Midwest Pre-Law Summer Programs
Summer pre-law programs are an excellent opportunity for undergrads to learn more about law school! Some are paid and other programs have fees and a cost for students to attend. These programs are a different way to explore being pre-law during the summer months. These programs are a great addition to a resume, but are in no way mandatory for a pre-law student.
Some universities offer pre-law programs on their campuses. This is a way for you to learn more about law school, visit a law school and campus, and learn more about law school in a structured setting. If you are considering attending law school at any of the schools below, these summer pre-law programs are an excellent way to get your foot in the door and experience what your life could be like there throughout law school.
Here is information about three pre-law summer programs; there are many other programs in many other locations in addition to these three, which are provided on our compass page. (Not a member of our Compass page? Follow these easy steps to add yourself.)
IIT Chicago-Kent
Program: Pre-Law Undergraduate Scholars (PLUS) Program
Dates: Sunday, June 4, to Friday, June 23, 2017
Cost: Free
Location: Chicago, IL
Application Deadline: March 1, 2017 — Click here to access
Program Information: The PLUS program is a free, three-week summer program that will: provide participants with a deeper understanding of legal education via the program’s rigorous doctrinal and experiential skills-based curriculum; help participants develop essential core competencies needed to succeed in the law school application and admissions process, as well as insight into navigating the process; and expose students to a wide range of career paths within the legal profession.
Students must attend all classes and participate in all program activities in order to be accepted and to receive a stipend. This is a full-time commitment. Therefore, students must be available during the day and some evenings, and have no outside commitments that would prevent them from giving the program their full attention. Students must agree to provide PLUS administrators with education and career updates after completion of the program.
Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law
Program: Robert H. McKinney School of Law Summer Law and Leadership Academy
Dates: June 16-22, 2019
Location: Indiana University
Application Deadline: April 5th, 2019 — Click here to access
Program Information: The Robert H. McKinney School of Law Summer Law and Leadership Academy is a one-week experience designed to introduce undergraduate students from historically underrepresented backgrounds to law school and various careers that they may pursue with a law degree. If you are selected for the Law and Leadership Academy, you will learn about hot topics in the law and strengthen your academic skills.
University of Minnesota Law School
Program: Minnesota Pre Law Scholars Program (MPLS)
Dates: Early June – Mid August 2019
Location: University of Minnesota
Application Deadline: March 1st, 2019 — Click here to access
Program Information: College students considering law school, especially rising seniors and those from groups historically underrepresented in law school are encouraged to apply. The program is open to undergraduate students (and recent alums) from any undergraduate institution.
