Category: Scholarships

Mark Your Calendars – Week March 2

PLAS PROGRAMS

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

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

Pre-Law Events

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

Legal Internship Opportunity — Holder Law Group, LLP

Holder Law Group, LLP, a young law firm in Champaign-Urbana, is looking for interns who want to be involved in a fast paced, high-tech, multi-area, legal environment. Holder Law Group engages in personal injury, medical malpractice, and civil litigation. Attorneys at Holder Law Group have had experience in both public and private sectors of work, including small and large law firms and are happy to share their knowledge and experience. Interns jobs will vary, and be assigned based on capabilities, but may include medical record organization, filing, abstracting depositions, assisting in trial preparations, Court filings, and attending depositions and Court hearings and legal marketing. Work times are flexible and we are willing to work around your academic schedule. Positions are available for fall, spring, and summer semesters as well as during breaks. Please email resumes and cover letters to Ms. Betsy Holder: Betsy@holderlawllp.com  

Undergrad PAID Internship at UIUC in Environmental Humanities for 2020 — 2021 Applications due TODAY MONDAY, March 2, 2020!

Environmental Humanities is environmental studies from a humanistic standpoint. Envrionmental Humanities pulls from different movements (environmental philosophy, environmental history, ecocriticism, cultural geography, anthropology, and others) to study the relationship between humans and non-human nature, past and present. The IPRH-Mellon Environmental Humanities Research Group is composed of professors, post-doctoral scholars, graduate students, and undergraduates from different disciplines who are united by their desire to understand the human place in nature, as well as to examine critically the way people make meaning of it.

The research group seeks three undergraduate interns who will work with the group on their seminars, workshops, and programs for the academic year 2020-2021. Interns will also work with the research group director, Professor A. Naomi Paik, to develop their own research projects as well as a research symposium for undergraduates at the end of the spring semester.

Interns will work approximately 10-11 hours per week, paid at the rate of $15.75 per hours, and will have up to $600 to support their research. Applicants must be juniors or seniors the year of the internship. For more information and to apply,  go here.  Remember: The application deadline is 5:00pm on Monday, March 2! Please address questions to: Dr. Nancy Castro, at ncastro@illinois.edu.

CAREER CENTER

INTERNSHIP: State Department Information Session

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

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

LAW SCHOOL EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

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

Minnesota Pre-Law Scholars (MPLS) is a program that offers a select number of students a free LSAT prep class each summer at the University of Minnesota Law School. Admission is highly selective and based on a holistic review of the MPLS application material.

College students considering law school, especially rising seniors and those from groups historically underrepresented in law school, are encouraged to apply. The program is open to undergraduate students and recent graduates from any undergraduate institution.

Students will learn about law school admissions preparation from Minnesota Law School staff. The remaining portion of class, taught by an instructor from The Princeton Review, will be dedicated to LSAT preparation and practice exams. Some daytime events such as law firm visits will also be offered. Three (3) excused absences will be allowed during the summer session.

There is no cost to participate in MPLS. However, participants must submit a $100 seat deposit which is fully refundable upon successful completion of the program. All books and study materials will be provided.  The program will run from June to mid-August 2020.

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

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

SCHOLARSHIPS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information and to apply, go here.

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

 

AccessLex Institute – LexScholars Applications Due April 1!

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

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

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

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

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

OFF-CAMPUS EVENTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

Illinois Latino Law Forum Highlights

·         Breakfast and lunch

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

·         Mock law school class taught by a DePaul Law professor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mark Your Calendars – Week of February 24

Don’t forget about TODAY’s presentation on law school scholarships by Rebecca Ray, Assistant Dean of Admissions at the University of Illinois College of Law, 5pm, Room 514 IUB.  Your should also scroll down for information on: internships, scholarships, a summer job opportunity and more!

PLAS PROGRAMS

Law School Scholarships and Negotiating Aid, featuring Rebecca Ray, Assistant Dean of Admissions at the University of Illinois College of Law – TODAY Monday, February 24, 5:00 pm, Room 514 Illini Union Bookstore Building

Law school financial aid works differently from undergraduate scholarships. Rebecca Ray, Assistant Dean of Admissions at University of Illinois College of Law, will be here to share insights into how scholarships are allocated and how to request additional scholarship opportunities. You’ll find out what to ask for, how to phrase these conversations, and what strategies are successful to achieving additional scholarships. Bring your questions and learn how to maximize financial aid for law school!
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Legal Internship Opportunity — Holder Law Group, LLP

Holder Law Group, LLP, a young law firm in Champaign-Urbana, is looking for interns who want to be involved in a fast paced, high-tech, multi-area, legal environment. Holder Law Group engages in personal injury, medical malpractice, and civil litigation. Attorneys at Holder Law Group have had experience in both public and private sectors of work, including small and large law firms and are happy to share their knowledge and experience. Interns jobs will vary, and be assigned based on capabilities, but may include medical record organization, filing, abstracting depositions, assisting in trial preparations, Court filings, and attending depositions and Court hearings and legal marketing. Work times are flexible and we are willing to work around your academic schedule. Positions are available for fall, spring, and summer semesters as well as during breaks. Please email resumes and cover letters to Ms. Betsy Holder: Betsy@holderlawllp.com  

Undergrad PAID Internship at UIUC in Environmental Humanities for 2020 — 2021 Applications due NEXT MONDAY, March 2, 2020!

Environmental Humanities is environmental studies from a humanistic standpoint. Envrionmental Humanities pulls from different movements (environmental philosophy, environmental history, ecocriticism, cultural geography, anthropology, and others) to study the relationship between humans and non-human nature, past and present. The IPRH-Mellon Environmental Humanities Research Group is composed of professors, post-doctoral scholars, graduate students, and undergraduates from different disciplines who are united by their desire to understand the human place in nature, as well as to examine critically the way people make meaning of it.

