Pre-Law Advising Services Blog

July 1: Harvard Junior Deferral Program Application Deadline

July 2:  LSAT Deadline – August LSAT Exam Registration Deadline

July 5: Designated University Holiday – Offices Closed

July 6: Access Lex Champions Information Session at 12:00 pm (EST).  Click here for additional information.

July 6: Access Lex The Road to Zero: A Strategic Approach to Student Loan Repayment at 3:00 pm (EST).  Click here for additional information.

July 12: PLAS 21-22 Application Preview Workshop at 5:00 pm (CST) via Zoom

July 16: MSU Spartan Law Preview Day from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm (virtual). Click here for additional information.

July 25: LSAT Deadline – August LSAT Exam Assistance Request Deadline (for required technology, internet access, or quiet space)

July 30-31:  2021 ASAP: Achieving Success in the Law School Admissions Process hosted by CLEO. Click here for registration information.

 

June 1:  Seat Deposit Deadlines!  Starting law school in the fall?  Have you paid your 2^nd Deposit? Many schools have second deposits due in the first few weeks of June – be sure you have completed this step by the deadline!

June 2: Registration Open Now for Duke Law School’s D.C. Summer Institute on Law and Policy (in July).

June 3: Access Lex The Road to Zero: A Strategic Approach to Student Loan Repayment webinar at 1:00 pm (CT).

June 3: Access Lex Building Your Law School Budget webinar at 8:00 pm (CT)

June 3 – June 10:  LSAT Deadline – June Scheduling Deadline (through ProctorU)

June 4: CLEO – Achieving Success in the Application Process (ASAP) Program registration deadline.

June 4: Application Deadline –  Charles Hamilton Houston Pre-Law Institute summer program.

June 4: Application Deadline – UC Davis School of Law King Hall Outreach Program (KHOP) for pre-law students.

June 8: Access Lex Applying to Law School webinar at 2:00 pm (CT)

June 10: Access Lex Applying to Law School: A Strategic Approach For Underrepresented Students webinar at 11:00 am (CT)

June 10: University of San Francisco School of Law Legal Area Information Session: Environmental Law with Professor Kaswan  webinar from 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm PST. Click here to register.

June 12:  June LSAT Administration Begins

June 19 – June 20: CLE 1L Prep – Attitude Is Essential (AIE) Seminar for Fall 21 first year students.  Registration/application is on a rolling basis, register early to attend!

June 21: Application Deadline – Latino Justice PRLDEF – LawBound summer program (in August) for pre-law students.

June 22: LSAC – Law School Unmasked for incoming 1Ls – Session 1: Lawyers as Leaders: Mapping Your Own Leadership Journey.  Click here for additional information.

June 23:  LSAC Workshop Utilizing Khan Academy for LSAT Prep Success at 1:00 pm (CT). Register online to attend.

June 23: LSAC – Law School Unmasked for incoming 1Ls – Session 2: Structure of Law School.  Click here for additional information.

June 24: LSAC – Law School Unmasked for incoming 1Ls – Session 3: Dispelling Misconceptions: Biggest Surprises in IL.  Click here for additional information.

June 29: LSAC – Law School Unmasked for incoming 1Ls – Session 4: Skills Needed for Law School: Critical Thinking.  Click here for additional information.

June 30: LSAC – Law School Unmasked for incoming 1Ls – Session 5: Skills Needed for Law School: Briefing a Case.  Click here for additional information.

Check back throughout the month for updates to listed events and programs.

This summer we will be sharing tips and suggestions for students beginning law school this fall,  those returning students preparing for law school applications,  or students still exploring their interest in law for a future year!  Be sure to check back throughout the summer for additional topics and information featured in our Summer Tips Series!

NETWORKING

Networking is an important skill-set for future law students and attorneys.  As a law student you will have many opportunities to network with school alumni, legal professionals, and potential future employers.  Many students obtain summer employment or permanent positions through networking activities, and individuals you meet through networking may lead to mentors who can provide invaluable advice and insights as you navigate your educational and professional choices over many years.

