Pre-Law Student Organizations at UIUC

Looking to get involved?  Want to connect with other pre-law students? Check out details and highlights for some of the University of Illinois pre-law student organizations!

UI Pre-Law Club

About: “The UI Pre-Law club gives students the opportunity to learn more about their pre-law journey. We host informational events with law school professors, and also host LSAT information sessions. Most importantly, we allow students to network with other pre-law students.”

How to get involved: There is no application deadline, nor GPA requirements. Members must pay dues. Contact the organization about joining.

How to connect:

    • Instagram: Uiprelaw
    • Facebook: UI Pre-Law Club
    • Website: https://illinois.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/uiplc
    • Email: prelawclubuiuc@gmail.com

How to learn more: Email to join the email listserv. Check out the website.

Spring Update: Welcome Back Event on Thursday, January 27th at 7pm in room 1035 at the Campus Instructional Facility (CIF).

 

Pre-Law Honors Society

About: “The Pre-Law Honors Society is an organization that brings high-achieving undergraduate students closer to a future in the legal field. We educate members on the requirements and preparation needed to enter law school and a career in law through LSAT prep workshops, law school trips, networking opportunities, guest speakers, social events, and more.”

How to get involved: Applications are open in the first couple of weeks in the fall and spring semester. There is a minimum GPA requirement of 3.4 thus, you must have one semester completed. To apply, students must complete an application, attach their unofficial transcript and resume, and provide a 200-word statement on why they want to join. There is a one-time fee.

How to connect:

How to learn more: Visit the Instagram page for information on past events. Check out the website for information on how to apply as well as contact form to ask questions.

Additional: Pre-Law Honor Society is open to any student with even a slight interest in pursuing law – even those who haven’t decided if it’s for them yet. Members include a diverse group of students at every stage of their law school process and we want to welcome even more.

Spring Update: Spring 2022 applications are open and are due by February 6th at 5pm. Click here for more information.

Illinois Trial Team

About: “We are a pre-law organization that focuses on creating legal arguments, public speaking, and teamwork. Teams work together to analyze a case, create a theme and theory, and make arguments. We also offer fun social events, networking opportunities, and amazing academic resources.”

How to get involved: Tryouts take place at the beginning of the academic year, in the first few weeks of the fall semester. Members also must pay dues.

How to connect:

How to learn more: Check the organization website or reach out through website or Instagram.

MAFA (Minority Association for Future Attorneys)

About: “Founded to assist, support, and advance pre-law students on their journey to law school and becoming successful attorneys.”

How to connect:

How to learn more: Follow them on social media and join their email list by clicking here.

Kappa Alpha Pi

About: “Kappa Alpha Pi is a co-ed professional pre-law fraternity. We strive for excellence in professionalism and with our academics, while also creating a welcoming organization.”

How to get involved:  New member recruitment “rush” is a multi-week process and requires payment of dues. The recruitment process typically begins at the beginning of the fall semester and ends in mid September.

How to connect:

How to learn more: Check out the Instagram and/or the KAP website.

Spring Update: Info night on Thursday, January 27th at 6pm in 1320 at the Digital Computer Lab

Phi Alpha Delta

About: “Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International is the largest professional law fraternity in the United States. Founded in 1902, P.A.D. has since grown to 717 established pre-law, law, and alumni chapters and over 330,000 initiated members.”

How to get involved: There is no application deadline nor requirements besides completing local and national dues. Contact the organization about joining.

How to get connect:

How to learn more: Reach out via email or direct message on Instagram.

Phi Delta Phi

About: “Founded in 1869 at the University of Michigan, Phi Delta Phi is the nation’s oldest legal honor society in continual existence. Phi Delta Phi boasts 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 get involved: They have recruitment periods at the beginning of every semester. This entails both an application and interview process prior to acceptance.

How to connect:

    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pdp_uiuc/
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pdp.uiuc.3
    • Twitter:  https://twitter.com/pdp_uiuc
    • Email: pdpuiuc@gmail.com

How to learn more: Connect with Phi Delta Phi on Instagram or via email at pdpuiuc@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Undergraduate Law Review

About: “The Review aims to shine a light on legal issues that affect the broader Champaign-Urbana community. We’re comprised of two organizational bodies – the executive board and the editorial board – and spend the year researching, developing, and ultimately writing articles on legal topics.”

How to get involved: The application period generally runs from late August through mid to late September, during which time the application is live on our website. Throughout the year, we consider membership requests depending on the size and progress of our organization (so don’t hesitate to reach out at any time of the year).

