Law schools are especially interested in applicants who have some experience in legal related positions. The sooner you get that experience, the better! Your campus involvement and leadership are also important factors considered in the review of your applications. Here are some ideas and opportunities to help you build a strong law school resume.
Local Opportunities. Internships can be really helpful to you and are valued by the law schools as part of your overall applicant profile. As we posted earlier this week, there are events and opportunities on campus for law-related internships, even some paid ones! Go here and scroll down for more information about current openings on campus in the University Counsel’s Office and Environmental Humanities, as well as one in a local law firm.
Summer Internships. If you would rather look into summer internships, the time for action is now. We published our PLAS Jobs and Internship Newsletter on Compass in December. Go here to access it. Note – many summer internships have deadlines in the next few weeks.
Resume Help. Interested in finding a job or internship but not sure how to craft a strong resume and make yourself competitive? Then mark your calendars for next week’s PLAS workshop, Get That Law-Related Internship or Job — Wednesday, January 29, 5:00pm, 514 IUB.
Whether you are a sophomore applying for summer internships or a senior applying to post-graduation jobs, this workshop is for you! We will help you draft a resume and learn important skills for effectively finding and landing law-related internships and jobs!
We will cover:
- Resume tips for applying to law-related jobs/internships, including what to avoid, what to include, how to structure it, and more. Bring your resume!
- How to find law-related internships and jobs, including what to look for, where to look, and how to enhance your application
- How to create effective cover letters that lawyers will read
- What kinds of transferrable skills to highlight
Join us as we provide inside insight into how exactly to land a meaningful internship or job in the legal world.
Student Organizations. Maybe you already have an internship and are looking for a student group to join. You are in luck! The RSO Involvement Fair is TOMORROW, Thursday, January 23, 11am-3pm, Illini Union (I-Rooms, South Lounge, Courtyard Cafe). This is a great opportunity to learn about the hundreds of registered student organizations on campus and possibly find one to join. You should think in terms of getting involved with 2-3 meaningful extracurriculars while a student at UIUC. Clubs, volunteering, working on campus, mentoring, tutoring, etc., are all great options.
Remember – it is never too early to start building that law school resume so don’t miss out on these great opportunities!