Developing networking skills as an undergraduate student will not only assist you in developing potential relationships to assist you with internship opportunities and law applications – but will start preparing you to excel at networking as a law student.  Below are some resources and tips to assist you in this process…

• • Be Brave: Networking can be intimidating and uncomfortable, particularly as you begin developing these skills.   Networking, like any new skill, will get easier over time and the best way to move past anxiety or uncertainty is to just do it! Consider setting a goal of 1-3 networking opportunities this summer.  Keep reading below for ideas on how to create these opportunities…

• • Be Realistic – Set Expectations:  Often individuals approach networking experiences with the ultimate goals of future job offers or mentors.  Engaging in networking with only these goals in mind can increase pressure and anxiety.   Networking experiences do not need to result in these ultimate goals to be valuable.  Consider engaging in networking with these additional goals in mind:
    • • Acquiring Skills: Practice makes perfect.  If you are new to networking – think of initial experiences as an opportunity to develop your communication and conversational skills.  Use these opportunities to work on asking meaningful questions and conducting conversations in a way that you learn something about the individuals you engage with, and find ways to share information about yourself.
      • Acquiring Information: Given an opportunity to interact with professionals – it is a wonderful chance for you to learn and gain insights about being a lawyer, law school, or different areas of law that might interest you.  Entering networking opportunities with the mindset of gaining knowledge can help drive your conversations, contemplate topics to discuss, and provide invaluable insights to clarify your own goals.

• • • • • Networking in a group? As opportunities for larger in-person events resume, don’t forget to be a good observer as well.  Observing how others navigate networking opportunities can provide great models for how you may wish to approach situations, or how NOT to approach situations.

• • Identify Opportunities: Networking opportunities come in many shapes and sizes.  They may be one-on-one opportunities facilitated through alumni mentor programs, reception events, or employment fairs.  As you move through opportunities consider who will be attending and what knowledge they may have which could benefit your goals.  Here are some tips for identifying opportunities this summer:
    • • Pre-Law Programs: There are a number of pre-law programs during the summer months.  These programs may include law professionals, students, faculty, and law admission experts.  Stay current with the Monthly Snapshots on this blog, LSAC Events, and admissions office calendars for schools you are interested in to identify opportunities.
      • Current Connections: Do you have a friend, relative, or family acquaintance that is involved in the legal profession or law school?   Reach out this summer or ask to be introduced.  Request a meeting to chat over zoom, coffee, or lunch.  If you have previously worked or volunteered in a professional setting – consider reaching back out to a former supervisor or member of the organization to maintain your relationship and work on your skills.  
      • Look Local:  Home for the summer?  Contact the local bar association to ask if they run mentor programs for prospective law students.  Be bold and reach out to a law firm or law office to introduce yourself and ask if an attorney would be willing to have an informational interview with you.  If your courthouse permits public attendance at hearings, consider engaging in court watching.  Be sure to check local restrictions related to COVID.
      • University Programs and Events:  Look to your academic department or college for opportunities to network with professionals, alumni, and senior students.  Is there an alumni mentor program available to you?  Is there an upcoming career event or program?  If your not sure – reach out and ask.  Don’t forget to ask about future events – calendar now to engage in programs next fall or spring.
      • Career Events:  Networking events do not need to be specifically law related to benefit your law goals – is there an opportunity this summer that could give you a chance to improve skills.  Check out the Career Center website for possible options.

