Pre-Law Advising Services Blog http://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising Pre-law news, events, & opportunities every week! Wed, 13 May 2026 20:41:36 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 2025 – 2026 PLAS Year in Review http://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/2026/05/11/2025-2026-plas-year-in-review/ Mon, 11 May 2026 21:08:56 +0000 https://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/?p=17107 Continue reading 2025 – 2026 PLAS Year in Review]]>

The 2025–2026 academic year was once again both demanding and rewarding, marked by numerous achievements alongside the expected challenges of navigating the undergraduate experience, professional opportunities, and another highly competitive admissions cycle. We are incredibly proud of the perseverance, resilience, and successes demonstrated by our Illini pre-law students and alumni throughout the year and congratulate our entire Illini pre-law community on another fantastic year!

On behalf of PLAS, we thank our Illinois pre-law student & alumni leaders, law expert volunteers, and all who supported our pre-law Illini this academic year! Per tradition, we have compiled highlights from the year to celebrate all that has been achieved. We hope you’ll take a few minutes to enjoy and celebrate with us as the academic year draws to a close!

Check out this year’s highlights in the video below!

Read below for some highlights from this year!

Advising Appointment & Student Engagement

In addition to open office hours, workshops, programming, and over 10 unique student engagement events across campus, PLAS held over 1,000 individual advising appointments (and counting) this year!

Individual advising appointments are a great way for students and alumni to explore their unique goals and plans, including determining if a legal education and career are the right choice! During advising sessions, Illini receive expert guidance on the pre-law undergraduate experience, ways to prepare for law school, internship & post-graduation opportunities, and the law admissions process. We welcome the opportunity to support you in a successful journey to law school from freshman year and beyond.

Whether you have met with us in the past or are new to prelaw, we look forward to seeing you soon!

Workshops & Events

This academic year, PLAS hosted over 60 student workshops, programs, and events, including Pre-Law 101, Pre-Law for Parents, Drafting Your Application, Application Roadmap, Spring Application Strategies, and more!

Workshops & events are a perfect way to gain invaluable expert insights and specialized topics in a very efficient way. Live workshops are available throughout the year (in-person and virtual) and also include an impressive catalogue of on-demand webinars to access at any time! Upcoming live workshops and programs are posted to the PLAS Calendar each year – be sure to check back often for upcoming events!

Note – PLAS programming is open to all current Illinois undergraduate students and alumni!

Unique Prelaw Programs & Opportunities

Four programs, the Pre-Law Advisory Council, APPtitude Certificate Program, LSAT Jumpstart workshop series, and the I Am Ready: Law Admission Readiness Program co-hosted with the University of Illinois College of Law, saw great success in their fourth year!

PLAS hosted two unique programs for prelaw students for the third year: Illinois Pre-Law Day and the Pre-Law Leadership Summit.

Additionally, PLAS welcomed special on-campus visits and webinars from Yale Law School, Harvard Law School, the University of Chicago Law School, and a very special visit with Dean Jason Czarnezki and Assistant Dean Melissa Hansen of Chicago-Kent College of Law.

Last, but certainly not least, we welcomed five members of the Illinois Latino Judges Association for an impactful afternoon of networking and mingling. A very special muchas gracias (thank you) to the Hon. Louis Aranda, Hon. Brenda Claudio, Hon. Carlo Colisimo, Hon. David Garcia, and Hon. Sandra Page for taking time out of their schedules to meet with our students!

Yale Law School Visit – Oct. 6, 2025 | Harvard Law School Virtual Q&A – Oct. 20, 2025 | University of Chicago Law School Virtual Q&A, Nov. 5, 2025 | Chicago-Kent Visit – Mar. 11, 2026

Illinois Latino Judges Association Meet and Mingle | Nov. 11, 2025

2026 Pre-Law Leadership Summit | February 20, 2026

Illinois Pre-Law Day with students from UIUC, UIC, and UIS | April 9, 2026

Law School Fair & Law Dean Panel

This past fall, admissions representatives from nearly 100 law schools from across the country, TestMasters, and AccessLex visited our campus to engage with nearly 400 attendees from the University of Illinois and throughout central Illinois. The 2025 Law School Fair was hosted as part of the annual Midwest Association of Pre-Law Advisors (MAPLA) Caravan.

We also hosted our annual panel of law admissions experts directly following the Law School Fair, featuring:

2025 Panelists:

Dave Farnum – Director of Student Recruitment, The University of Texas School of Law 

Janet Hein – Director of Admissions, Indiana University Maurer School of Law

Rebecca Ray – Assistant Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, University of Illinois College of Law

Alison Smith – Assistant Dean of Admissions, Washington University Law School

A huge thank you to all the law school representatives, students, and volunteers who made the day a success!

Save the Date for the 2026 Law School Fair
on September 23!

Blog Posts

We uploaded over 35 articles to our blog this year, covering insights from attorneys, helpful tips & resources on the pre-law path, monthly events, and more!

