Month: January 2015

MOOCs: A new way to learn

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have been around since 2008. You may not have heard of them before, but it’s time to start paying attention.  MOOCs are a great way to learn about a topic – especially the law!  A few courses that may be of interest are provided below.  (Please note that some may have already begun or are beginning soon.)

This course provides international students with the opportunity to become familiar with US law and whether they would want to study it:  https://www.coursera.org/course/globalintrouslaw

This course focuses on actual innocence issues:  https://uis.coursesites.com/

This course focuses on the “Life of the Law,” understanding the Common Law and appreciating the case law interpretive process:  https://www.coursesites.com/webapps/Bb-sites-course-creation-BBLEARN/courseHomepage.htmlx?course_id=_283099_1

For more information or to find additional MOOCs focused on the law, please visit:  https://www.mooc-list.com/tags/law

Also, please remember to take advantage of Michigan State University’s helpful webinars:  http://law.msu.edu/admissions/webinars/

Mark Your Calendars – Week of January 26

Are you planning on taking the LSAT in June or October?  If so, don’t miss LSAT Test Prep Company Fair NEXT Thursday, February 5.  Several LSAT prep companies will be there and attendees will have the opportunity to win test prep discounts and scholarships!  Also — are you thinking about working before law school or looking for internships? Scroll down for information about Career Center programming that could help you get moving on your job search!  Finally, if you are interested in Study Abroad or Illinois in Washington, Summer 2015 applications are due February 1.  Keep reading for more information on these programs and other events!

PLAS Events

LSAT Test Prep Company Fair — NEXT Thursday, February 5, 4-6pm, Illini Union Rooms A&B

Be an efficient, savyy consumer and compare multiple LSAT prep companies in one location at one time! Representatives from the following LSAT test prep companies are planning to attend: Kaplan, LSATMax, NextStepTestPrep, Powerscore, TestMasters, and Blueprint.  Come for a chance to WIN SCHOLARSHIPS TO LSAT PREP PROGRAMS! Refreshments provided! For more info about this and other PLAS Events, go here.

Campus Events

Career Center

Career Services Paraprofessionals: Hiring Information Sessions

TODAY, Monday, January 26, 6-7pm, Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center, 51 East Gregory Drive; Wednesday, January 28, 6-7pm, Native American Cultural Center, 1206 West Nevada Street; Thursday, January 29, 7- 8 PM, FAR – Trelease Lounge 102; Friday, January 30,1-2pm, The Career Center, 715 S. Wright St.

Career Services Paraprofessionals are charged with the following responsibilities:
• Work a minimum of 8 hours per week
• Attend required Thursday bi-weekly meetings @6pm
• Participate in project work that supports TCC’s initiatives
• Interact with The Career Center via social media sources such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter
• Attend two full-day mandatory training sessions upon hire on Saturday, April 18th, 2015 and August 22nd, 2015

Career Center Workshops

Unless otherwise indicated, all workshops are held at the Career Center, 715 S. Wright Street.  For more information or to register, go here.

International Career Certificate Program Info Sessions: Tuesday, January 27, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM or Friday, January 30, 2:00 PM-3:00 PM The Interview Suite, 616 E. Green (enter Kaplan building next to McDonald’s and head to 2nd floor). The International Student Career Certificate (ICC) program is a unique and innovative career program designed for international students pursuing a career in the U.S. This information session will you give you an overview of the program and tips on the application process for Spring 2015. Learn more about ICC.

Opportunities Fair, Tuesday, January 27, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM,
Learn how you can enhance your Illinois experience and build your resume at this open house! Several campus units who are hiring students will be in attendance to talk to you about their opportunities. Don’t miss the chance to network and learn of campus jobs! There will also be food and prizes. Sponsored by The Career Center and New Student Programs.