• • Develop a Plan:  Networking can take place in many different forms and formats.  Some opportunities will be carefully curated, while others may require you to seize the moment.  Regardless of the opportunity you should approach with intention.  Keep the following in mind this summer:
    • • Identify Opportunities.  Whether it is facilitating a one-on-one meeting or attending an event,  determine what type of opportunities you would like to engage in and what your goals will be (gaining knowledge, professional connection, future job or internship opportunity).
      • Manage Logistics. If it is an event, sign-up and calendar the program – confirming in advance you have all necessary software/information to participate.  If you will be reaching out for an individual meeting –  plan in advance by giving several weeks to schedule.   Be sure you suggest a time-frame to meet where you have a wide-range of availability.
        • • What will you wear?  Make sure you dress appropriately for your event.  Does the event have a recommended dress code (even if the event is virtual), if you don’t know ask. For individual meetings, plan on business or business casual attire depending on the setting and time of day.
      • Research and Prepare.  Whether you are meeting with an individual, participating in a program or attending a large career fair – you will want to research in advance to gain knowledge about the individual/companies that you will interact with.  Use this research to begin formulating questions and topics you might wish to discuss.  Consider your overall goals and benefits you hope to obtain to focus your questions as well.  Being knowledgeable and prepared will not only demonstrate your interest, but also key professional qualities.
      • Think about Yourself.  What do you hope to share about yourself?  Think about your story – including key personal attributes or experiences you might wish to share.  Determine these aspects in advance so that you are prepared to weave them into conversations naturally as the opportunity is presented. 
        • • First impressions matter. Practice introducing yourself, handshakes, and eye contact.  Small things can make a big impression!
      • Don’t Forget Small Talk.  Memorable networking opportunities often include interaction not specifically related to careers or professional topics.  Be prepared to talk about a wide variety of topics.  Be sure to familiarize yourself with local/national/world topics in the weeks leading up to your networking event.  Think about your interests and hobbies and what you might share with others.   These “small talk” aspects of networking are often what set-apart those who are exceptionally skilled at networking from those who aren’t.  This is also a great way to make a connection on a personal level.
      • Get Organized.  As your opportunities to network increase determine how you will maintain information about individuals you connect with.  Consider an online address book or spreadsheet for emails/phone/website information.  Consider adding notes about the individual and your conversation for reference later, particularly for individuals you may wish to connect with in the future.
      • Follow-Up. For individual meetings, always follow-up with a thank you email.  Be sure to include a request to stay in touch in the future if you would like to connect again and make a calendar reminder to make a follow-up outreach.  You could also consider connecting through professional social media – such as LinkedIn.  If you interreacted with an individual at an larger event or listened to a presentation at a program, consider reaching out to request an opportunity to speak individually.  Be sure to reference the event or program for context.

Additional Resources:

UIUC Networking Tips

UIUC Networking Success Stories

UIUC Virtual Networking

ABA Networking Tips

Forbes 5 Best Ways to Network

Congratulations!  May is a transitional month marking the end of the academic year/spring and the beginning of summer.  As you wrap up your end of semester obligations and begin looking to the summer, be sure to check back to the blog regularly for updates and new information – including upcoming deadlines for summer pre-law programs. 

We hope you have a fantastic summer and stay in touch with any questions you may have!

May 1: Deadline! Last day to sign up for CLEO’s ASAP (Achieving Success in the Application Process) Program. Find more information here.

May 3: Deadline! Last day to apply for a UIUC Career Center Internship Position. The application is due by 5pm. Interested candidates will need to email, in one file/document, a resume, cover letter, and a brief 250 word writing sample on “How does this position fit into your personal and professional goals?” to:
James Castree, Assistant Director – The Career Center castree2@illinois.edu.

May 3: UIUC Career Center: Peace Corps Drop-In from 3-5pm. Click here for more information.

May 3: Women’s Resources Center: Dish It Up-I’m Speaking: Finding a Community of Voices to Create Social Change 12-1pm. Find more information here.

May 4: UIUC Career Center: Peace Corps Drop-In from 12-1pm. Click here for more information.

May 4: Inner Voices Social Issues Theatre Auditions from 6-7pm. For questions, please contact Lisa Fay at lfay@illinois.edu or 217-244-0212.

May 4: AccessLex: Choosing a Law School Webinar at 5pm. Click here for more information.

May 4: Center for Writing Studies: Writing with Style: Revising Paragraphs and Sentences from 1-2pm. Click here for more information.