This year, we welcomed several guest bloggers and contributors. A special thank you to:

Phoebe Adams – Illinois College of Law
Lauren Anderson ’26
Max Ando – Fordham Law School
Ben Aranda ’28
Ava Basolo ’28
Carter Cohen ’25
Emma Costello-Wollwage ’28
Joel Diaz ’27
Erika Efigenio ’27
Josh Ellison ’26
Hibba Hoda ’26
Allie Johnson – Illinois College of Law
Harry Kennedy ’27
Elizabeth King ’26
Lev Linderman ’29

Marcos López II – Illinois College of Law
Eshal Mirza ’26
Savanah Misius ’26
Diti Nainwal ’28
Kyla Osborne ’26
Alyse Raggs-Caldwell ’26
Elizabeth Segel ’28
Lauren Strojny ’25
Mia Starke ’28
Anais Tatem ’28
Pranav Thamballapalle ’28
Paige Thing – Advisory Council Chair
Rebekah Tindall – Illinois College of Law
Julia Trevino ’27
Imaan Zaheer ’27

We will continue to create blog content this summer, so be sure to stay tuned and check back for updates!

Legal Expert Volunteers

A huge thank you to the judges, attorneys, law professors, and other law experts who volunteered their time to engage with students through programming as guest speakers and 1:1 meetings this year. A very special thank you to the 12+ alumni featured on the Alumni Attorney Talks blog series this year – joining dozens of past volunteers!

Congratulations and Thank You to all our pre-law students, alumni, and law expert volunteers for making it a great year!

Stay in touch this summer…

Our office remains open during the summer for virtual advising and resources. Be sure to stay in touch! Find more details online at prelaw.illinois.edu.

Check-out the Summer Spotlight Series!

Be sure to help us celebrate our Illini applicants and graduates this summer through the annual Spotlight Series celebrating Illini on their law school selections and post-graduation plans!

]]> Alumni Attorney Talk | Dakota Richmond http://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/2026/04/22/alumni-attorney-talk-dakota-richmond/ Wed, 22 Apr 2026 17:49:50 +0000 https://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/?p=16872 Continue reading Alumni Attorney Talk | Dakota Richmond]]>

Alumni Attorney Talks is a virtual series that aims to provide prospective law students with helpful insights about attending law school and pursuing a legal career. This series features interviews with University of Illinois alumni working in a variety of diverse settings within the legal profession.

Dakota Richmond

ASSOCIATE
Troester Sharpe, P.C.

Dakota Richmond is an Associate at Troester Sharpe, a boutique-style firm that specializes in employment defense. She is based in the Chicago area, and her work focuses on labor and employment. View her Firm profile here.

Ms. Richmond received a B.S. in Psychology and Political Science from the University of Illinois in 2020. She then received her J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law in 2024.

Learn more about Ms. Richmond here in the Alumni Attorney Talk Directory.

]]> The Intersection of STEM and Law http://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/2026/04/07/the-intersection-of-stem-and-law/ Tue, 07 Apr 2026 23:08:50 +0000 https://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/?p=16918 Continue reading The Intersection of STEM and Law]]>

How do STEM and law intersect?

Did you know that STEM majors can (and do!) go to law school? While it may be true that liberal arts majors, including political science, are the most common majors associated with future interest in law school, do not be fooled! Many practicing lawyers and law students obtained undergraduate and/or graduate degrees in STEM subjects. While STEM stands for Science – Technology – Engineering – Mathematics, there are numerous unique majors that may fall within these broad categories, including majors related to Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Earth Sciences, Health Sciences, Information Technology, Mathematics, and Physics!

Law intersects with every industry and every aspect of society; it makes sense that the profession needs people who are well-versed in STEM fields amongst the thousands of students entering law school each year. This is especially true in today’s world, where so many emerging industries, challenges, and opportunities in our society, and growth in the legal profession revolve around topics related to STEM fields.

While STEM plays a large role generally in our society, it is very common for STEM majors to question how well-suited their major and background may be for a future in law. However, if you enjoy STEM courses, it could be a great possibility for you to explore. Having a STEM background can open many different pathways within the law. For example, lawyers who sit for the Patent Bar are required to meet specific educational requirements in specific science fields as prescribed by the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Those who successfully sit for the Patent Bar are eligible to practice before the USPTO as either a patent agent (no JD required) or as a patent attorney (JD required).

While having a STEM degree or coursework may make an individual uniquely eligible for the Patent Bar, many lawyers who have earned STEM degrees choose practice areas outside of patent law. STEM majors may utilize their background in other areas of IP law, health, privacy and information, business, technology, food and drug, environmental, agricultural, personal injury, government, security and beyond! Others may use their skills and knowledge to work in specialized roles such as consulting or forensics purposes, lending a unique perspective to a wide-range of cases; while others may ultimately choose to pursue paths in law that are entirely unrelated to their STEM major.

In short, STEM can take you anywhere in the law you wish to go. Law schools are looking for a wide variety of perspectives and experiences. There is room in the legal profession for students of all majors and interests; you just have to find out where you fit. And, if you follow your interests, you will always find your place in law school. Having a STEM background will allow you to contribute your unique perspectives and enrich the law school experience for everyone!

Want to learn more?

Check out some of our legal specialties’ resources on the PLAS Canvas page for a quick overview of some common practice areas: Exploring Legal Specialties: Pre-Law Advising Services Resources

Don’t take our word for it…

Continue reading to hear from current undergraduate pre-law + STEM students, current law students with STEM degrees, and practicing attorneys who attribute part of their success in their fields to their STEM backgrounds. Finally, the PLAS office has some STEM-focused events specifically for students interested in law. Read to the end to learn more!

Hear from current STEM majors with a pre-law designation!

Julia Trevino, Information Science, Class of 2027

Why did you choose your STEM major? How did your STEM major inform your interest in law?