The research group seeks three undergraduate interns who will work with the group on their seminars, workshops, and programs for the academic year 2020-2021. Interns will also work with the research group director, Professor A. Naomi Paik, to develop their own research projects as well as a research symposium for undergraduates at the end of the spring semester.

Interns will work approximately 10-11 hours per week, paid at the rate of $15.75 per hours, and will have up to $600 to support their research. Applicants must be juniors or seniors the year of the internship. For more information and to apply,  go here.  Remember: The application deadline is 5:00pm on Monday, March 2! Please address questions to: Dr. Nancy Castro, at ncastro@illinois.edu.

CAREER CENTER

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

Global Careers: Internships at UN Agencies – Thursday, February 27, 6-7pm, The Career Center Interview Suite, Room 213, 616 East Green Street

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

OFFICE OF UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

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

The URS is the signature event of Undergraduate Research Week (April 26-May 2, 2020), and brings together students, faculty, and staff from all disciplines on the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus, as well as corporate partners and sponsors, to learn more about undergraduate research and its potential to change the world. Students are encouraged to apply even if titles or abstracts have not yet been finalized – they can be edited.  Need help?  Attend the workshop on “Proposal Writing in Undergraduate Research” this Thursday, February 20, 3-4:30pm, Lincoln Hall Room 1002, described above.  Just make sure the application is successfully submitted by March 1!

LAW SCHOOL EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

The Wisconsin Statewide Pre-Law Diversity Day is set for THIS Friday, February 28, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Marquette University Law School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This event is open to all students. For more information and to register, visit their website here.  Cosponsored by the University of Wisconsin Law School and Marquette University Law School, this FREE event includes lunch and:

  • an update on law school admissions in Wisconsin featuring the University of Wisconsin and Marquette University Law Schools;
  • breakout workshops featuring a mock class for students ; and
  • law school fair featuring admissions representatives from law schools around the country.  Click here for a list of law schools that participated in last year’s event.

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

Minnesota Pre-Law Scholars (MPLS) is a program that offers a select number of students a free LSAT prep class each summer at the University of Minnesota Law School. Admission is highly selective and based on a holistic review of the MPLS application material.

College students considering law school, especially rising seniors and those from groups historically underrepresented in law school, are encouraged to apply. The program is open to undergraduate students and recent graduates from any undergraduate institution.

Students will learn about law school admissions preparation from Minnesota Law School staff. The remaining portion of class, taught by an instructor from The Princeton Review, will be dedicated to LSAT preparation and practice exams. Some daytime events such as law firm visits will also be offered. Three (3) excused absences will be allowed during the summer session.

There is no cost to participate in MPLS. However, participants must submit a $100 seat deposit which is fully refundable upon successful completion of the program. All books and study materials will be provided.  The program will run from June to mid-August 2020.

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

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

Harvard Law School Junior Deferral Program – Webinar THIS Thursday, February 27, 5-6pm CST (6-7pm EST)

As an undergraduate student thinking about what comes after graduation, you may find yourself ready to apply to law school and also excited to explore other professional, educational, or service opportunities. You may know you want to go to law school and also want to teach for a few years, garner business or legal skills in the workforce, pursue a master’s degree, or embark on a mission trip. Harvard Law School’s Junior Deferral Program offers you that flexibility and breadth of opportunity. Apply to HLS when you are a college junior scheduled to complete coursework and graduate in spring 2021, and, if admitted, commit to defer that offer of admission for a minimum of two years after completing your undergraduate degree. You may use the deferral period to explore your broad interests before returning to the classroom.  Join us, as well as students who participated in this program, for a webinar this THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, about this exciting application pathway.

Please register for this online information session at:

https://harvard.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Gx3ct3UBRWyfDHvXicEweg

Note: This session will be hosted on Zoom. Full instructions on how to access the session will be sent to you after you have registered for the event.

For more information about the HLS Junior Deferral Program, go here.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Fred S. Bailey International Service Travel Scholarship for Cause-Driven Leaders — DUE TODAY!!

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

Application Deadline: TODAY, February 24, 2020

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

Contact: Kasey Umland

Director, Bailey Scholarship Program, University YMCA

217.337.1514; bailey@universityymca.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information and to apply, go here.

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

 

AccessLex Institute – LexScholars Applications Due April 1!

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

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

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

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

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

OFF CAMPUS EVENTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

Illinois Latino Law Forum Highlights

·         Breakfast and lunch

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

·         Mock law school class taught by a DePaul Law professor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DGS Summer Peer Advisors – Information Session TOMORROW, Tuesday, February 25, 9-10 am Room 504 Illini Union Bookstore Building

The Division of General Studies (DGS) is seeking undergraduate student leaders interested in serving as DGS Summer Peer Advisors.  Candidates must be available for full day training May 18-21, 2020.  Peer advisors will be responsible for working approximately 20-25 hours per week from June 1-July 9, 2020.  The pay for this position is $10 per hour.

In addition to the information session listed above, there will be another information session on Wednesday, March 4, 3:30pm-4:30pm in IUB 504.