May 4: UNC Center for European Studies: European Union Supply Chains and Trade: Improving Worker Rights? from 10am-12pm. Click here for more information.

May 5: Last Day of Spring Instruction

May 5: Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Relations: Writing for Rest and Restoration 4-5:15pm. Find more information here.

May 5: Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment: Climate Change: Implications for National and Global Energy Policies from 12-1:30pm. Find more information here.

May 6: Reading Day – Looking for Study Spaces?  Click here for a list of campus spaces which have been made available for final exam study!

May 6: FBI Career Webinar from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm.  To register, please click here.

May 6: IGB Fellows Symposium from 9am-5pm. Find more information here.

May 6: University Library: Main/Undergraduate Library Integration Project Open Forum from 10:30am-12pm. Click here for more information.

May 6: CS Mental Health Committee: Destress on Reading Day from 12-1pm. Click here for more information.

May 6: University of San Francisco School of Law Finding Success in Your Law Classes webinar from 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm PST. Click here to register.

May 7: Final Examination Period Begins – Good Luck to All!

May 7: College of Education and College of Education Advancement: Dean’s Distinguished Speaker Series: Dr. David Stovall, UIC, COE alum from 11am-12pm. Find more information here.

May 7: Belmont College of Law Virtual Preview Day from Noon – 1:00 pm (CST).  Click here to register.

May 10: UIUC Career Center: Peace Corps Drop-In from 3-5pm. Click here for more information.

May 10: Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies: CLACS Lecture Series. Minorities and the Constitutional Process in Chile at 3pm. Find more information here.

May 11: UIUC Career Center: Peace Corps Drop-In from 12-1pm. Click here for more information.

May 11: University of Illinois Archives: Women in Science-May Lecture with Dr. Ruby Mendenhall from 12-1pm. Find more information here.

May 12: Pre-Law Advising: End of Semester Open Office Hours from 3-5pm. Click here to join.

May 12: SAPLA How to Apply to Law School for Non-Citizens  from 7:30 – 9:30 pm (5:30 -7:30 PT). Click here to register and for additional details.

May 13: Pre-Law Advising: End of Semester Open Office Hours from 3-5pm. Click here to join.

May 15: Deadline! Last day to register for Just the Beginning: Tea Time with Attorneys pipeline program. Click here to register.

May 16: LSAT Deadline – Assistance Request Deadline (for required technology, internet access, or quiet space) for the June LSAT

May 17: UIUC Career Center: Peace Corps Drop-In from 3-5pm. Click here for more information.

May 18: AccessLex: Your PSLF Action Plan Webinar at 3pm. Click here for more information.

May 18: Elevating Your Virtual Presence Webinar with Elisabeth Hutchison 2:30 pm (12:30 PDT). Click here to learn more and register.

May 19: AccessLex: Applying to Law School Webinar at 1pm. Click here for more information.

May 19: College of Media: Conversation with College Leadership: Lessons Learned and Looking Forward from 12-1pm. Find more information here.

May 20: University of Chicago Law School hosts Bridge across the Midway: Law School and the Law School Admissions Process from 5:30 – 7:30 pm. Click here to register.

May 20: AccessLex: The Road to Zero: A Strategic Approach to Student Loan Repayment Webinar at 1pm. Click here for more information.

May 25: Just the Beginning: Tea Time with Attorneys Pipeline Program from 11am-12:30pm. Click here to register.

May 27: AccessLex: Paying for Law School Webinar at 5pm. Click here for more information.

May 28: School of Social Work: Macro-Level Advocacy through Public Service or Public Administration from 12-2pm. Find more information here.

May 28: Belmont College of Law Virtual Preview Day from Noon – 1:00 pm (CST).  Click here to register.

May 29: LSAT Deadline – Test Date Change Deadline (No Charge) for the June LSAT

Looking for ways to connect with fellow peers interested in law school?   

Seeking leadership roles and activities to demonstrate your interest in the legal profession? 