“I chose my major because it was both intellectually challenging and closely aligned with my interests. With my technical background, it felt natural to continue building my skills in a rigorous field while exploring how innovation shapes the world around us. That experience also deepened my interest in law. The more I studied technology, the more interested I became in the legal questions surrounding it, especially privacy, intellectual property, regulation, and ethics. My STEM major gave me the technical foundation to understand these challenges and ultimately led me to my interest in technology law.”

How do you foster community while being a STEM major with an interest in law?

“I foster community by intentionally connecting with other STEM pre-law students, building relationships with peers in my major, and joining pre-law organizations. Although I appreciated the opportunities those organizations provided, I often felt isolated within them. This pushed me to become more rooted in my major, focusing on the subjects I care most about and shaping my own path around those interests. I have also built a community through outreach to attorneys and legal
professionals with similar backgrounds. Those conversations have been especially meaningful because they have shown me that my interests in STEM and law can coexist and strengthen one another. Through both peers and mentors, I have found a sense of belonging in a path that can otherwise feel uncommon.”

What are some activities or experiences that have helped you explore an interest in law as a STEM major?

“Research has been one of the most important ways I have explored my interest in law as a STEM major. Last semester, I completed an independent study on the constitutionality of model weights, which gave me the opportunity to examine constitutional law through the lens of artificial intelligence. Studying both the technical and legal dimensions of that issue confirmed how much I value working at the intersection of law and technology.

I also began working as a research assistant focused on the regulatory landscape of enacted privacy and AI laws. That experience has allowed me to engage with pressing legal questions surrounding emerging technologies while also showing me the real-world impact of legal research. Together, these experiences have been deeply rewarding, helping me refine my professional interests and better understand which law schools would best support my goals.”

What advice would you give to students who have a STEM major but also an interest in law?

“Find ways to connect your STEM major with your interest in law rather than viewing them as separate paths. The more deeply you engage with your major, the more opportunities you will discover that bring both fields together. Pursue what genuinely interests you, stay passionate about it, and trust your own direction. It is also important not to be discouraged by outside noise, especially from people who may not understand the STEM-to-law path. You know yourself best and have the clearest sense of where you want to go. Staying grounded in that confidence will help you build a path that is meaningful, intentional, and uniquely your own.”

Lev Linderman, Biology, Class of 2029

Why did you choose your STEM major? How did your STEM major inform your interest in law?

“I chose my STEM major because I had thoughts about being Pre-Med, but once I realized that I didn’t want to be a doctor, I thought that I could potentially go into patent law because science was still of interest to me.”

How do you foster community while being a STEM major with an interest in law?

“I think that there are more people in the STEM fields with an interest in law than one might think. I have met a great deal of people in my classes who also have an interest in patent/intellectual property law. Many of them are engineers. I believe that it is something that you can definitely find that you have in common with people in your classes.”

What are some activities or experiences that have helped you explore an interest in law as a STEM major?

“I am currently minoring in Political Science along with my STEM major, so I think that definitely helps bring the two together, and that definitely fosters my interest in law with a science background for sure.”

What advice would you give to students who have a STEM major but also an interest in law?

“I think it is great to do a STEM major if you are interested in law. It is pretty easy to take political science classes at the same time if you want, and it also will make you feel good about the expertise you might have in a certain field going into law.”

Hear from current law students with STEM backgrounds!

Allie Johnson

Animal Science & Political Science

University of Illinois College of Law Class of 2027

Marcos Lopez II

Chemistry and Biological Chemistry

University of Illinois College of Law Class of 2027

1. Why did you choose your STEM major? How did your STEM major inform your interest in law?

Allie Johnson

“I chose my STEM major because, at the time, I was interested in pursuing veterinary or medical school. Along the way, I began to notice how much overlap exists between animal science and the law. Areas like animal agriculture and research are heavily regulated, and I found those intersections especially interesting. Many of the concepts I studied raised questions that I now recognize as legal in nature, which ultimately contributed to my interest in law.”

Marcos Lopez II

“My father was a physician, so I have always had an interest in medicine. I had great chemistry teachers in middle and high school, so I wanted to explore that as a way of helping people. I had a fantastic time doing immunology research during undergrad, but I also realized that I did not want to be confined to one area of expertise. Patent law was a way for me to remain involved with cutting-edge technology without being confined to one field.”

2. How do you foster community while being a STEM major with an interest in law?

Allie Johnson

“During my first two years of undergrad, I didn’t yet know I wanted to attend law school. I ultimately decided to pursue a dual degree and added a B.A. in Political Science, which helped me build friendships and gain exposure to the legal field. I would recommend getting involved in pre-law organizations or your college’s pre-law advising office, as they can be helpful resources. That said, I don’t think extensive pre-law involvement is necessary to get into or prepare for law school. In many ways, I was glad to start with a fresh and open mindset.”

3. What has surprised you about having a STEM background and attending law school?

Allie Johnson

“I think it gives me a more diverse perspective. Having a science background helps you approach problems differently and develop solutions that someone with only a legal background might not consider. If you pursue a science field like animal science and then enter a related area of law, that combination can be especially valuable. In practice, lawyers often have to rely on industry experts to explain how things work on the ground. With a background in that field, you can bridge that gap
yourself and bring a deeper, more practical understanding to your work.”

Marcos Lopez II

“Definitely legal writing. When I arrived at law school, I was worried that my writing abilities would be behind most of my classmates because STEM classes tend to be exam-oriented rather than essay- or writing-focused. To my surprise, legal writing is much more like writing a STEM research paper than a political science essay. The writing is much more technical, and the skills I learned from writing technical papers in STEM classes made the transition to legal writing much easier on me than on many of my non-STEM law school classmates.”

