June 2020 Snapshot

June 1:  Seat Deposit Deadlines!  Starting law school in the fall?  Have you paid your 2nd 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 DeadlineUC 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.

Summer Series: Networking and Outreach

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

May Snapshot

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