We often hear from students looking for ways to be involved with pre-law activities and connect with fellow students interested in law school.  Extracurricular activities provide excellent opportunities to obtain leadership experience, gain additional insights about law school, and demonstrate your interest in the legal profession.  Recently we asked pre-law organizations at UIUC to share details about their organizations with us.  As you make plans for the upcoming year,  be sure to check out these highlighted organizations!

University of Illinois Pre-Law Club

University of Illinois Pre-Law Club is a professional student organization that helps students explore career paths with their Pre-Law track, learn from legal professionals, prepare the most successful law school applications, and build their law career. Pre-Law Club connects students with resources to assist them in their Pre-Law journey both on-campus and with test prep partners, such as The Princeton Review and LSATMax.

• • How to Join: Students can become members by sending an email to prelawclubuiuc@gmail.com. Students can become members at any time!
  • Learn More: Students can learn more about the organization and contact Pre-Law Club by visiting https://illinois.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/uiplc
  • Connect via Social Media: Instagram: @uiprelaw, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/uiplc/

 

• Illinois Trial Team

The Illinois Trial team is a law based competition program where students can learn the basics of trial advocacy. Members learn how to make legal arguments, think critically, and how to perfect their presentational skills. They simulate the trial experience by imitating attorneys and witnesses as we compete against other teams.

• • How to Join: There is a two round try out process that takes place in late August to early September.
  • Learn More: Check out their website: http://www.illinoistrialteam.com/ and/or their Instagram: Illinois Trial Team
  • Connect via Social Media: Instagram/Twitter: @illinoistrialteam

 

• Minority Association for Future Attorneys (MAFA)

Founded to assist and forward pre-law students, their journey to law school, and becoming successful attorneys.

• • Learn More: Follow them on social media and join their email list by clicking here.
  • Connect via Social Media: Twitter: @MAFA_UIUC and Instagram: @mafa_uiuc

 

Pre-Law Honors Society

The Pre-Law Honors Society of the University of Illinois seeks to provide activities and opportunities that will facilitate the needs and wants of pre-law students who have achieved high honors at the undergraduate level. Through such activities, they strive to further educate members on the requirements and preparation needed to enter a law school as well as any legal profession. One of their main goals is to create a productive and friendly environment for students who are interested in the study of law and to provide them with various resources regarding the law school application process. In doing so, PLHS offers its members various opportunities to be further explored at their own interest.

• • How to Join: As long as students have completed at least one semester of college and have a 3.4+ GPA, they can join during their fall or spring application periods at the beginning of each semester.
  • Learn More: Visit their website at http://www.uiucprelawhonorssociety.com/ or emailing them at prelawhonorssociety@gmail.com.
  • Connect via Social Media: Instagram: @illinoisplhs, LinkedIn: ​www.linkedin.com/company/illinoisplhs

 

Kappa Alpha Pi (KAP)

Kappa Alpha Pi fraternity focuses on growing its members’ professional skills while also giving them access to law school related resources such as LSAT prep and advice from law school admissions counselors during our annual KAP Conference. They hosts events all year round that promote a sense of community, teach our members essential career-building skills, expose their members to different legal opportunities, and provide them with the resources to succeed.

• • How to Join: Each semester Kappa Alpha Pi holds a recruitment process that consists of multiple rounds of interviews. An interested student can contact them at any point during the school year and they will add them to their contact list where they will be notified about when the next rush process will be.
  • Learn More: KAP is active on their instagram page, which is @illinoiskap. If a student has questions, they are always welcome to email them at uiuckapprelaw@gmail.com.
  • Connect via Social Media: Instagram: @illinoiskap

Phi Alpha Delta (PAD)

Phi Alpha Delta is a Pre-Law Professional Fraternity. Members have access to a network of thousands of PAD members, both pre-law and law students, as well as events held by both national and local organizations. Some examples of events PAD has done: talks with senators, judge speakers, linkedin and resume workshops, study parties, internship opportunities, and much more.

