening, empathetic response, and effective questioning. They also learn strategies for problem-solving and decision-making with clients, such as identifying the client’s goals, assessing legal risks, and evaluating potential outcomes. Client counseling courses may also cover ethical considerations in working with clients, such as confidentiality, conflicts of interest, and informed consent.

Arbitration

• Arbitration is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in which parties agree to resolve their disputes outside of court through a neutral third party, called an arbitrator. Arbitration courses in law school focus on the principles and practices of arbitration, including the law and ethics surrounding arbitration, the process and procedures involved in arbitration, and the role of the arbitrator.
  
  In arbitration courses, students learn the legal framework that governs arbitration, such as the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) and state arbitration laws. They also learn the ethical considerations involved in serving as an arbitrator, such as avoiding conflicts of interest, maintaining impartiality, and ensuring procedural fairness.
  
  Students are also taught the procedures involved in arbitration, including the selection of arbitrators, the submission of evidence, the presentation of arguments, and the issuance of awards. They may also learn about specialized types of arbitration, such as labor arbitration or international arbitration.

Need insight on selecting a law school? Watch the videos below to hear from current law students about their experiences and advice on selecting a law school.

Don’t Miss Out! Be sure to attend the Selecting A Law School Webinar on March 6 for additional insights on navigating post-application, post-admissions and the law school selection process!

What were the most important factors you considered when selecting a law school and why?

How did you organize or prioritize the list of law schools you wanted to attend from those you received offers from?  

What did you find most challenging about selecting a final law school? 

In what ways did you engage with your law school in reaching the decision to attend there?  How did that engagement help in your decision-making process?

How did you manage the process of being waitlisted and how did it inform your ultimate decision? 

What aspects of the law school community were important to you? 

Social justice is at the forefront of many things, and with good reason. In fact, more and more law school admission professionals have indicated an increase in student applications reflecting interest in pursuing a law career to become social justice advocates.

But what does it mean to be a social justice advocate? And, more specifically, what does social justice mean in the legal context? How can you, as a future attorney, gather the skills and information necessary to become the social justice advocate you desire to be?

This post explores what it looks like to be a social justice advocate and a practicing attorney.

Defining Social Justice

Merriam-Webster defines social justice as “a state or doctrine of egalitarianism.” Britannica states that “social justice, in contemporary politics, social science, and political philosophy, the fair treatment and equitable status of all individuals and social groups within a state or society.” The term also is used to refer to social, political, and economic institutions, laws, or policies that collectively afford such fairness and equity and is commonly applied to movements that seek fairness, equity, inclusion, self-determination, or other goals for currently or historically oppressed, exploited, or marginalized populations.

The term appears (although not defined) in The Federalist Papers No. 7. You can also find elements of social justice in theories such as Critical Race Theory, Motivational Interviewing, and Baxter-Magolda’s Theory of Self-Authorship.

In the legal sense, the definition is similar: “Social justice is justice that follows the principle that all individuals and groups are entitled to fair and impartial treatment. Social justice attempts to prevent human rights abuses. Social justice is based on notions of equality and equal opportunity in society. It focuses on the full and equal participation of all citizens in economic, social, and political aspects of the nation. Social justice can also refer to advantages and disadvantages distributed in a society.” (emphasis added)

Social justice is focused on justice, fair and impartial treatment, equality, and equal opportunity, and preventing abuses based on social injustices.

Principles/Goals of Social Justice

As you continue to understand what social justice means to you, consider the following articulated principles/goals of social justice as presented by GenV and Kent State:

• Human Rights
• Access
• Participation
• Equity
• Diversity

Do any of these principles stand out to you? How do you see yourself advancing social justice issues within these categories? How can a law degree and career as an attorney support your goals of social justice through some or all of these lenses?

Lawyers and Social Justice

Based on the definitions and principles listed above, you can see clear themes emerging around how an individual perceives social justice. Understanding what social justice means is important in figuring out how you want to contribute towards social justice causes through your law school and legal careers.

Here are some examples of social justice issues that intersect with the law highlighted by the advocacy organization Pachamama:

• Voting Laws (i.e. redistricting and voter ID)
• Policing Laws (i.e. search and seizure and drug scheduling)
• Environmental Laws (i.e. clean water and air, industrial waste disposal)
• Health Care Laws (i.e. insurance mandates and coverage eligibility)
• Education Laws (i.e. public school segregation and integration)
• Labor Laws (i.e. worker’s rights, occupational health and safety)

The reality is social justice efforts inform almost all aspects of society and the human experience ranging from Climate Justice to Healthcare to Racial Justice to LGBTQIA+ Oppression to Sizeism to Ageism to Hunger and Food Insecurity. You can explore these areas here: 10 Social Justice Issues of 2022. Understanding what the role of law and the legal system is within these causes is important to understanding if a law degree and legal career is right for you.