4. What areas of law are you interested in pursuing, and how did your STEM background play into this interest?

Allie Johnson

“I am from Southern Illinois and plan to return there to practice. My father is a grain farmer, and I’ve always had an interest in animal agriculture, so that background is a meaningful part of my perspective. While I took a wide range of STEM courses in undergrad, I wouldn’t say my specific area of law is a direct product of that experience. I will likely work at a general practice firm with a focus on litigation, particularly medical malpractice and personal injury. Although that work is not
directly related to animal science, my background will be especially valuable when agricultural or animal-related cases arise in Southern Illinois, where those issues are more common.”

Marcos Lopez II

“This upcoming summer, I will be doing pharmaceutical patent litigation at a “BigLaw” national law firm. I was drawn to this work because of my research experience in undergrad and academic background. It was the perfect way to work with clients who are creating cutting-edge products and helping them protect their inventions. The technical nature of the subject matter means that most firms require their attorneys to have at least an undergraduate degree in a related discipline. For example, my firm was very interested in the research papers I co-authored.”

5. How has your STEM background helped you in law school?

Allie Johnson

“I mentioned earlier, having a STEM background gives you a wider range of ways to think. It teaches you how to approach problems, form hypotheses, and analyze systems in a way that law school doesn’t necessarily emphasize. When you combine that with the logical reasoning and analytical skills developed in law school, it creates a really strong and well-rounded perspective.

I also believe in the idea that to become better at one thing, it helps to develop skills in something different. For example, being a lawyer with a background in science, music, or another discipline can make you a more effective thinker and strategist. Those additional perspectives push you to see problems from new angles, which is incredibly valuable in legal practice.”

Marcos Lopez II

“A STEM background helps with building academic and professional discipline. While law school is difficult, legal coursework has never approached the difficulty of the upper-level STEM classes I took. Because of that, even when I am struggling to understand material for law school, the study habits and tricks I developed for my STEM classes have become a core part of my studying at law school. While there is a re-tooling of your toolbox, the fundamentals for doing well—reviewing your materials, understanding how each class fits with other classes, and applying what you’ve learned in class to new situations- are the same between STEM classes and law school.”

6. What advice would you give to students who want to go to law school but are worried about choosing a STEM major?

Allie Johnson

“Don’t! From my experience, law schools are excited to admit a diverse pool of applicants. A lot of people assume law schools want to see legal-focused majors or classes, but I actually think the opposite is true. For example, I was asked to complete this survey specifically because of my STEM background, that alone shows how much they value different perspectives. Having a unique academic background helps you stand out, and it allows you to contribute insights in class that others may not be able to.

Another common misconception is that a “pre-law” or legal-focused undergraduate experience will better prepare you for law school. I had virtually no legal experience before starting, aside from one class that touched on voting, and I don’t think that put me at any disadvantage. I also don’t believe that political science, while valuable in its own way, actually teaches you how to think like a lawyer or prepares you for law school in a meaningful way. Many people choose it because law and politics are related, but that doesn’t necessarily translate into readiness for legal study.

My advice to anyone choosing an undergraduate major is this: pick something you genuinely enjoy and can excel in, because your GPA and LSAT score are the primary factors in law school admissions. Second, choose a degree that can lead to a career you would be happy with, even without law school. That way, attending law school is a deliberate choice, not something you feel forced into because your degree doesn’t offer other opportunities.”

Marcos Lopez II

“It is never too late to decide you want to go to law school. During undergrad, I was nervous that I was not doing enough “pre-law” activities to apply to law school. That could not have been further from the truth. Law schools value intellectual diversity just as much as the many other kinds of diversity that strengthen the profession. That intellectual diversity includes STEM majors. Understandably, it can feel scary trying to get into a field where it feels like STEM majors do not belong. But that has
been the opposite of my experience. Instead, my STEM degree has paid itself in dividends during my time in law school.”

Hear from practicing attorneys with STEM backgrounds!

Our Alumni Attorney Talk series features dozens of UIUC undergraduate alumni who are now practicing attorneys specializing in all areas of law. Amongst our group of alumni are many with STEM backgrounds! Click their name to watch their full interview!

Devon Beane
IP Attorney at K&L Gates

Learn more about ms. beane

“I wanted to still use my technical background in chemistry, and I really enjoyed the sciences. I didn’t want to change my major to something that I thought was more law school friendly. That’s kind of when I found IP specifically.”

Franco Benyamin
IP Attorney at Latham & Watkins

Learn more about
mr. benyamin

“I remember interviewing for post-graduate employment and a lot of people were commenting on those labs that were 0% law school oriented. It actually had a huge impact on my application and really shined through on my resume.”

John Walker
Patent Attorney at InvokeIP

Learn more about mr. walker

“For IP people specifically, [I would recommend] just taking all of the most basic level science. With the very fundamentals, doing an engineering physics degree I think was the most helpful. I’m now able to cross-sell that for clients that do a myriad of different things that I never would’ve dreamed of specializing in, but I can understand it to the degree . . . to be able to work in that space.”

Learn more here: Legal Specialty: Intellectual Property | ABA IP Group

UPCOMING PLAS x STEM EVENTS:

Join us this April to continuing exploring opportunities in law for those with STEM interest!