• • How to Join: Students can join Phi Alpha Delta at any time. Contact the following email for further instruction: uiuc.pad.pl@gmail.com.
  • Learn More: Dm PAD on Instagram or send us an email!
  • Connect via Social Media: Instagram: @uiuc_pad

 

Phi Delta Phi

Founded in 1869 at the University of Michigan, Phi Delta Phi is the nation’s oldest legal honor society in continual existence, predating even the American Bar Association. Throughout its 150 years of existence, Phi Delta Phi has become an international powerhouse, boasting one of the most impressive lists of alumni out there, offering some of the best membership benefits available, and creating a space for like-minded individuals to gather. Regardless of if you are interested in law school or not, this organization has something to offer you, and will bolster your experience as an undergraduate. Whether you are looking for a place to network, a place to learn, or simply a community of accepting individuals, this organization has something to offer.

• • How to Join: Phi Delta Phi has recruitment periods at the beginning of every semester. This entails both an application and interview process prior to acceptance.
  • Learn More: Feel free to connect with Phi Delta Phi on Instagram or via email at pdpuiuc@gmail.com if you have any questions.
  • Connect via Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pdp_uiuc/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pdp.uiuc.3  Twitter:
    https://twitter.com/pdp_uiuc

Undergraduate Law Review

The undergraduate law review is a group of students with an interest in law and relevant legal/political issues. Each year, in teams of writing blocs, the students research and write articles under an overall theme. These articles (typically numbering 3-4 per year, one per bloc) are all published on the UGLR website in the spring.

• • How to Join: Interested students are welcome to apply at the beginning of each semester (preferably in the fall). The organization does run on a year-long publication timeline, but sometimes openings arise during the middle of the year which an eager student could certainly fill.
  • Learn More: Interested students can visit the UGLR’s website to get a sense of its mission and to read past volumes.

Still looking for activities?

Visit the campus Student Engagement website to learn more about diverse student organizations and activities on campus!

FEATURING:  Daissy Dominguez

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

Daissy Dominguez

Managing Counsel 

Dominguez Legal Justice Center

• • • • • UIUC Undergraduate Major: Political Science
        • Law School: UIC-John Marshal Law School
        • Daissy’s Three Words to Describe an Attorney:

Compassionate | Hardworking | Advocate

 

Be sure to check out this insightful interview!

 

Ms. Dominguez was also featured in the ABA Women Rainmakers series.  Read more of her helpful insights through this online article!

 

Welcome April!  April is always a busy month of the academic year as you wrap up the final weeks of classes, register for the upcoming semester, and finalize summer plans!  Continue to check this post as we will update it throughout the month with important deadlines and information for the end of the semester…

April 1: Pre-Law Advising Services: Last day to sign up to reserve a test room for the April LSAT. Fill out this form by 5pm.

April 1: UIUC Career Center: Illini Career and Internship Fair from 10am-4pm. Register here.

April 1: UIUC College of Law Special Event: Frederick Green Moot Court Honorary Round at 5pm. Click here for more information.

April 2: Women and Gender in Global Perspectives Program: Panel on Gender and Health from 12-1pm. Click here for more information.

April 2: UIUC College of Law: Police Reform – A Discussion Series “Rethinking Disorderly Conduct” with Professors Jason Mazzone (Illinois) and Stephen Rushin (Loyola University Chicago). The event will take place at noon. Click here for more information.

April 5: UIUC Career Center: Peace Corps Drop-In from 3-5pm. Click here to attend.

April 5: UIUC: Class registration for Fall 2021 is available on Course Explorer.

April 6: Pre-Law Advising Services: Application Roadmap Workshop at noon. Click here to register.

April 6: Women and Gender in Global Perspectives: Women in Science lecture at noon. For more information, click here.

April 6: UIUC Career Center: Peace Corps Drop-In from 12-1pm. Click here to attend.

April 6: Deadline! Last day to apply for UIUC Facilities and Services internship opportunities. Click here for more information.

April 7: Office for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Food for the Soul: Inside Scoop with Tyehimba Jess at noon. Click here for more information.