Selling Your LAS Degree at the Business Career Fair: Tuesday, January 27, 6:00 – 7:30 PM,The Interview Suite, 616 E. Green (enter Kaplan building next to McDonald’s and head to 2nd floor)
Career Fair Prep: Maximize Your Experience: Wednesday, January 28, 4:00 – 5:00 PM
Coffee Chat at The Career Center: Wednesday, January 28, 4:30 – 5:30 PM
Creating Powerful Resumes & Cover Letters: Wednesday, January 28, 5:00 – 6:00 PM

Getting the Job: Interviewing Tips – Thursday, January 29, 4:00 – 5:00 PM

Next Week: Business Career Fair, February 4 & 5, 12-4pm, Activities & Recreation Center (ARC)

 

Summer Study in Vienna — FINAL INFO SESSION TONIGHT, January 26, Wohlers Hall Room 245 at 5:00pm! Applications DUE February 1.

This summer, the Department of Political Science once again offer a study abroad course in Vienna with Professor John Vasquez.  The course offered is PS 394 Crisis Diplomacy. This advanced hours, study abroad course will count as “in-residence” as it is taught by a professor from this campus. The course has two components: A section on Global Governance where students attend briefings in Vienna at the UN, International Atomic Energy Agency, OSCE, and the US mission to the IAEA and an historical section where students compare crises that go to war with those that do not from 1816-1945. The course will be given in the first summer session, May 17-June 14. Additionally, two long weekends provide an opportunity to travel in Europe, allowing you to visit international cities like Venice, Munich, Budapest and Prague. A course syllabus, more information about fees and related opportunities can be found at the course website: https://app.studyabroad.illinois.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=programs.ViewProgram&Program_ID=10886. Contact Prof. Vasquez for more information at vasqueja@illinois.edu.

NOTE:  The application deadline for many Summer 2015 Study Abroad Faculty-Led Programs is February 1. For more information about these programs, go here.

Illinois in Washington — Summer Applications Due February 1!

Illinois in Washington is enriching for students of all majors.  By participating in IIW, you will gain solid work experience, insight into your professional goals, and an understanding of the policy world in Washington, all while earning U of I credit.  If you are drawn to any element of Washington, you will enjoy this program.  Whether you are interested in communications, international affairs, the environment, politics, or a host of other topics, there is an organization in Washington that works on the issues you care about or uses the skills you are developing for your future career. IIW allows you to get a jump start on life after graduation. Note: Students can also apply for early decision for Fall 2015 on February 1.  Applications are available on the IIW website at  http://www.washington.illinois.edu/. Interested students can also read what current and former students have to say on the IIW blog: https://illinoisinwashington.wordpress.com/.

 

 Off Campus Events

Law School Open Houses and Admitted Students Days

As we first mentioned in our October 6 blog, many law schools host open houses for prospective applicants and all law schools strongly encourage students to visit their campuses.  Note: spring semester is a time when many law schools will host events specifically for admitted students. Make sure you check the law school websites to see what types of events the schools in which you have an interest are offering.   Listed below are upcoming events for several Illinois law schools.

Chicago Kent Law School:  Open House, Saturday, January 31 9am-2pm.  For more information or to register, go here: http://www.kentlaw.iit.edu/prospective-students/jd-program-admissions/visit-campus/open-house-programs/january-open-house

John Marshall Law School Open House: Saturday, January 31, 9am-Noon. For more information or to register, go here: http://www.jmls.edu/admission/jd/visiting.php 

Northern Illinois University Law School, Information Session, Friday, February 13, Noon-1:30pm. For more information or to register, go here: http://www.niu.edu/law/admission/chicago_events.shtml

Southern Illinois University School of Law Visit Day: Friday January 30, 8:30am.  For more information or to register, go here: http://www.law.siu.edu/about/schedule-visit.html

Midwest Law School Virtual Fair: February 18, 2015, Co-Sponsored by the Midwest Alliance for Law School Admissions and the Midwest Association for Prelaw Advisors

Attention students! Whether you are looking at attending law school this fall or in a couple of years, this online law fair is a free and convenient way to interact with law school representatives right from your computer. Please click here to register to chat with Midwest law schools on February 18 (available chat times for each school are located on the fair website). Here is a list of the schools attending:

Case Western Reserve University School of Law
Chicago-Kent College of Law
Creighton University
Drake Law School
Indiana University Maurer School of Law
Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law
Marquette University Law School
Michigan State University College of Law
Ohio Northern University College of Law
Saint Louis University School of Law
Southern Illinois University School of Law
University of Dayton School of Law
University of Illinois College of Law
University of Iowa College of Law
University of Kansas School of Law
University of Minnesota Law School
University of Missouri School of Law
University of Nebraska College of Law
University of St. Thomas School of Law – Minneapolis
University of Wisconsin Law School
Valparaiso University Law School
William Mitchell College of Law

I decided on a law school. What now? A checklist.

Many Illini have already gotten their admissions offers and decided on a law school. Congratulations! So…now what?

Post-decision Checklist
1. Follow instructions from the school to tell them you’re accepting their offer. Usually this is done online, followed by making a seat deposit payment.

2. After you’ve accepted Law School A’s offer of admission, contact the other schools to let them know that you’ve made your decision. They are waiting on you to decline your offer before they can extend offers to more applicants. Either follow their online instructions for declining admission or send them an email with your decision. This can be brief: Thanks very much for your offer of admission, but I have chosen to attend Law School A. Best wishes, Me.

3. Complete your FAFSA and any other scholarship materials that Law School A requests.

4. Join your law school’s incoming class Facebook or Google group. Ask the admissions office for leads on new roommates or information on housing. Many law schools will offer a guide on housing options and roommate matches.

5. Make sure to submit all seat deposits on time. Usually there are 2 seat deposits, and failing to pay either one by the deadlines given will not secure your law school seat.

6. Explore all of your housing options. Think carefully about what you need from housing: Where will you study? If you plan to study at home, you must consider roommate interruptions and how quiet you will need it. If you plan to study at school, you will want to consider proximity to school and how much time you want to spend commuting.

7. Follow up with the financial aid office. Make sure you understand your financial aid offer. Is your scholarship contingent on maintaining a GPA? Is it renewable? How and when will it be disbursed? Remember: You will need to make a rent deposit and buy books before your financial aid will be disbursed. Budget accordingly.

8. Send a final UIUC transcript after you’ve graduated to your law school.

 

Welcome back: Mark Your Calendars!

Welcome back to spring semester! LOTS of excellent opportunities are coming up, so be sure to give this week’s blog a read.

Pre-Law Advising Services Workshops and Programs
We have updated our Spring Semester calendar of events! Check them out on our website here.

Win a scholarship at our 2015 LSAT Prep Fair on Thursday, Feb. 5 from 4-6 pm at Illini Union Rooms A&B. Are you wondering what the LSAT is all about, and how to prepare for it? Join us as we host SIX different LSAT prep companies, who will give mini workshops (15-20 minutes) on each area of the LSAT. Learn about all the different LSAT prep methods out there, from online to in person, from apps to one-on-one tutoring. LSAT Companies will be offering BIG discounts and we will raffle off multiple LSAT prep scholarships and  resources to those in attendance! Stop by or stay the whole time–refreshments will be served. To find out who is coming and see the workshop schedule, visit our website here.

Are you new to pre-law at Illinois? Pre-Law 101 will be held Monday, Feb. 9 at 4:00. This workshop will cover: What it means to be pre-law at Illinois;what law schools are really looking for; what pre-law students can do to maximize their undergraduate years; how to build a strong pre-law resume; what resources are available to assist pre-law students at Illinois. For more details and to register, click here.

Upcoming Law School Events–OPEN TO ALL PRE-LAW STUDENTS

1. The Wisconsin Statewide Pre-Law Diversity Day Friday, February 27 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at University of Wisconsin Law School in Madison is open to all students. For more information and to register, visit their website here. Cosponsored by Marquette University Law School and University of Wisconsin Law School, this FREE event includes lunch and:

  • an update on law school admissions in Wisconsin featuring the University of Wisconsin and Marquette Law Schools;
  • an overview of the Law School Admission Test with practice questions;
  • breakout workshops featuring a mock class for students ; and
  • law school fair featuring admissions representatives from law schools around the country. Over 20 law schools have already registered for this event! Click here for a list.