Required qualifications:

  • Strong communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work well with others
  • Knowledge of the Course Explorer website
  • Knowledge of UI Integrate Self Service
  • Successfully pass a background check
  • Minimum GPA of 2.0 or above

Preferred qualifications:

  • Former DGS student
  • Familiarity of ICT process
  • Knowledge of Illinois general education requirements
  • Junior or Senior class standing for Fall 2020
  • Demonstrated leadership experience
  • GPA of 2.5 or above
  • Attend a peer advisor informational session

Interested applicants should email a cover letter, resume and three reference to Jessica Arnold, jarnold7@illinois.edu by 5pm on March 23, 2020.  Applications received after 5pm will not be considered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mark Your Calendars – Week of February 10

PRE-LAW ADVISING SERVICES WORKSHOPS AND PROGRAMS

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

DON’T MISS OUT! What’s covered on the LSAT? What is it really like to take it on a tablet? How can test takers best prepare? Which LSAT should you take, and how can you plan ahead for a retake? All of this will be covered at LSAT Bootcamp, which includes presentations by both the representatives from the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) and Kaplan Testing Services! Visit this website for workshop schedules and more details.

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

Schedule of Events:

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

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

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Legal Internship Opportunity — Holder Law Group, LLP

Holder Law Group, LLP, a young law firm in Champaign-Urbana, is looking for interns who want to be involved in a fast paced, high-tech, multi-area, legal environment. Holder Law Group engages in personal injury, medical malpractice, and civil litigation. Attorneys at Holder Law Group have had experience in both public and private sectors of work, including small and large law firms and are happy to share their knowledge and experience. Interns jobs will vary, and be assigned based on capabilities, but may include medical record organization, filing, abstracting depositions, assisting in trial preparations, Court filings, and attending depositions and Court hearings and legal marketing. Work times are flexible and we are willing to work around your academic schedule. Positions are available for fall, spring, and summer semesters as well as during breaks. Please email resumes and cover letters to Ms. Betsy Holder: Betsy@holderlawllp.com  

Undergrad PAID Internship at UIUC in Environmental Humanities for 2020 — 2021 Applications due March 2, 2020!

Environmental Humanities is environmental studies from a humanistic standpoint. Envrionmental Humanities pulls from different movements (environmental philosophy, environmental history, ecocriticism, cultural geography, anthropology, and others) to study the relationship between humans and non-human nature, past and present. The IPRH-Mellon Environmental Humanities Research Group is composed of professors, post-doctoral scholars, graduate students, and undergraduates from different disciplines who are united by their desire to understand the human place in nature, as well as to examine critically the way people make meaning of it.

The research group seeks three undergraduate interns who will work with the group on their seminars, workshops, and programs for the academic year 2020-2021. Interns will also work with the research group director, Professor A. Naomi Paik, to develop their own research projects as well as a research symposium for undergraduates at the end of the spring semester.

Interns will work approximately 10-11 hours per week, paid at the rate of $15.75 per hours, and will have up to $600 to support their research. Applicants must be juniors or seniors the year of the internship. For more information and to apply,  go here.  Remember: The application deadline is 5:00pm on Monday, March 2! Please address questions to: Dr. Nancy Castro, at ncastro@illinois.edu.

LAW SCHOOL EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

The Wisconsin Statewide Pre-Law Diversity Day is set for Friday, February 28, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Marquette University Law School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This event is open to all students. For more information and to register, visit their website here.  Cosponsored by the University of Wisconsin Law School and Marquette University Law School, this FREE event includes lunch and:

  • an update on law school admissions in Wisconsin featuring the University of Wisconsin and Marquette University Law Schools;
  • breakout workshops featuring a mock class for students ; and
  • law school fair featuring admissions representatives from law schools around the country.  Click here for a list of law schools that participated in last year’s event.

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

Minnesota Pre-Law Scholars (MPLS) is a program that offers a select number of students a free LSAT prep class each summer at the University of Minnesota Law School. Admission is highly selective and based on a holistic review of the MPLS application material.

College students considering law school, especially rising seniors and those from groups historically underrepresented in law school, are encouraged to apply. The program is open to undergraduate students and recent graduates from any undergraduate institution.

Students will learn about law school admissions preparation from Minnesota Law School staff. The remaining portion of class, taught by an instructor from The Princeton Review, will be dedicated to LSAT preparation and practice exams. Some daytime events such as law firm visits will also be offered. Three (3) excused absences will be allowed during the summer session.

There is no cost to participate in MPLS. However, participants must submit a $100 seat deposit which is fully refundable upon successful completion of the program. All books and study materials will be provided.  The program will run from June to mid-August 2020.

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

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

Law School Open Houses and Admitted Students Days

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

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

SCHOLARSHIPS

FRED S. BAILEY SCHOLARSHIP FOR CAUSE DRIVEN LEADERS

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

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

Application deadline: February 16

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

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

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

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

Contact: Kasey Umland

Director, Bailey Scholarship Program, University YMCA

217.337.1514; bailey@universityymca.org

Office of Undergraduate Research

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

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

Mark Your Calendars – Week of February 3

PRE-LAW ADVISING SERVICES WORKSHOPS AND PROGRAMS

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

DON’T MISS OUT! What’s covered on the LSAT? What is it really like to take it on a tablet? How can test takers best prepare? Which LSAT should you take, and how can you plan ahead for a retake? All of this will be covered at LSAT Bootcamp, which includes presentations by both the representatives from the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) and Kaplan Testing Services! Visit this website for workshop schedules and more details.