April 7: Department of Gender & Women’s Studies: GWS Black Feminist Theory Lecture Series: Blair Ebony Smith from 2:30-4pm. Click here for more information.

April 7: AccessLex: The Road to Licensure at noon. Register here.

April 7: LSAC: First Day of April LSAT Flex administration. Good luck!

April 7: Pre-Law Advising Services: Drop-In Office Hours from 4:30-5:30pm. Click here for the zoom link.

April 8: LSAT Deadline! Deadline to sign-up for a testing day and time for the April LSAT.  Individuals must by sign-up by 11:59 pm.

April 12: UIUC Career Center: Peace Corps Drop-In from 3-5pm. Click here to attend.

April 13: Spring Break Day- No Class!

April 13: UIUC Career Center: Peace Corps Drop-In from 12-1pm. Click here to attend.

April 14: Pre-Law Advising Services: Drop-In Office Hours from 4:30-5:30pm. Click here for the zoom link.

April 14: UIUC Career Center: Acing Your Interview from 5-6pm. Click here to attend.

April 14: AccessLex: Choosing a Law School Webinar at 11am. Click here for more information.

April 16: Women and Gender in Global Perspectives Event: Women at the Frontlines against COVID-19: Leadership from Informal Settlements in South Africa, Iran and Argentina. Click here for more information.

April 16: Pre-Law Advising Services: Application Roadmap at noon. Click here to register.

April 17: West Coast Consortium: Non-Traditional Students and Law Fair at 11am. Click here to register.

April 19: UIUC Career Center: Peace Corps Drop-In from 3-5pm. Click here to attend.

April 19: Peace Corps Program Highlight: Education at 11am. Click here for the zoom link.

April 20: AccessLex: Applying to Law School Webinar at 3pm. Click here for more information.

April 20: Pre-Law Advising Services: Application Excellence Workshop at 4pm. Click here to register.

April 20: UIUC Career Center: Peace Corps Drop-In from 12-1pm. Click here to attend.

April 20: Office for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Event: The Humanities and the State of Illinois: An Hour with Gabrielle Lyon of Illinois Humanities at 4pm. Click here for more information.

April 20: Summer Human Rights Institute: Deadline! Last day to sign up for the Early Registration Cycle III. Click here to register.

April 21: Peace Corps Program Highlight: Youth in Development at 5:30pm. Click here for the zoom link.

April 21: Pre-Law Advising Services: Drop-In Office Hours from 4:30-5:30pm. Click here for the zoom link.

April 21: AccessLex: The Road to Zero: A Strategic Approach to Student Loan Repayment Webinar at 4pm. Click here for more information.

April 22: AccessLex: Paying for Law School Webinar at 6pm. Click here for more information.

April 23: Peace Corps Application Workshop at 1pm. Click here for the zoom link.

April 23: Women and Gender in Global Perspectives Program: President Biden: First 100 Days at noon. Click here for more information.

April 23: College of Education and La Casa Cultural Latina: Dean’s Distinguished Speaker: Dr. Patricia Perez, Cal State Fullerton from 11am-12pm. Click here to register.

April 23: Deadline! Pre-Law Advising: Last day to sign up for LSAT study groups. Fill out this form by 5pm.

April 23: UIUC College of Law: Women Lead with Illinois Law 2021 Summit: Passionate Pathways to Your Success from 8:00am-1:15pm. Click here to find more information and register.

April 23: UIUC College of Law: Police Reform-A Discussion Series: “Legislating Change: The Role of States in Police Reform” at noon. Click here to find more information.

April 26: Office for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Call to Action Research Program Pre-Proposal Deadline at 5pm. Click here for more information.

April 26: UIUC Career Center: Peace Corps Drop-In from 3-5pm. Click here to attend.

April 27: UIUC Career Center: Peace Corps Drop-In from 12-1pm. Click here to attend.

April 28: Pre-Law Advising Services: Drop-In Office Hours from 4:30-5:30pm. Click here for the zoom link.