How to connect:

How to learn more: Visit our website, contact the president, or reach out via GetInvolved tab.

Additional: No prior experience or particular set of interests is required; we are open to anyone who would like to apply.

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

Pre-Law Student Organizations

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.

 

  • 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.

 

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!

Fall 2021 Course Recommendations

Fall 2021 Pre-Law Recommended Course List

Registration for Fall 2021 is just around the corner! Every semester around this time our office hears from students asking for course suggestions.  Students in ANY major can attend law school, and there are NO specifically required courses for pre-law undergrads. Law schools do not require any particular major or coursework. However, given an interest in law, we have compiled a list of suggested fall courses that pre-law students may find helpful and interesting.

To review a handy chart version of suggested Fall 2021 course options, please click here.

Be sure to keep in mind…

    • This is not an exhaustive list.  There are hundreds of classes being offered this fall. The highlighted classes may be particularly helpful and interesting for pre-law students, but there are many great options available.
    • Recommended courses include those that examine specific legal topics and classes that provide opportunities to build skills in areas particularly relevant to law school, including writing, research, communication, and critically thinking and analysis!
    • These courses are only suggestions and are NOT requirements. Students in ANY major can attend law school, and there are NO specifically required courses for pre-law undergrads. Law schools do not require any particular major or coursework.
    • Some of these courses have prerequisites or may be restricted to students in the same department; check Course Explorer for additional course details and specific enrollment requirements.
    • Keep checking back and check-in with the experts!  Courses may continue to be added as we approach the fall semester.  Having trouble deciding?  Be sure to meet with your academic advisors for academic and course planning, we are also here to assist with course options!  Professors are also a great resource to discuss goals and course options!

Alumni Attorney Talks | Daissy Dominguez

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!

April Snapshot…

 

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.

Maximize your Spring – Plan Ahead for Summer!

Spring is Here!

The weather is finally warming up, spring flowers are beginning to appear, and this week was the second spring break wellness day of the semester.  Here are some suggestions and ideas to maximize the second half of the spring semester and to help with your initial planning for the upcoming summer!

  • Scholarships: This is a great time to apply for scholarships as many have upcoming deadlines. Pre-Law Advising just released an updated scholarship document with over 100 scholarships! This document can be found on our compass page and on a recent blog post.

 

  • Internships: Do you have your summer plans figured out? If not, start applying for jobs and internships. Our compass page has an internship newsletter that contains many unique and interesting opportunities for students. The 2020 Internship Newsletter has new internships being added all the time.

 

  • Plan Ahead: Use this time to look into future events you might wish to attend and get those on your calendar. The Monthly Snapshot on the blog has tons of programs and information for pre-law students.  The Snapshot is posted on the first business day of the month and is continuously being updated. Check out the Pre-Law Advising website for a list of our remaining programs coming up this semester. Schedule an advising appointment with Pre-Law Advising Services to get your questions answered and obtain help with your law school application or stop by virtual Open Office Hours on Wednesdays from 4:00 – 5:00 pm.

 

  • LSAT Planning: Start thinking about when you want to take the LSAT if you have not already. For Juniors or graduating Seniors, the summer is a great time to take the LSAT but deadlines to sign up are fast approaching. Make sure that whenever you plan to take the LSAT you have allocated sufficient time to study and prepare – recommendations range from 2-6 months. Begin to consider which prep options you plan to use and if a study group is right for you. A great place to start your prep is with a practice LSAT – this will give you a helpful baseline of your performance level prior to starting your prep and helpful insights on how much prep time you may wish to allocate.  Check out Kahn Academy for a free diagnostic test!

 

  • Work on Application Documents: Take some time to begin drafting law school application documents such as your resume.   You will continue to update your resume as you approach the application cycle, however, get a head start now by reviewing your resume, perfecting your formatting, and adding any items to bring it current. Start thinking about who you will ask to write letters of recommendation for you. If you already have someone in mind, reach out to them now and begin sharing your timeline and plans.

 

  • Get Involved: Think about joining pre-law student organizations or pursuing leadership positions in organizations you are already involved in. Consider volunteering in your local community.

 

  • Study: Catch up on schoolwork and study! This has been a uniquely challenging academic year – but you have almost made it through!  Impress law school admissions with your excellent academic performance!  Evaluate where you are at now with your academic progress, make a study plan and schedule for the rest of the semester (keep in mind big projects, papers, and exams), and finish the semester strong.
      • Are you struggling with a course or two? Don’t forget to utilize the many resources on campus to support you – including visiting open office hours with professors and talking to your advisors!