STEM + PRELAW: Meet & mINGLE | aPRIL 20 
Join the Pre-Law Advising Office for a special presentation with Alex Piller, Director of Career Planning & Professional Development at the University of Illinois College of Law.  Mr. Piller will share his perspectives on working as an engineer before earning his law degree at the University of Michigan Law School.  Mr. Piller practices in Intellectual Property law in both New York City and Chicago before transitioning into higher education where he helps support current law students onto successful careers in law.  Mr. Piller will also provide an overview of the Patent Bar!

Want to meet fellow pre-law STEM majors - stick around for a brief Mingle after the presentation and Q&A.

The event will take place from 5:30 - 6:30 pm in CIF 2036.  To attend, please RSVP online in advance!
Pre-Law Pop Up | April 29
Join the Pre-Law Advising Office and current Pre-Law Advisory Council members in Grainger Engineering Library on April 29 from 2:30 - 4:30 pm.  Stop by for quick questions, to learn more about PLAS, or to just say hello.  We hope to see you there!

]]> Pre-Law Course Planning & Recommendations http://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/2026/04/05/pre-law-course-planning-recommendations/ Sun, 05 Apr 2026 19:28:00 +0000 https://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/?p=16904 Continue reading Pre-Law Course Planning & Recommendations]]>

It’s time to get excited about Summer and Fall courses! Each semester, we receive many questions from pre-law students regarding courses helpful in preparation for law school. Each semester Pre-Law Advising creates resources with suggested classes that pre-law students might find useful and interesting when 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. Additionally, pre-law students should consider courses in topics that will help foster knowledge in topics helpful to learning law, such as business, history, technology, and more! Finally, students should also focus on developing skill sets in areas that will support future success in law school and the legal profession, including personal development.

The general recommended course lists include classes from many disciplines that might serve one or more of the goals articulated above. We encourage you to consider departments that offer courses in areas you would like to further explore!

eXPLORE the Pre-Law Curricular & Course Planning GUide!
Check out the Curricular & Course Planning Guide Here!

Note: The Course Recommendation Charts are in Canvas. Self-enroll in the course by clicking here.

Please keep in mind that the sample course list within the Guide is not an exhaustive list, as there are many beneficial courses offered each semester. This list should be viewed as a highlight to help you identify potential courses but also assess additional courses for value in your prelaw journey. Not all courses listed will be as valuable to you as another, it is also important to remind all prelaw students that there is no required course work for law school. Courses should first and foremost service your academic and professional goals – with many courses having high value for future legal studies.

Want to learn more?

See what Pre-law Advisory Council Members say are some of their favorite pre-law-related courses at Illinois…

Anais Tatem

Anais is currently a Class of 2028 Representative of the PLAS Advisory Council. She shared the following perspectives on her favorite pre-law-related courses…

  • BTW 280: Global Business Communication – “I recommend this course because I think it teaches a lot of great skills about intercultural competence and globalized communication skills.”

Hibba Hoda

Hibba is currently an At-Large Representative of the PLAS Advisory Council. She shared the following perspectives on her favorite pre-law-related courses…

  • IS202: Social Aspects of Information Technology – “I enjoyed this class because it discusses how technology has and will change society. In some weeks we discussed policies and laws that impact citizens rights when it comes to technology. Overall, super informative and I highly recommend.”

Eshal Mirza

Eshal is currently a Class of 2026 Representative of the PLAS Advisory Council. She shared the following perspectives on her favorite pre-law-related courses…

  • PS 383: Politics of Terrorism – “The class is way different from what a ‘normal’ political science class usually entails, making it more interesting to learn. There was a ton of discussion in the course, which helped me gain more knowledge from my peers. I learned so much information about political violence and terrorism and I would recommend the course if you want to expand more knowledge on different aspects of politics!”

Elizabeth King

Elizabeth is currently a Class of 2026 Representative of the PLAS Advisory Council. She shared the following perspectives on her favorite pre-law-related courses…

  • LAW 305: Art and Cultural Property Law – “Such an interesting topic taught in a very interesting way. Great exposure to reading and briefs cases and applying them to discussion about different issues.”

Still not sure what to take? 

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

Curious about the Legal Studies minor?

Watch the Information Session and learn more about the Legal Studies Minor in Canvas!

learn more about the legal studies minor

]]> Alumni Attorney Talk | Lauren Ceckowski http://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/2026/03/13/alumni-attorney-talk-lauren-ceckowski/ Fri, 13 Mar 2026 19:26:21 +0000 https://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/?p=16891 Continue reading Alumni Attorney Talk | Lauren Ceckowski]]>

Alumni Attorney Talks is a virtual series that aims to provide prospective law students with helpful insights about attending law school and pursuing a legal career. This series features interviews with University of Illinois alumni working in a variety of diverse settings within the legal profession.

Lauren Ceckowski

ASSOCIATE, Jackson Walker, LLP

Lauren Ceckowski is an Associate at Jackson Walker, a large firm with offices in Texas and a national presence. She is based in Dallas, TX, and works in the Trial and Appellate Litigation group, where much of her work focuses on commercial trial work.

Ms. Ceckowski received a B.S. in Earth Science and Environment in 2012 from the University of Illinois. She then received her J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law in 2020.

Learn more about Ms. Ceckowski here in the Alumni Attorney Talk Directory.