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

Schedule of Events:

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

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

Pre-Law Honors Society – Testmasters LSAT prep workshop

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

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

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

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

Specific intern duties will include:

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

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

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

Legal Internship Opportunity — Holder Law Group, LLP

Holder Law Group, LLP, a young law firm in Champaign-Urbana, is looking for interns who want to be involved in a fast paced, high-tech, multi-area, legal environment. Holder Law Group engages in personal injury, medical malpractice, and civil litigation. Attorneys at Holder Law Group have had experience in both public and private sectors of work, including small and large law firms and are happy to share their knowledge and experience. Interns jobs will vary, and be assigned based on capabilities, but may include medical record organization, filing, abstracting depositions, assisting in trial preparations, Court filings, and attending depositions and Court hearings and legal marketing. Work times are flexible and we are willing to work around your academic schedule. Positions are available for fall, spring, and summer semesters as well as during breaks. Please email resumes and cover letters to Ms. Betsy Holder: Betsy@holderlawllp.com  

Undergrad PAID Internship at UIUC in Environmental Humanities for 2020 — 2021 Applications due March 2, 2020!

Environmental Humanities is environmental studies from a humanistic standpoint. Envrionmental Humanities pulls from different movements (environmental philosophy, environmental history, ecocriticism, cultural geography, anthropology, and others) to study the relationship between humans and non-human nature, past and present. The IPRH-Mellon Environmental Humanities Research Group is composed of professors, post-doctoral scholars, graduate students, and undergraduates from different disciplines who are united by their desire to understand the human place in nature, as well as to examine critically the way people make meaning of it.

The research group seeks three undergraduate interns who will work with the group on their seminars, workshops, and programs for the academic year 2020-2021. Interns will also work with the research group director, Professor A. Naomi Paik, to develop their own research projects as well as a research symposium for undergraduates at the end of the spring semester.

Interns will work approximately 10-11 hours per week, paid at the rate of $15.75 per hours, and will have up to $600 to support their research. Applicants must be juniors or seniors the year of the internship. For more information and to apply,  go here.  Remember: The application deadline is 5:00pm on Monday, March 2! Please address questions to: Dr. Nancy Castro, at ncastro@illinois.edu.

LAW SCHOOL EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Diversity Law Day – Indiana University Maurer School of Law – February 8, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Diversity Law Day is dedicated to the idea that the legal profession must reflect the expanding diversity of our society. Joining efforts with the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC), we hope that this day will encourage student from underrepresented and underserved communities to discover career opportunities in law. This day is particularly tailored towards high school juniors and seniors, as well college freshman and sophomores.

Diversity Law Day is free to attend, but registration is required for planning purposes. To attend, simply complete the registration form at www.law.indiana.edu/diversity-day

Contact Kendra Abercrombie, Assistant Director of Admissions and Diversity Initiatives, at klabercr@indiana.edu or 812-855-2704 if you have any questions.

The Wisconsin Statewide Pre-Law Diversity Day is set for Friday, February 28, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Marquette University Law School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This event is open to all students. For more information and to register, visit their website here.  Cosponsored by the University of Wisconsin Law School and Marquette University Law School, this FREE event includes lunch and:

  • an update on law school admissions in Wisconsin featuring the University of Wisconsin and Marquette University Law Schools;
  • breakout workshops featuring a mock class for students ; and
  • law school fair featuring admissions representatives from law schools around the country.  Click here for a list of law schools that participated in last year’s event.

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

Minnesota Pre-Law Scholars (MPLS) is a program that offers a select number of students a free LSAT prep class each summer at the University of Minnesota Law School. Admission is highly selective and based on a holistic review of the MPLS application material.

College students considering law school, especially rising seniors and those from groups historically underrepresented in law school, are encouraged to apply. The program is open to undergraduate students and recent graduates from any undergraduate institution.

Students will learn about law school admissions preparation from Minnesota Law School staff. The remaining portion of class, taught by an instructor from The Princeton Review, will be dedicated to LSAT preparation and practice exams. Some daytime events such as law firm visits will also be offered. Three (3) excused absences will be allowed during the summer session.

There is no cost to participate in MPLS. However, participants must submit a $100 seat deposit which is fully refundable upon successful completion of the program. All books and study materials will be provided.  The program will run from June to mid-August 2020.

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

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

Law School Open Houses and Admitted Students Days

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

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

OTHER CAMPUS OPPORTUNITIES

​Career Center

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

SCHOLARSHIPS

FRED S. BAILEY SCHOLARSHIP FOR CAUSE DRIVEN LEADERS

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

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

Application deadline: February 16

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

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

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

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

Contact: Kasey Umland

Director, Bailey Scholarship Program, University YMCA

217.337.1514; bailey@universityymca.org

Office of Undergraduate Research

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

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

What to do over Winter Break

Make your summer plans!

  • Apply for spring and summer 2020 internships! Check out our 2019 Internship/Jobs Newsletter over on our Compass page for over 30 pages of internship and job listings and other good ideas for pre-law opportunities. (Don’t wait until spring to look for summer internships–many will be filled by then.)
  • Apply for Summer 2020 pre-law programs. In addition to jobs and internships, we have provided information on several pre-law summer programs in our Jobs/Internships Newsletter.  These opportunities can be found in the Internship/Jobs Newsletter, starting on page 7.
  • Apply for Summer 2020 Study Abroad programs. Now is the time, as many summer study abroad program deadlines are in January/February. Program offerings include locations such as Milan, Barcelona and many others. Explore all available summer programs on the Study Abroad website.

Check out the LSAT Schedule!

Registrations for Spring 2020 LSAT administrations are open.  Go here for more info and to register.  The schedule for 2020-2021 LSAT Administrations, which begin with the June 2020 administration, should be posted in early January so keep checking LSAC.org for updates.

Also – don’t forget to mark your calendar for the PLAS LSAT Boot Camp, set for February 10!  Go here for more info.

Apply for scholarships!