 

  • Watch Attorney Talks Interviews: We have recently interviewed more attorneys for our Attorney Talks Interviews. Obtain insights from UIUC alumni attorneys practicing in many different areas. Learn what you can do with a law degree and hear advice from practicing attorneys!

Summer 2021 Course Recommendations

Considering taking a class or two this summer but not sure which classes to take? This is the perfect time to figure out a summer class schedule. Taking summer classes can help alleviate your course load next semester, raise your GPA if you will be entering the application cycle in the fall, and help you complete general education requirements creating more flexibility for future semesters.  Check out this handy chart for a list of recommended classes for pre-law students! Learn more about the registration and summer course options online!

Be sure to keep in mind…

    • This is not an exhaustive list.  There are 700+ classes being offered this summer. The highlighted classes may be particularly helpful and interesting for pre-law students, but there are many great options available!
    • These courses are only suggestions and are NOT requirements. Students in ANY major can attend law school, and there are NO specifically required courses for pre-law undergrads. Law schools do not require any particular major or coursework.
    • Some of these courses have prerequisites or may be restricted to students in the same department; check Course Explorer and speak to your academic advisor about the best individual courses for you.  We are always here to help as well!

Alumni Attorney Talks | Benjamin Ford

FEATURING:  Benjamin Ford

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.  

Benjamin Ford 

Assistant University Counsel for the Office of University Counsel

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

    • Law School: Southern Illinois University
    • UIUC Undergraduate Major/Minor: Political Science Major with supporting coursework in Psychology
    • Ben’s Words to Describe an Attorney:

Challenging yet Rewarding

Be sure to check out this insightful interview!

 

Alumni Attorney Talks | Franco Benyamin

FEATURING:  Franco Benyamin

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.  

Franco Benyamin,  Associate at Fish & Richardson P.C.

    • Law School: Washington University School of Law
    • UIUC Undergraduate Major/Minor: Molecular and Cellular Biology with a minor in Spanish and Leadership Studies
    • Franco’s Three Words to Describe an Attorney:

Inquisitive| Driven| Analytical

Be sure to check out this insightful interview!

 

Scholarships, Scholarships, and More Scholarships!

There are hundreds of internal and external scholarship opportunities available to support individuals interested in graduate and law school each year. Check out our Spring 2021 Scholarship Newsletter for a highlight of over 100 of these incredible opportunities!

*You may also access the Scholarship Newsletter on our Compass page.

Explore all your options!

Scholarship opportunities are available from many different sources including – professional organizations, business entities, educational institutions, leadership and social organizations (ex: national sororities/fraternities), and local organizations and businesses.  Think about what makes you unique, your interests, and what connections you currently have.  Investigate on the internet and through contacts with organizations and groups you may belong.   To help you get started, below is information about scholarship resources here at UIUC for this semester and for future consideration…

College of Agricultural Consumer and Environmental Sciences: They have a general scholarship application that will be open from April 1st until May 14th. They also have more specific scholarship opportunities. More information can be found here.

College of Applied Health Sciences: They have a general scholarship application that closed on February 1. For updates, click here.

Gies College of Business: Scholarship Information can be found here.

College of Education has great scholarship opportunities.

      • The Golden Apple Scholarship is due April 1, 2021 and can be found here.
      • The Illinois Club Isabelle Purnell Education Awards are not yet open for 2021, but information will be released here.
      • Undergraduate Education Scholarship information will be updated here no later than March 1.

Office of Minority Student Affairs: They will be releasing information here soon about their scholarships.

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: They have scholarship opportunities for current students, incoming students, study abroad, life and career design, honors, and access and achievement program. More information will be coming soon about the various scholarships so continue to check out their website here. The James Scholar Preble Research Award application closes on February 28th!

Illinois National and International Scholarships Program: They have many scholarships available for students to apply for. These are merit-based and fall into many categories. Click here to find out about the different opportunities available.

Grainger College of Engineering: They have general scholarship application is due March 8, 2021 and can be found here.

College of Fine and Applied Arts: They have a list of scholarships available. Click here to see the scholarships.

School of Social Work: They have three amazing opportunities that can be found here.

      • DCFC Scholarship Program
      • Social Work Heals-IL
      • James Scholar Honors Program

School of Labor and Employment Relations: They are offering the August E. Burnier Labor Education Award. For more information about the scholarship and the requirements, click here.