]]> OCI: On-Campus Interviews – Earlier than Ever http://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/2026/02/27/oci-on-campus-interviews-earlier-than-ever/ Fri, 27 Feb 2026 21:41:57 +0000 https://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/?p=16840 Continue reading OCI: On-Campus Interviews – Earlier than Ever]]>

What is OCI?

On-Campus Interviews or OCI is a long-established term used to describe the structured process for hiring law students into primarily Big Law firms each year. OCI is a very competitive process, as law firms aim to recruit the highest-achieving students from law schools across the country. Law students who interview through the OCI process hope to secure positions as summer associates at law firms for the summer following their second (2L) year of study. Firms utilize OCI and resulting summer programs to determine which students will receive full-time offers of employment following graduation. Students interested in post-graduation Big Law positions will find those positions largely through the OCI process, which begins well before their final year (3L) of law school.

Shifting Timelines for OCI

Traditionally, the OCI process took place in late summer and into the fall semester of the 2L year. In recent eras, that timeframe moved slightly earlier to mid-summer July/August continuing into the fall semester.

The traditional OCI timing meant law students had navigated their first full year of academic study, engaged in a legal internship opportunity during their 1L summer, and completed the law journal writing competition (selection process) at their individual school. Completion of these important first-year milestones provided critical credentials and experiences that assisted students in preparation and successful navigation of OCI.

While law firm recruiting and OCI timing have evolved over the years, recent trends have shifted the timing of OCI into a significantly earlier timeframe during the 1L (first) year, preceding some of those traditional 1L milestones and placing increased emphasis on first semester academic performance. In response, some schools have also adjusted the timing and process for first-year student engagement with career services, moved journal writing competitions to the winter of the 1L year, and made other adjustments that reflect this new OCI timing.

While every school is making unique adjustments regarding its OCI and law firm recruitment programs, generally speaking, any student entering law school right now with an interest in Big Law should anticipate going through the OCI process earlier than previous generations of law students.

What does an earlier OCI timeline mean for pre-law students?

Maybe – not much. First foremost, it is very important to keep in mind that OCI is very specific to law firm hiring, and specifically, Big Law. Business, government, public interest, and even smaller to moderately sized law firms typically hire through separate processes and on different timelines. If your interest lies in other professional settings, changes to traditional OCI may have little impact on your recruitment/job search experience as a law student. However, it is hard to know fully what the future may hold or how your interests may evolve; therefore, it is important to know about all future options and to keep your mind open to many possible future paths.

Top Tips for Pre-Law Students:

Here are a few tips for pre-law students thinking ahead to success in the OCI process. Keep in mind that these tips are generally recommended regardless of OCI, but may be more critical given newer OCI timelines.

  • Seek out substantive, professional opportunities: Strive to engage in meaningful professional opportunities during your undergraduate studies or in post-graduation work. You will want to be able to speak about your professional experience as a 1L, potentially prior to your 1L summer internships. These professional opportunities do NOT need to be law-related but should include substantive work. Look for opportunities that provide you the chance to meaningfully contribute to work projects and activities, to take the lead on tasks, receive feedback, work in teams and independently, develop skills, learn and adapt from supervision, overcome uncertainty or challenge, and provide you tangible example of success in the workplace.
  • Prioritize your academic skills and development: You will want to position yourself for the greatest possible academic success as a first-year student. All law students face new learning challenges in their first semester/year; however, successful law students have the ability to assess, adapt, and navigate through those challenges. Focus on developing critical academic skills – challenge yourself academically as an undergraduate student – and become comfortable seeking resources and help. Also, focus on skills that assist in all aspects of life, such as time-management, wellness habits, and stress management.
  • Get practice interviewing and developing interpersonal skills: Interviews and fit are very important aspects of legal hiring, as are relationships. Get practice in the interviewing process, including seeking out intentional ways to develop your interviewing skills through resources and programs on campus. As a law student, intern, and young attorney, you will also be working with many different types of people, from different generations, perspectives, roles, experiences, and backgrounds. Focus on the development of your interpersonal skillset – be intentional in developing listening, communication, critical thinking, leadership, and conflict management skill sets!
  • Foster your interests and passions: Knowing what is important to you and brings fulfillment is critical to arriving at the right life goals, including professional goals. Pursuing interests and passions helps you develop as a holistic individual, whether those passions and interests directly relate to your career or not. Don’t lose sight of things that help you maintain balance, bring you satisfaction, and foster fulfillment. Utilize those passions and interests to help inform other life choices and connect with those around you.

Final Thoughts

Whatever your future OCI journey holds, you will not be alone. OCI is an experience that your peers will be navigating with you, supported by your law school. Additionally, the shift to earlier OCI timelines has ignited conversations nationally about the benefits and challenges of the new timeline – it maybe that further changes or evolution of this traditional process is ahead. For now – consider the tips we have shared, the perspectives from our current law students, and stay knowledgeable about what is ahead – having confidence that there will be many resources to assist you as you move through your prelaw and law student experiences!

Additional Resources:

Learn more about current perspectives on OCI from the highlighted resources!

]]> Alumni Attorney Talk | Jennifer Kuo http://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/2026/02/19/alumni-attorney-talk-jennifer-kuo/ Thu, 19 Feb 2026 22:47:36 +0000 https://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/?p=16835 Continue reading Alumni Attorney Talk | Jennifer Kuo]]>

Alumni Attorney Talks is a virtual series that aims to provide prospective law students with helpful insights about attending law school and pursuing a legal career. This series features interviews with University of Illinois alumni working in a variety of diverse settings within the legal profession.