  • Explore the Top Scholars website here–they offer lots of opportunities like these upcoming scholarships: UK Summer Fulbright, Boren, and Gilman scholarships.
  • Did you know that you can get a scholarship for writing one tweet? Or making a 2 minute video? Or being left-handed? Check out our 150+ Scholarship Spreadsheet–listing ALL kinds of scholarships, not just essays–over on our Compass page.

Update your professional and online presence!

  • Draft or update your resume to reflect what you accomplished this semester. These Career Center resources on drafting resumes can be helpful.
  • Create or update your LinkedIn profile
  • Create a professional-sounding email account (such as your full name, not jedimaster97 or hotmama23) if you are getting ready to apply for jobs, internships, scholarships, or graduate school
  • Clean up your social media/online presence. When you apply for jobs, internships, or graduate school, many people will Google you or review your social media sites, so make sure they are appropriate for those audiences. Take down anything questionable, un-tag yourself, and double check your privacy settings.

Informational Interviews. While you have some free time, take the opportunity to reach out to local lawyers and get some insight into legal careers. Ask if you can take them to coffee and chat about their careers.

  • How to find lawyers: Do your parents know any lawyers? Do you have any family members or family friends who are lawyers? They probably know even more lawyers to whom they can refer you for even more interviews. If you don’t know any lawyers and you live in Illinois, use the Illinois Lawyer Finder here, which allows you to search for lawyers by location and practice area around the state
  • For more details on how to conduct the interview use this Career Center resource.

Read up on legal issues and legal careers!

  • A great book providing insight into lots of different legal careers is 24 Hours with 24 Lawyers by Jasper Kim. 
  • Legal websites and blogs abound. Here are popular legal sites where you can learn about hot legal issues and about the legal profession.
    • SCOTUSblog for up-to-the-minute analyses of what the Supreme Court is hearing and doing
    • Law.com for a look inside the legal profession from various practice areas
    • LawProfessorBlogs.com Want to get a peek into the world of law professors and the topics they consider important? This site provides a directory of many different blogs by topic area and includes everything from Adoption Law to White Collar Crime and everything in-between.
    • Illinois State Bar Association’s website includes a blog and daily legal news about legal issues around the state. (You can find other state sites by searching, for example, “Texas” and state bar association.)

Listen to podcasts–there are tons of great legal podcasts out there, including these.

  • I Am the Law presents interviews with all different types of lawyers, from environmental lawyers to prosecutors to family law and corporate.
  • Serial provides an in depth view of the nuance and challenges of prosecuting crimes as each season analyzes one criminal case.
  • Women in the Law. This special short-term series explored issues of particular relevance to women in the profession.
  • The Girl’s Guide to Law School–Don’t be fooled by the name; this is not just for girls! This podcast is relevant for everyone interested in law school. With topics ranging from Will Law School Be a Disaster to Which Law School Should I Go To to explaining OCI (an interview process for law students) to Avoiding Disasters in Law School to how to read cases, this podcast truly has something for everyone.

If you are currently applying to law school:

  • Finish those applications. It is time to get them in!
  • Plan your law school visits–many schools have scheduled open houses or visit days in January and February. This may require pre-registration and some travel that you’ll want to plan in advance.
  • Follow your law schools on social media if you’d like to know when they are making decisions or scheduling open house/admitted student events.
  • Make a Pre-Law Advising appointment–If you have application questions or want some feedback on an essay, you can make a phone or Zoom appointment if you’re not in the area. Here is our appointment availability over winter break.
    • Appointments with a pre-law advisor are available through December 20.
    • The office will be closed December 24 through January 5, reopening on Jan. 6. (Staff will not be available during this time.)
    • Appointments will be available again January 6 through January 16.
    • Our regular schedule will resume with the Spring Semester on Tuesday, January 21.

 

 

 

 

What to do over Fall Break

Fall Break is here — now what?

Aside from relaxing, eating, and watching football (and maybe getting ready for finals?!), what else could/should you be doing?

If You Are Taking the November LSAT

  1. Keep studying!  As you know, the test is NEXT Monday, November 25.
  2. Review the LSAC’s Test Center Requirements, which can be found here.
  3. Get plenty of rest and try to eat something before you head to the exam.
  4. Once the LSAT is over, take a day or so to recover, then….

If You Are Currently Applying to Law School

  1. If you are done with the LSAT, then finish your applications!  If you have everything you need to apply then there is no reason to procrastinate. This is a rolling admissions process — file your applications ASAP!
  2. If you are waiting on Letters of Recommendation, gently remind your recommenders  that you want to submit your applications ASAP but cannot do so until LSAC/CAS receives all required letters of recommendation. Ask them when they can complete your recommendation.
  3. If you are taking the January LSAT — keep studying!  A strong LSAT score helps both with admissions and scholarships! Set some goals for how many practice LSATs you can take over break and stick to it.
  4. Attend an Open House or schedule a visit with law schools. (If you’re scheduling a visit, make sure the school is open and staffed during Thanksgiving week!) Click here to revisit our November 13 Blog, which lists several law school Open Houses both within and outside of Illinois.  Before your visit, check out this piece on how to make a good impression on a law school dean
  5. Check deadlines for Early Decision!  While many schools list November 15 as their early decision deadline, several others allow early decision applications until December 1 or even Dec. 15.  Not sure about early decision? Click here for a PLAS blog post on the pros and cons of applying early decision.
  6. Complete your FAFSA.
  7. Did you know that you can already apply for scholarships sponsored by non-university sources? Take a look at the scholarship spreadsheet with over 150 options over on our Compass page–these have a variety of due dates and many are due by the end of the calendar year, so now is a great time to apply!