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Social Justice and You

If social justice is a big reason why you want to attend law school and practice law, it will be important that you give the concept some thought; especially if you cite this in your personal statement. Review the definitions listed above and research your own. Use the examples provided to paint a picture in your mind about what being a social justice advocate means to you.

As you develop your goals, be sure to explore the ways in which attorneys work within the universe of social justice causes that are of most interest to you.  Are they helping to create policy?  Do they represent clients, who are these clients?  What type of legal matters or issues require attorney representation? Do you see yourself advocating for these causes through your full-time work or perhaps your pro bono work? How can you weave your passion for social justice into your life?

Law Schools + Social Justice:

Law Schools strive to educate future attorneys who are ready to work on the most pressing legal issues and challenges in our society. As a result, law schools are continually evolving, reflecting on their curriculums and missions to ensure they are offering opportunities to learn in areas most relevant for attorneys today. As legal education continues to evolve and adapt, many law schools have expanded to include curricular offers that specifically offer learning opportunities on social justice topics, including clinics! Be sure to learn about these opportunities at law schools you are interested in.

As you look to the future, continue to refine what social justice means to you and how you could use your skills and experiences to advance a social justice cause, through your legal career, in a way that is meaningful to you.

To help you get started, check out the article “Top Schools Schools for Racial Justice” found in the Fall 2022 Edition of PreLaw Magazine or stop by the PLAS office and pick up a copy of the full magazine.

The upcoming Fall Break is a welcome change as we head into the final weeks of the semester and year. For students, it’s a time to step away from the day-to-day demands of academic life and for alumni, there is often a bit more time to disconnect from work and the everyday demands. To help make sure you’re maximizing your time before the end of the semester! Read our tips below on way to fully utilize this unique time!

1.  Reconnect with your family and include them in your pre-law journey at the Pre-Law for Parents and Families event!

Whether it is your first fall break or last, take this time to reconnect with family and friends. Have a conversation and let them know how you have been doing and include them in your pre-law journey by inviting them to Pre-Law for Parents and Families on November 21 at 6:30 pm! For more information and to register, click here.

2. Relax and Rejuvenate

The end of the semester is always a busy, and often stressful, time.  Make time for yourself over break to rest and rejuvenate prior to the end of the semester.  UIUC also provides a wide variety of services and resources to help make the end of the semester as manageable as possible!

Here are some upcoming workshops that may interest you:

• December 6 | 6:00 pm: Test Anxiety Workshop with the Counseling Center.

• December 6 | 7:00 pm: Mangoes and Mental Health: Join Campus Recreation while we make delicious mango smoothies, dialogue, and skill-build healthy ways to manage our stress

• December 6 | 7:00 pm: “Motivation…Where Art Thou? Finding Motivation in the Midst of Finals” with the Counseling Center.

Being productive is great, but overworking yourself may not be. Your efforts to be successful are more effective when you’re not exhausted. Many people find mindfulness apps like InsightTimer, Calm, or Headspace useful in bringing the focus back to the present moment.

3.  Make a Plan to Finalize Applications

Applying this year? Set a goal date for application submission and stick to it! 

We highly recommend trying to apply during the first half of the admissions cycle, if possible.  Use Thanksgiving break as an opportunity to finalize your applications and submit them to schools.  If you will be applying later than early December, use Thanksgiving break to complete as many of the application components as you can and identify the earliest date you feel you can apply. 

Planning to apply in the spring of 2023? Plan and strategize to maximize success!

• TIP: Make an appointment with a pre-law Advisor to discuss your spring 2023 application strategies.
• TIP: Attend the “Strategies for Spring Application Success” workshop on December 1, 2022. To learn more and register, click here.

Regardless of when you apply, here is a brief checklist of essential items you will need to complete. If any of this feels overwhelming, don’t worry! Meet with a pre-law advisor and we’ll walk through it together):

CAS, LOR, Transcripts: Make sure you are familiar with the LSAC Credential Assembly Services (CAS) and stay current on the status of your materials and application components.  Request transcripts NOW, these will take several weeks to process.  Be sure you have submitted ALL required transcripts.  Follow up with recommenders, be sure they are aware of your goal timeline, and be sure to check CAS to confirm when your letters of recommendation are uploaded.