Jennifer Kuo

ASSOCIATE,
Sidley Austin, LLP

Jennifer Kuo is an Associate at Sidley Austin, a large firm with many offices around the world. She is based in Washington D.C., and her work focuses on commercial litigation.

Ms. Kuo received a B.A. in Philosophy and a B.S. in Finance from the University of Illinois in 2020. She then received her J.D. from the University of Chicago in 2025.

Learn more about Ms. Kuo here in the Alumni Attorney Talk Directory.

]]> Alumni Attorney Talk | Jeff Gaster http://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/2026/01/26/alumni-attorney-talk-jeff-gaster/ Mon, 26 Jan 2026 21:36:18 +0000 https://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/?p=16661 Continue reading Alumni Attorney Talk | Jeff Gaster]]>

Alumni Attorney Talks is a virtual series that aims to provide prospective law students with helpful insights about attending law school and pursuing a legal career. This series features interviews with University of Illinois alumni working in a variety of diverse settings within the legal profession.

Jeff Gaster

PARTNER,
Miller, Hall & Triggs

Jeff Gaster is a Partner at Miller, Hall & Triggs, a mid-sized firm based in Peoria, IL that covers a wide range of practice areas. His work focuses on general litigation and municipal law.

Mr. Gaster received his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Illinois in 2008. He then received his J.D. from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law in 2012.

Learn more about Mr. Gaster here in the Alumni Attorney Talk Directory.

]]> Legal Traditions: Part II http://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/2026/01/13/legal-traditions-part-ii/ Tue, 13 Jan 2026 23:07:09 +0000 https://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/?p=16716 Continue reading Legal Traditions: Part II]]>

As we discussed in Legal Traditions: Part I, many legal traditions can be mysteries to those outside of the legal profession. The American legal system is rooted in common law, which thrives on tradition, utilizing concepts created hundreds of years ago that continue to serve as foundations for the modern system today.  While many of these legal traditions are long-standing, they are also often unfamiliar, and there is only so much that courtroom dramas can teach about the actual law! In two parts, we have chosen four legal “traditions” to highlight because of their frequent use in courtrooms and common reference in our news and media. Continue reading below to learn more about the final two in this series: habeas corpus and stare decisis.

Habeas Corpus

With Contributing Authors:

Harry Kennedy, Class of 2027 & Julia Trevino, Class of 2027

What is Habeas Corpus?

The Latin term habeas corpus directly translates to “you shall have the body,” and is a fundamental legal principle that ensures citizens’ protection from unlawful imprisonment. In a practical sense, this term refers to the procedural court order that brings the detained individual before a judge to verify that the detention is lawful and legitimate. Article 1, Section 9, Clause 2 of the Constitution guarantees all citizens the right to the writ of habeas corpus and requires the government to justify its actions in imprisoning individuals, determining if such detainment is lawful.

Brief History:

The concept of habeas corpus can be traced back to the Magna Carta in 1215 and can be found in judicial systems across the globe. As with many concepts in the American legal process, the framers borrowed it from English common law. It was originally created to guarantee that the king could not take into custody, or as we might say today, “disappear”, citizens without due process. This tenet provided subjects a recourse if they were illegally imprisoned by the crown, rights not previously experienced. This concept was incorporated into the U.S. Constitution by the framers and further defined through the Judiciary Act of 1789, the Habeas Corpus Act of 1867, modern legislation, and significant Supreme Court cases throughout our U.S. legal history, which have offered further definition to this critical legal tenet.

One of the most famous historical instances involving habeas corpus occurred during the American Civil War. In 1861, President Lincoln suspended the writ in an attempt to suppress dissent from Confederate sympathizers and ensure public safety amid rebellion, particularly in Maryland. Through suspension, Lincoln blocked those detained and suspected of aiding the Confederacy and anti-war protestors from being brought before the court. This action led to one of the most significant Supreme Court cases involving habeas corpus…

“Why are we proud? We are proud, first of all, because from the beginning of this Nation, a man can walk upright, no matter who he is, or who she is. He can walk upright and meet his friend—or his enemy; and he does not fear that because that enemy may be in a position of great power that he can be suddenly thrown in jail to rot there without charges and with no recourse to justice. We have the habeas corpus act, and we respect it.”

Dwight D. Eisenhower

Landmark Cases:

Lincoln’s actions during the Civil War ultimately led to the landmark Supreme Court case of Ex Parte Merryman (1861). Chief Justice Roger B. Taney ruled that Lincoln’s suspension of habeas corpus was unconstitutional. His reasoning lay grounded in the fact that only Congress has the sole power to suspend habeas corpus. This case helped to affirm judicial power, reinforce the separation of powers, and serve as a warning against executive overreach during national emergencies.

A more modern case involving habeas corpus is Boumediene v. Bush (2008). The Supreme Court held that detainees at the American military base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba still have the right to seek a writ of habeas corpus. The right could not be deprived even if the detainee has been marked as an enemy combatant. Despite being on Cuban soil, the Court decided that the United States still had sovereignty over the base and American law applies to all at the base.

Conclusion:

This constitutional right serves to protect the personal liberty of citizens by guarding against the unconstitutional abuse of power by the state or federal government, playing a significant role in upholding the rule of law. Though its origins date back centuries, the writ is still highly relevant, with the Supreme Court continuing to hear cases of illegal detainment and writs of habeas corpus to this day.