If You Are Not Yet Applying to Law School

  1. Study for finals and write those papers!  Your GPA is a very important part of the law school admissions and scholarship process!
  2. LSAT Prep. In general, we advise those planning to apply to law school next fall to take the June or July 2020 LSAT (unless study abroad prevents you from doing so). You should plan to spend approximately 4-6 months studying for the LSAT–so now is the time to prepare for that process. As you plan your schedule for Spring 2020, consider not overloading on courses since the time necessary for effective preparation equates to the time invested in a rigorous 3 credit class. Remember: the LSAT is NOT like the ACT or the SAT.  It does not test what you know.  Rather, it tests how you think.  It is important to determine how you plan to study for the LSAT (on your own, using the FREE Khan Academy Prep, through a commercial prep company, etc.), and decide where you want to take the LSAT. To begin your research, go to the LSAC’s website for info on the LSAT, how to register and select a test site, and how to be successful on the test. Note – PLAS will be holding the “LSAT Boot Camp” on Monday, February 10, 2020, featuring presentations by both the LSAC and Kaplan Commercial Test Prep! Keep checking back for more info as the event gets closer.
  3. Apply for Internships — Have you thought about what you will be doing next summer?  Are you looking into internships? Internships can be a great way to build transferrable skills or learn more about the practice of law.  Do you need some suggestions on how and where to find an internship?  Check out this Internship Plan from our blog.  And remember: the PLAS Annual Internship Newsletter will be out and published on Compass on December 9!
  4. Network and conduct informational interviews. A great way to start building your professional network and get to know various legal practice areas is to meet with lawyers! Do you or your parents know any lawyers? Are any of your friends’ parents lawyers? You can also use the alumni association directory to identify Illinois alumni who are lawyers. Ask a lawyer to spend 30 minutes doing an informational interview with you. Don’t be intimidated; this is an opportunity for you to buy him/her coffee and ask about their professional life. Here’s a resource for planning your informational interview. 
  5. Complete your FAFSA
  6. Apply for scholarships! We’ve included lots of scholarships for continuing undergraduate students. Take a look at the scholarship spreadsheet with over 150 options over on our Pre-Law Compass page–these have a variety of due dates and many are due by the end of the calendar year, so now is a great time to apply.

Have a great break!

Mark Your Calendars: Week Sept 30th, Law School Fair Edition

2019 Law School Fair!

This year’s PLAS Law School Fair has arrived!! If you are interested in attending Law School, then this is the event for you! Stop by and meet with over 100 law schools in attendance from all over the country! This event is FREE and open to the public. Illinois juniors, seniors, and alumni considering law school are especially encouraged to attend.

The Fair will be held at the ARC–Activities and Recreation Center, 201 East Peabody Drive, Champaign, IL 61820 on October 3, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

At the fair, you can:

      • Gather information about law schools that interest you.
      • Meet the people who will be reading your law school applications and make a good first impression on them.
      • Discover new law schools that would be a good fit for you. Visit our website here for a clickable list of attending law schools
      • Talk with admissions professionals about what qualities they seek in a candidate.
      • Collect some fun freebies and application fee waivers!

What to Wear and Bring: Dress is business casual. It is not necessary to bring a résumé, but some schools may accept them. Most schools will have a sign-in sheet for you to provide your contact information if you wish. Plan to bring: Pen, a notepad, and your questions about the schools and their programs!

Click here for more info including a list of schools scheduled to attend!

Pre-Law On-Campus Events

Law School Admissions Expert Panel – Wednesday, October 2, 7:00pm, 1002 Lincoln Hall

This panel features the law school admissions deans from the University of Illinois, Indiana University, St. Louis University, and the University of Texas-Austin!  Click here for more info!

Pre-Law 101 – Monday, Oct 14, 2019   4:00 – 5:00 pm

This workshop is designed for incoming students who are new to pre-law or are interested in learning more about it. All Illini are welcome.

We will cover: What it means to be pre-law at Illinois, course selection, majors, and extracurriculars, building a pre-law resume, and what law schools are really looking for. Click here to register

Go here to check out other upcoming PLAS Events!

Work-It-Wednesday: Connect with a FBI Recruiter

Undergraduate research Apprentice Program 

Program Description: The Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program (URAP@UI) offers undergraduate students with little or no research experience the opportunity to assist advanced graduate students with their research projects. Through a one-on-one research experience with their graduate student mentor, undergraduate students will have the opportunity to learn what it means to do research, create knowledge, and produce scholarship.

Undergraduate students selected to be part of the program will begin work with their mentors in Spring 2020. As part of the program, students will (1) attend regular weekly class meetings (GC 295, Introduction to Undergraduate Research, 3 credit hours) with OUR/Grad College instructors; and (2) work one-on-one with their graduate mentors, an average of 5-6 hours per week. As part of the course requirement, students will complete a final project, consisting of a poster, to be presented during “Undergraduate Research Week,” an annual event sponsored by OUR.

For more information about URAP, and to apply to the program, please visit our website: http://undergradresearch.illinois.edu/programs/urap.html

Informational Meetings

Informational meetings are scheduled for September 23, October 2, and October 8, from 3-3:50 pm in Noyes Laboratory Room 217. Get tips on creating a good statement of interest, why you should participate, and get your questions answered.

Application Deadline

Deadline for applications is October 15, 2019 at 11:59pm.

To apply, please visit: http://undergradresearch.illinois.edu/programs/urap.html

Law School/Legal Education Events

AccessLex, a nonprofit working to educate law students about the financial aspects of legal education, invites all who are interested to these free upcoming events. Click here to register and to view their full schedule.