2. The Illinois Latino Law Forum invites all interested students to attend on Saturday, Feb. 28 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm. at John Marshall Law School in Chicago. This is a FREE event that includes breakfast, lunch, the opportunity to meet prominent Latino/a lawyers and judges from across the state, discussions with Latino/a law students, and sessions about admission and financial aid as well as a mock class and a final round of Moot Court competition. Click here for more details and to register by Feb. 15.

3. Michigan State University is hosting a free webinar on Patent Law and MSU Law’s Intellectual Property Program (view flyer PDF) Thursday, January 26, 2012, 6:30 PM Central Time.  This webinar will provide insights into career options in the area of patent law.  Presenters include a panel of patent attorneys drawn from different regions of the country.  Additional comments will be offered by a faculty member who teaches in the MSU Law Intellectual Property & Communications Law Program. Register here and note that all times listed are Eastern.

Law School Open Houses and Admitted Students Days

As we first mentioned in our October 6 blog, many law schools host open houses for prospective applicants and all law schools strongly encourage students to visit their campuses.  Note: spring semester is a time when many law schools will host events specifically for admitted students. Make sure you check the law school websites to see what types of events the schools in which you have an interest are offering.   Listed below are upcoming events for several Illinois law schools.

Chicago Kent Law School Open House, Saturday, January 31 9am-2pm.  For more information or to register, go here: http://www.kentlaw.iit.edu/prospective-students/jd-program-admissions/visit-campus/open-house-programs/january-open-house.

John Marshall Law School Open House, Saturday, January 31, 9am-Noon. For more information or to register, go here: http://www.jmls.edu/admission/jd/visiting.php.

Northern Illinois University Law School Information Session, Friday, February 13, Noon-1:30pm. For more information or to register, go here: http://www.niu.edu/law/admission/chicago_events.shtml.

Southern Illinois University School of Law Visit Day, Friday, January 30, 8:30am.  For more information or to register, go here: http://www.law.siu.edu/about/schedule-visit.html.

Upcoming Campus Events

Illinois in Washington summer semester applications are due Feb. 1. For more information check out the Illinois in Washington website.

The Career Center has posted its spring workshop calendar on their website at: https://www.careercenter.illinois.edu/. Now is a great time to update your resume, plan your job search or summer internship, and get to know their office and resources. Upcoming workshops include:

  • Finding an Internship, Jan. 21, 5-6 pm
  • Career Fair Prep: Maximize Your Experience, Jan. 21, 6-7 pm
  • Opportunities Fair, Jan. 27, 5:30-7 pm

Ilinois Leadership Center will host several upcoming I-Programs. For more information and to register, visit their website here.

  • Insight: Saturday, January 24
  • Ignite: Saturday, January 31
  • Intersect: Saturday, February 7

Study Abroad Summer 2015 Faculty Led Programs–Applications due Feb. 1. These are 2-5 week study abroad programs over summer break with automatic Illinois credit. This could be a great way to manage both study abroad and taking the LSAT. For a list of available courses and application materials, visit the study abroad website here.

Volunteer/Internship Opportunities

We hope you have been utilizing our 20 page Internship Newsletter over on our Pre-Law Compass page that we posted in December! (Click here for instructions on how to access our Compass page.) It’s got hundreds of job and internship listings for spring, summer and long-term opportunities from Champaign to D.C. and beyond.

This week’s highlighted internship opportunity:

The Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division is currently accepting applications for student volunteers. See their description here.

Scholarship opportunity for those entering law school this fall

The ABA Diversity Scholarship is designed for underrepresented students who demonstrate financial need and community involvement. Awards will be $15,000 for entering law students, which is renewable for years 2 and 3 of law school. Must be entering law school 2015 and submit an application, personal statement, and statement of financial need by March 2. Find the application and more details here.