LSAT and LSAT Writing: You will need your final score to apply.  If you don’t have your score, confirm when it will be available and plan your goal submission date accordingly.  Have you completed the LSAT Writing? You must complete the Writing portion to receive your score (you must only do this once – if you previously completed this step you are done!).  Be sure to do that prior to the score release date of November 30, 2022. The LSAT Writing must be completed before your score is released.

Application Documents: Don’t quite have a final draft of your personal statement, resume, or addendums but want to save your spot on our advising calendar? No worries! You can book your appointment with an existing draft and then email your advisor a more complete draft of your document prior to your appointment – documents must be received at least one business day prior to your scheduled meeting time to ensure it is reviewed!

• Personal Statement – Fall break is a great time to draft and hopefully finalize your statement! Make sure to follow your specific schools’ prompts. Don’t forget to edit, edit, edit! Don’t know how to get started? Check out our Personal Statement resource on Canvas.
• Resume – Make sure it is current and ready to apply! Make sure it is well-formatted, free of typos and mistakes, and easy to read. Don’t know how to get started? Check out our Resume resource on Canvas.
• Addendums – Are there addendums required by your schools?  Are there optional addendums?  Be sure you have confirmed what addendums you will be submitting and begin writing.

School-specific requirements and questions:
Make sure you have reviewed the specific application requirements for the schools you will be applying to, and create a checklist for each school. Questions? If you have questions about an individual school’s application requirements or process ask NOW! Don’t wait until your goal submission date to confirm details.  Reach out directly or send emails over Thanksgiving break!

Remember…

We are here to help! PLAS is here to review documents, discuss strategies, and answer questions. We highly encourage you to book your appointment soon, this time of year gets really busy!

3. Plan the End of Your Semester

Make a strategic plan for the end of the semester to help make things manageable. Think backward from deadlines and due dates to ensure you have enough time to prepare for each end-of-semester item.  Take into account:

• Final academic obligations (papers, projects, final exams, and study time). Mark deadlines and dates on your calendar.
• Upcoming deadlines for internships or other special programs.
• Admissions events and programs you may wish to attend (The last LSAC Forum is on February 3rd, 2023!).
• Time for life logistics – plan around busy times and deadlines for things like groceries/bills, exercise, family, and friends.

4. Taking the LSAT in 2023?

Consider using some of your fall break to explore LSAT prep resources and start developing a study plan. Here are some links to get you started:

• Save the Date! February 2023: LSAT Jumpstart hosted by PLAS, is a four-session mini-camp to help you prepare for the LSAT. To learn more and register, click here.
• LSAC’s Khan Academy: explore what LSAT prep looks like through this free program.
• Official LSAT Content Licensees: explore this list of LSAT test prep companies and tutors that are official content licensees.
• LSAT Preparation Resources on Canvas: Head over to the PLAS Canvas page and scroll to the LSAT Preparation module. Here you will find many resources and tips to help you prepare for the LSAT.

5. Finally, start thinking ahead…

Make efforts to finalize important spring plans including course selections, extracurricular involvements, and goals for internships and other opportunities. 

And, don’t forget to check out our annual Internship Newsletter which is also available on our Canvas page!

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UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS

• November 21 | 6:30 pm: Pre-Law for Parents and Family
• December 1 | 12:00 pm: Strategies for Spring Application Success
• February 2023 | LSAT Jumpstart
• February 3, 2023 | LSAC Law School Digital Forum

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Unfortunately, the time between graduation and law school is often referred to as “gap years”. This term often invites an impression that this time lacks substance, is unintentional or is void of value. Perhaps, as a result, many students have an inaccurate impression that taking time prior to law school is inherently negative or a disadvantage to their ultimate goal of attending law school. The reality is that taking time to pursue opportunities prior to law school can contribute significantly to an applicant’s success, and can ultimately offer an individual tremendous benefits personally, academically, and professionally.

Whether you ultimately decide to pursue an opportunity prior to law or go “straight through”, every future applicant should consider how a timeline that includes a “gap year(s)” might enhance their application and contribute to their ultimate success as a law student!

Below is a collection of resources to assist in your decision-making!

View this brief virtual workshop discussing Gap Years!

Learn more about the many benefits of taking a gap year and possible opportunities to pursue!