    • The Road to Zero: A Strategic Approach to Student Loan Repayment–Sept. 30, 4:00 pm (EST)

    • Applying to Law School: A Strategic Approach Webinar – Oct. 1, 6:00 pm (EST)

Campus Internships

ATLAS Internships for all LAS majors. ATLAS internships help students in the College of LAS gain hands-on learning with technology and provide real tech experience. No specific GPA or tech experience required. To apply or for more details visit their website here.

Scholarship Opportunities

Check out the Illinois Office of Student Financial Aid for some great scholarship opportunities! There are so many scholarships to choose from including scholarship awarded ONLY to Illinois students! Everyone has a chance to win, so apply today. Click here for more information.

Office of Undergraduate Research

Proposal Writing in Undergraduate Research–Oct. 10th, 3:00-4:30 pm. This workshop will discuss the fundamentals of proposal writing, guiding students to formulate successful research projects and explain their research in a concise and compelling manner that is understandable to a general audience. Students will leave the workshop with (1) basic knowledge about research proposals and their structure, (2) tactics and tools to write successful research statements, and (3) a list of resources for assistance in the writing process.Visit the Office of Undergraduate Research website to register for the upcoming workshop options below.

Career Center https://www.careercenter.illinois.edu/

Handshake–Looking for internships, jobs, career fairs, networking receptions, or other professional opportunities? Handshake is where it’s at! All students, not just seniors, should set up an account and start checking in on a consistent basis to see what opportunities interest you. Set up your account here.

ALL students should utilize the Career Center’s services! They offer a variety of programs to help you identify career paths through workshops, career fairs and individual meetings. Click on the link above to view all of their offerings.

Here are some of their upcoming events:

      • Career Drop-In: October 1, 2019 – 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
      • Resume, Cover Letter, and Linked In Reviews are offered almost every day. Check the website for times and locations.

Apply to More Than 150 Scholarships Today!

Who doesn’t want or need additional scholarship money to pay for law school?!  There is no time like the present to apply for scholarships. Check out our compass page for our updated scholarship spreed sheet!

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

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

With finals and the academic year coming to an end, this is a perfect opportunity to apply for scholarships and get some free money!! We have over 150 updated scholarships ready for you to apply. Here is a sample of what we have to offer:

CREW Network Foundation Scholarship: DUE April 30th https://crewnetwork.org/foundation/college-scholarships/eligibility
David Mann Legal Scholarship: DUE May 1st https://www.manninjurylaw.com/legal-award/
Empowering Women in Law Scholarship: DUE May 31st https://thepearcelawfirm.com/empowering-scholarship-application/#application
Duffy Law Scholarship: DUE July 15th https://www.duffylawct.com/duffy-law-llc-1000-scholarship/

Mark Your Calendars: Week of April 8

Pre-Law Campus Events:

Taking a Gap Year Before Law School – April 10, 6:00 – 7:00 pm, Gregory Hall Room 319  Nationwide, the average law student has taken one or more gap year(s) after undergrad before applying to law school. Whether you are planning to go straight through to law school after undergrad is over or looking at one or more years before law school, this workshop will help you prepare for that next step.  Hear from our panel of current law students from the University of Illinois College of Law and learn more about the pros and cons of both choices.

ATTENTION SPRING 2019 GRADS – Check out our Compass page for a recently-updated listing of job opportunities in Chicago, NYC, DC and more!

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES AND INFO FOR PRE-LAW STUDENTS:

NOW is the time for June and July LSAT Registration–Planning to take the June or 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.

National and International Scholarship Program Info Sessions
During the first two weeks of April, the National and International Scholarship Program will be hosting information sessions for undergraduate students across colleges and fields to learn about some nationally competitive scholarship opportunities.

Information Sessions for freshmen and sophomores will be held the week of April 8th: For first and second year undergraduates, sessions will focus on what students should be doing to strengthen their candidacy for various awards.

Monday, April 8th: 3:30-4:00 or 4:00-4:30
Tuesday, April 9th: 11:30-Noon, 3:30-4:00 or 4:00-4:30
Wednesday, April 10th: 2:30-3:00 and 3:00-3:30
Thursday, April 11th: 2:30-3:00 or 3:00-3:30
Friday, April 12th: 1:30-2:00

All information sessions will be held in conference room 514 in the Campus Center for Advising and Academic Services at 807 South Wright Street, which is the Illini Union Bookstore building.

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.

llini Career and Internship Fair, Thursday, April 11, 12pm-5pm, at the ARC!!

This career fair is open to all disciplines and is designed to serve as a “just-in-time” fair for students that have yet to secure a summer internship or full-time job after graduation.

DINE: Diversity and Inclusion Networking Exchange, April 10, 6:30 – 8 p.m. Illini Union Room 314

Engage with employers who value diversity in the workplace. Practice networking with company representatives in a casual setting. Register at go.illinois.edu/dine2019

 
Upcoming Workshops:

Tuesday, April 9, Career Fair Prep: Maximize Your Experience 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., The Career Center, Conference Room 143, 715 S Wright St.

Wednesday, April 10, Rock You Resume Noon – 4 p.m., Student Services Arcade Building, The Career Center Resource Library

Employers Speak 5 – 6 p.m., Illini Union, Room 210, 1401 W Green St.
DINE: Diversity and Inclusion Networking Exchange 6:30 – 8 p.m., Illini Union, Room 314, 1401 W Green St.

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.

Drop-in Health Professions Advising: The Career Center, 715 S. Wright, offers drop-in service on Tuesdays and Fridays from 1:30 – 3 p.m. for students with quick questions about health professions.

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
New Student Programs
Apply to be an Orientation Leader by October 29 at newstudent.illinois.edu

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!