April 29: AccessLex: Building your Law School Budget Webinar at 3pm. Click here for more information.

April 29: AccessLex: Webinar-The Road to Licensure at 6pm. Click here for more information.

April 29: Inner Voices Social Issues Theatre Auditions from 5-6pm. For questions, please contact Lisa Fay at lfay@illinois.edu or 217-244-0212.

April 29: UIUC College of Law: “Lions, Spiders, and Bears: Better Environmental Regulation Through Psychology” at noon. Click here for more information.

April 30: Legal Humanities Research Group and the Humanities Research Institute: Legal Humanities Undergraduate Launch Event from 3-4:30pm. Find more information here.

April 30: LSAC: Deadline to register for the June LSAT.

April 30: Deadline! Last day to apply for the Barnes and Thornburg Pre-Law Scholars Program. Find more information here.

April 30: Deadline! Last day to apply for the CLEO Pre-Law Summer Institute. Click here for more information.

April 30: Deadline! Last day to apply for Illinois in Washington. Click here for more information.

April 30: Deadline! Last day to apply for Penn State’s Pre-Law Summer Program Explore Law 2021. Click here for more information.

Check out important updates regarding the LSAT examination, newly released information on law school rankings, and a highlight of some new resources for students interested in patent law…

Updates for April LSAT!

Test Scheduling Requirements:

Effective with the April administration of the LSAT-Flex, test takers will be required to schedule their testing day and time by 11:59 p.m. ET of the Thursday prior to the exam.

For example, for the April administration of the LSAT-Flex, which begins on Saturday, April 10, scheduling will close at 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 8. After that deadline passes, test takers could opt to request a date change for a future administration, but will not be able to schedule for the current exam.

New Icon For Online Test Format:

Effective with the April 2021 administration of the LSAT-Flex, a new icon for the “eliminate” button (displayed on the right side of each answer option) will be implemented which candidates may use to indicate for themselves which answers they do NOT wish to choose.  As a reminder, only explicitly selected responses (selections made with the bubble on the left side of the answer option) will be counted towards a candidate’s score.

The new “eliminate” icon will be implemented for Test Prep in LawHub this week so that test takers can get familiarize themselves with the new icon in LawHub prior to the April administration of the LSAT-Flex.  Below are samples of the current “elimination” icon in comparison with the new “elimination” button. The behavior is exactly the same, only the icon has changed.

Current Eliminate Icon – not selected:

Current Eliminate Icon – selected:

New Eliminate Icon – not selected:

New Eliminate Icon – selected:

We strongly encourage those sitting for the April LSAT to review the new icon on LawHub prior to the exam.

NEW Law School Rankings and Profile Data!

U.S. News and World Report (US News) recently released their annual updated graduate school rankings and evaluations for 2022, including their law school rankings.

Rankings and program surveys can provide helpful information and insights into the strength of academic programs and specialties,  LSAT/GPA expectations, and information on cost and financial aid.  These surveys are a valuable place to begin researching schools and to potentially discover schools you may not know about or have considered.    These surveys can also help provide useful evaluations on specific criteria that are most important to you in your law school.

UPDATE! This year US News has added additional data on the amount of debt incurred by law graduates at individual institutions.   Be sure to view this data in context to other factors including –  bar passage rates, placement rates, and median salary figures for students upon graduation!

Caveat Emptor! 

Remember rankings should never by the sole factor in your decision-making process and individual data points should be considered in context with additional information.    Be careful not to limit your considerations too narrowly by ranking alone.  There are many substantive factors that should be considered in your ultimate choice of law school as you will have many priorities, wants, and needs of the institution that is right for you!

Interested in the Patent Law?

PLI (Practicing Law Institute), a nonprofit that specializes in educational programs for attorneys and related professionals, has recently posted a series of informative videos online for engineering or science majors who may be considering an alternative career in law.  This is a great resource for those interested in Patent Law and who may be considering taking the Patent Bar in the future.  Don’t miss out on this great resource!