Watch! Gap Year Perspectives Panel

PLAS welcomed a panel of UIUC pre-law alumni to share perspectives and insights about their experiences taking time to pursue opportunities prior to law school. The Gap Year Perspectives Panel was hosted on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at 5:30 pm via Zoom. To register for this event, please click here. Learn more about our accomplished groups of panelists below!

Meet the Panelists

We are reaching that point in the cycle where many applicants are moving into the final stages of preparing their applications. Whether you are looking to apply in a few weeks, or later this application cycle, below are some helpful tips based on actual applicant experiences to assist in your final preparations!

DO:

1. Follow all directions closely! When asked for their best advice, we routinely hear law admissions deans say “follow the application directions” as their #1 tip. Follow the application directions as written and provided – full stop!

• Example: if the personal statement page limit is 2, don’t submit a 2.5 page document and assume they won’t mind – even if it is well written.
• Each application may have slightly different criteria or directions, it is important to confirm specifics for each school.

2. Triple-check mentioned school names in essays to match the school you’re submitting the individual application to. If you choose/are required to individualize documents for each individual school based on their directions (see above) – be sure to confirm you have submitted the right draft to the right school. This mistake really happens…every year.

3. Choose recommenders wisely. Those with whom you have a strong relationship and will write about specific experiences and qualities will be most effective.

4. Use your resources! There are many resources to help you succeed in this process. Be sure to utilize the PLAS Office! Whether we help you directly or connect you with the necessary resources – we are here to help!

• We highly encourage every applicant schedule a Document Review appointment before submitting!

5. Explore a wide variety of schools. You may be surprised at what you find! Be sure to check out the Researching Law Schools blog post for tips on identifying schools!

• Be sure to attend a law fair and meetings with schools – there is an LSAC Digital Forum occurring on November 19!

6. Get Organized! Create a spreadsheet, google doc, or other means to organize your information and track your application tasks. PLAS has put together an Excel spreadsheet that you can use to get started. To see the example, click here.

• Don’t forget about your email! Set up folders to organize communications as you receive them!

7. Apply to a range of schools where you feel your LSAT/GPA are very competitive, competitive, and less competitive (some may refer to this as safety, target, and reach schools). This will open up the most opportunities for admission and potential scholarships, it will also help provide as much choice in the admission process as possible.

DON’T:

1. Forget to proofread all your application materials. Be sure to plan time to give every application a comprehensive and thorough review before submitting.

2. Skip directions. Yes – it’s so important we’ve included it on our list twice!

3. Submit applications to law schools that you do not see yourself attending. Every school you apply to will not necessarily satisfy your goals/wish list to equal measure as another. However, don’t waste your energy or time with options that you know you will not pursue. Instead, look for a better-fitting option that meets at least some of your most important goals and that you could see yourself attending.

4. Write optional statements/addendums that 1. don’t apply to your personal situation; or, 2. that you feel compelled to write simply to “add more” to your application. Only include addendums where required, relevant, and that add new, substantive information.  Doing “more” can take away from your application if it doesn’t contribute something relevant, meaningful, or helpful!

• Be sure to attend the “Drafting Your Application” workshop on November 1!
• Set up an advising appointment with a pre-law advisor to discuss if an addendum is beneficial for you!

5. Apply late without a strategy. Most law schools admit students on a rolling basis with final deadlines in the spring semester. You should balance carefully having a strong application with the submission timing of your application. Sometimes applying a bit later in the cycle can result in submitting a superior application overall, however, if you will be submitting after December you do want to take timing into account and adjust your strategy.

• Be sure to attend the PLAS “Strategies for Spring Application Success” workshop which provides helpful information and strategies for submitting applications from January to spring.

6. Put all your eggs in one, super competitive, basket! In other words, don’t apply only to schools where acceptance rates are low or where you are at the low end of their GPA and LSAT ranges.

7. Lose touch! You should be making connections with schools throughout the application process, both before and after you apply. This will help you gather important information and perspectives to assist you with final decisions and also in creating more opportunities for you to leave a positive impression with schools. Be sure to make time for programs, events, and visits (virtual and in-person) at the schools you are applying to!

• Stay Tuned! We will have great programming upcoming this winter and spring to help you navigate the post-application process!

Meet with a pre-law advisor…

The Pre-Law Advising Office is designed to help you achieve success in your goal of attending law school (seriously – it’s kind of the reason for our existence…). Whether you are a senior Illini or an alum planning to continue your education in law school, we are anxious to meet with you!