Sources & Additional Resources

Habeas corpus | United States Courts

Habeas Corpus – Definition, Examples, Cases, Processes

Federal Habeas Corpus: A Legal Overview | Congress.gov | Library of Congress

Habeas Corpus, Explained | Brennan Center for Justice

Ex Parte Merryman

Ex Parte Merryman | Teaching American History

National Humanities Center | Ex Parte Merryman

Boumediene v. Bush | LII

https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-resources/spotlight-primary-source/proclamation-suspension-habeas-corpus-1862

Stare Decisis

With Contributing author Elizabeth King, Class of 2026

What is Stare Decisis?

Stare decisis is a Latin term meaning “to stand by things decided.” It is a legal principle that guides courts to follow earlier judicial decisions when the same points arise again in litigation. This doctrine fosters consistency, predictability, and stability in the law by requiring judges to respect prior rulings made by higher courts or within their own jurisdiction.  Essentially, it defines the concept of precedent, meaning that similar cases should be treated alike, helping maintain fairness and continuity in the judicial system.

A Brief History:

The concept of stare decisis has roots in English common law, as most of the American legal system does, where judges relied on previous decisions to ensure fairness and uniformity in court rulings. When the U.S. legal system was established, it adopted this principle as a core part of judicial reasoning. Over time, stare decisis has evolved to balance respect for precedent with the need to adapt to changing societal values and interpretations of the Constitution.

Landmark Cases:

Throughout U.S. history, some cases have followed stare decisis while others have chosen to overturn precedent, reflecting the ongoing tension between stability and change in the law. Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992) reaffirmed Roe v. Wade (1973), showing respect for precedent and emphasizing the importance of maintaining consistency in constitutional interpretation through the doctrine of stare decisis. Similarly, Dickerson v. United States (2000) upheld Miranda v. Arizona (1966), confirming that the Miranda rule had become a vital part of legal procedure. However, other cases, like Brown v. Board of Education (1954) overturning Plessy v. Ferguson (1896), and Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (2022) overturning Roe v. Wade (1973), show that the Court sometimes overturns precedent when it believes earlier decisions were wrongly decided or no longer reflect modern values.  Together, these cases reveal that stare decisis is not an absolute rule but a guiding doctrine that must balance consistency with the need for justice and change.

"For over a century it has been the settled doctrine of the Supreme Court that the principle of stare decisis has only limited application in constitutional cases. It might be thought that if any law is to be stabilized by a court decision it logically should be the most fundamental of all law — that of the Constitution. But the years brought about a doctrine that such decisions must be tentative and subject to judicial cancellation if experience fails to verify them. The result is that constitutional precedents are accepted only at their current valuation and have a mortality rate almost as high as their authors."


Robert H. Jackson
 Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States

Conclusion:

Stare decisis is relevant today because it protects the integrity of the legal system by promoting consistency and public trust. Consistency matters in the justice system because it helps attorneys and clients assess the strength of their positions and predict the likely outcome of their cases. Public trust is also essential because when courts follow established precedent, people can predict that similar cases will be treated alike, and judges are not acting arbitrarily. This helps people trust that they will be judged according to consistent legal principles rather than bias or a judge’s personal preferences.

While some scholars assert that some cases should/have been considered “supreme” or “super” precedent – not subject to review, the Supreme Court has shown its willingness to regularly revisit established precedent, allowing the law to evolve when old precedents no longer serve society. In modern times, the doctrine has become especially relevant in cases such as Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (2022) and Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard (2023), where the Supreme Court revisited long-standing precedents on abortion and affirmative action.  These recent cases highlight how stare decisis remains central to debates about whether the Court should prioritize legal stability or respond to shifting interpretations of justice and constitutional rights. It remains an important principle in ensuring that the law is both stable and capable of change when necessary.

Sources & Additional resources

Stare Decisis Doctrine Generally | Congress.gov | Library of Congress

ABA | Understanding Stare Decisis

Historical Background on Stare Decisis Doctrine | Constitution Annotated | Congress.gov | Library of Congress

Stare decisis | Judicial Precedent, Common Law & Doctrine | Britannica

Table of Supreme Court Decisions Overruled by Subsequent Decisions | Resources | Constitution Annotated | Congress.gov | Library of Congress

Hunting for ‘super precedents’ in U.S. Supreme Court confirmations | Constitution Center

Be sure to check out Legal Traditions: Part I, exploring jury trials and due process!

]]> Alumni Attorney Talk | Kurt Reitz http://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/2025/12/17/alumni-attorney-talk-kurt-reitz/ Wed, 17 Dec 2025 22:06:04 +0000 https://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/?p=16628 Continue reading Alumni Attorney Talk | Kurt Reitz]]>

Alumni Attorney Talks is a virtual series that aims to provide prospective law students with helpful insights about attending law school and pursuing a legal career. This series features interviews with University of Illinois alumni working in a variety of diverse settings within the legal profession.

Kurt Reitz

SENIOR COUNSEL,
Thompson Coburn LLP

Kurt Reitz acts as Senior Counsel for Thompson Coburn LLP, a well-known law firm with offices throughout the country, including Chicago and St. Louis. He is based at the Southern Illinois office in O’Fallon, Illinois. His work focuses on product liability, personal injury, property damage, and FELA cases.

Mr. Reitz received his B.A. with high distinction in Political Science from the University of Illinois in 1981. He then received his J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law in 1984.

Learn more about Mr. Reitz here in the Alumni Attorney Talk Directory.

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