Mark Your Calendars – Week of February 25

Hello Pre-Law Students!  Don’t forget tomorrow‘s PLAS “Negotiating Scholarships Workshop!”  Also — at least two summer pre-law programs have application deadlines of THIS FRIDAY, MARCH 1.  Scroll down for info on these items as well as other opportunities!

PLAS events

Our next event, “Negotiating Scholarships Workshop” is TOMORROW, Tuesday February 26!  The event will be held at 1002 Lincoln Hall starting at  6PM.

Law school financial aid is very different from the undergrad aid process. Join us as we host Ann Perry, Associate Dean for Admissions at the University of Chicago Law School, and Rebecca Ray, Assistant Dean for Admissions and Financial Aid at the University of Illinois College of Law.

The deans will share their expertise on law school financial aid and scholarships, including:

  • Understanding your financial aid offer;
  • How to go about requesting reconsideration of your scholarship package;
  • What elements are effective for increasing aid offers;
  • Tips and suggestions for respectful and effective collaborations with financial aid staff.

Participants will have the opportunity to ask these experts any and all law school admissions and financial aid questions. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in law school to understand the process of admission and awarding financial aid to law school applicants.

Pre-Law Club Event: UIUC Law School Student Panel

Wednesday, February 27th in Greg Hall Room 223 at 5 PM.  Join the Pre-Law Club and hear from current law students about some of their experiences applying to and attending law school. This is a great event if you are planning to apply to law school next year or if you just want to know more about what law school is really like.

other opportunities

Summer PLUS programs. We posted a spreadsheet full of pre-law undergraduate summer programs over on our Compass page! For example:

June and July LSAT Registration–Planning to take the June or July LSAT? Now is also a good time to apply for a fee waiver. For more on LSAC fee waivers revisit this blog post.

Did you know that you can get a scholarship for working at an unpaid internship this summer? Apply for the Fred S. Bailey scholarship here, which provides a $1000 stipend for part-time internships and a $2500 stipend for full-time summer internships. Applications due April 8.

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

University of Illinois’ Office for Student Conflict and Resolution Subcommittee Applications Now Open!

The University of Illinois’ Office for Student Conflict and Resolution has opened up their applications for their two subcommittees: the Subcommittee on Student Conduct and the Subcommittee on Sexual Misconduct. Student applicants must be:

  1. Enrolled full-time at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign;
  2. At least two full semesters from graduation; and
  3. In good academic standing with at least a 2.5 grade point average.

It is encouraged that students have Friday afternoon availability for the Fall 2019 and Spring 2020 semesters. For more information and to apply, visit their website here.

dgs summer peer advisor – information session tomorrow, february 26, 9-10am, 514 iub!

The Division of General Studies (DGS) is seeking undergraduate student leaders, who are interested in being a positive influence on the DGS campus community, to assist with our New Student Registration program.

DGS is the starting point for the University of Illinois students who wish to explore their options before declaring a major. We also serve students in transition between colleges or majors. The DGS student body is approximately 3,000 students. The summer peer advisors will work closely with DGS
advisors and administrators to gain necessary knowledge to assist incoming freshman in planning for their first semester of college.

DGS Summer Peer Advisors will:

• Learn about the academic advising profession by being an integral part of New Student Registration.

• Collaborate with DGS academic advisors, administrators, and other campus partners

• Serve as a point person for roughly 1,700 new students

• Facilitate morning small group meetings for DGS students during New Student Registration.

• Assist new students with registration of courses for the fall semester

Candidates must be available for full day training May 13-16, 2019. Peer advisors will be responsible for working approximately 25 hours per week from May 28-July 2.

The pay for this position is $10 per hour. Required qualifications:

• Strong communication skills

• Demonstrated ability to work well with others

• Knowledge of the Course Explorer website

• Knowledge of UI Integrate Self Service

• Successfully pass a background check

• Minimum GPA of 2.0 or above

Preferred qualifications:

• Former DGS student

• Familiarity of ICT process

• Knowledge of Illinois general education requirements

• Junior or Senior class standing for Fall 2018

• Demonstrated leadership experience

• GPA of 2.5 or above

• Attend a peer advisor informational session

Application: Email a cover letter, resume and three references to Jessica Arnold, jarnold7@illinois.edu by 5pm on March 25, 2019. Applications received after 5pm will not be considered.

Informational Sessions:

Interested Candidates should attend an informational session to learn more about the program and this position. It is not required to apply but encouraged.

• February 26: 9-10am in IUB 514

• March 5: 3-4pm in IUB 514

Campus Events

Career Center

Global Careers: Germany – Friday, March 1, 2-3:30pm, Career Center Conference Room 143

Are you interested in the job market of Germany that is the most friendly to international job seekers out of the EU countries? Professionals and alumni who are working in Germany are virtually invited.

Resume/Cover Letter/Linked In Reviews

  • Feb. 25, 2-4:30 pm TCC Resource Center; 5-7:30pm Ikenberry Commons
  • Feb. 26, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center; 5-7:30pm BrewLab Coffee Shop
  • Feb. 27, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center, 5-7:30pm BrewLab Coffee Shop
  • Feb. 28, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center
  • March 1, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center

Career Fairs. Mark your calendars for spring career fairs, which are open to all Illinois students and present both job and internship opportunities. Find these and other fair opportunities .

  • Illini Career & Internship Fair–April 11, 1-5pm, ARC. This career fair is open to all disciplines and is designed to serve as a “just-in-time” fair for students that have yet to secure a summer internship or full-time job after graduation. Visit their website here.

Go to the Career Center website to find other programs!