Schedule an appointment online to meet with an advisor or attend an upcoming workshop or event. We hope to see you soon!

It’s time to get excited for Spring courses! Each semester we receive many questions from pre-law students regarding courses helpful in preparation for law school in advance of course registration.  To assist in this process, Pre-Law Advising has made a helpful chart with suggested classes pre-law students might find useful and interesting in planning and exploring a legal education.

In general, students interested in going to law school should take classes that focus on analytical and critical thinking, communication, research and writing, and when possible – legal topics of interest. The recommended course list includes classes from many different disciplines that might serve one, or more, of these goals.  Take a look at the chart to find courses that are both interesting to you and will help build the necessary skills for law school.

Click Here for the list of Spring 2023 Recommended courses!

Please keep in mind that this list should not be viewed as exhaustive as there are many beneficial courses offered each semester.  This list should be used to highlight courses of particular interest and give a broad overview of options. 

NEW for Spring 2023: Internship Opportunity! Law 199 – Tolerance Means Dialogue Internship | For more information, view the flyer here or visit the website here. For questions, please email Prof. Wilson (wils@illinois.edu) and CC Roxana Madani (rmadan3@illinois.edu).

Want to learn more?

See what fellow Class of 2023 Illini say are some of their favorite pre-law related courses at Illinois…

Justin Davis

Justin is currently the Class of 2023 Representative of the PLAS Advisory Council and president of UIUC Accounting Club. He shared the following perspectives on his favorite pre-law related courses…

• PHIL 102 – Logic and Reasoning – It was a great introduction to applying critical thinking to a text and then writing down your analysis.
• BADM 300 – The Legal Environment of Business – This was my first perspective on what laws apply to corporations. It also provided a glimpse into liability, constitutional law, and the hierarchy of federal vs state laws.

Jack McNabb

Jack is currently a pre-law student of the Class of 2023, studying Sociology and Business & Informatics. Here are his perspectives on his list of favorite pre-law related courses…

• SOC 364 – Impacts of Globalization – Professor Dill is my other favorite professor at Illinois and his globalization class combined economic and sociology theory to explain globalization trends throughout the world. This course was also reading and discussion intensive.
• BADM 340 – Ethical Dilemmas of Business – I am currently taking this course and I have enjoyed it thus far. As the name states, this course explores some at large ethical issues facing the current business world and could be valuable to students interested in business law.

Sruthi Navneetha

Sruthi is currently the At-large Representative of the PLAS Advisory Council, president of Phi Alpha Delta, and president and founder of Women In Law Pre-Law Society. She shared the following perspective on her favorite pre-law related course…

• ECON 437 – Game Theory – This can really help with other pre-law-related classes as topics in this class reappear in almost even Political Science class. It also helps people think critically, which is essential to scoring well on the LSAT.

Alex Nevarez

Alex is currently the Class of 2023 Representative of the PLAS Advisory Council, president of Pre-Law Honors Society, and vice-president of Kappa Alpha Pi. These are her favorite pre-law related courses…

• PHIL 103 – Logic and Reasoning QR 2 – This is the most important course I have taken because it is directly applicable to the LSAT. In this course, you learn logic, symbolic logic, and essentially a new way of thinking. This new way of thinking is directly applicable on the LSAT as there are two logic sections. Because I had already taken this course when I started LSAT studying the logic sections came easy to me because my brain already had logic thinking background.
• PHIL 104 – Intro to Ethics – In this course it is logic, ethics and writing combined. You cover three hot topics and read from philosophers coming from both sides and then you will write a paper on who you believe is right for each topic. The material is extremely in-depth and eye-opening and it aided me in helping me create good and sound arguments. I grew as a thinker and a writer.

James Weigel

James is currently the At-large Representative of the PLAS Advisory Council studying Aerospace Engineering with a Political Science minor. He shared the following perspective on his favorite pre-law related course…

• PS 370 – Justice in the Law – In this class, students work through supreme court cases and brief them. The brief style has a heavy emphasis on legal reasoning and other skills important for prospective lawyers. The professor (Ben Miller) is one of the best professors that I have ever had and cares deeply about the educational development of his students.

Considering a minor?

Check out this informative video about the Legal Studies Minor, including Q&A with Professor Jennifer Pahre: 

Visit the Legal Studies Minor website to learn more or email:  

law-undergrad@illinois.edu!

Still not sure what to take? 

Schedule a pre-law advising meeting to discuss course options!