Author: lfaklis2@illinois.edu

Additional Summer 2018 Internships

If you are still looking for a summer 2018 internship, here are over TWENTY job postings for summer interns across the country and Illinois!

Chapman & Cutler – Administrative Intern Diversity Pipeline Program

Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors can all apply. Chapman & Cutler is a large law firm in Chicago that is looking for an intern to be a part of their Administrative Intern Diversity Pipeline Program.

Applicants are asked to rank the following departments based on level of interest: Business Operations, Human Resources/Recruiting/Professional Development, Office Services/Facilities, Records Department, and Selection Criteria.

Applicants will be considered based on their academic achievements, leadership abilities, community service, oral and written communication skills, and a commitment to and support of diversity and inclusion in the areas of racial or ethnic diversity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or other areas of underrepresentation or otherwise important diversity in the legal profession. Consistent with our broad and inclusive view of diversity, Chapman and Cutler LLP will also consider additional criteria, among many other factors, such as military experience and demonstrated ability to overcome adversity, such as first-in-family college attendance or socioeconomic disadvantage. Applicants must have completed at least one year of undergraduate studies to be eligible for consideration and have at least one year of undergraduate study remaining.

https://www.chapman.com/careers-opportunities.html

Job posting: https://apps.viglobal.com/…/viRecruitSelfAp…/ReDefault.aspx…

The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of New York

The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of New York is looking for college interns for their Brooklyn, NY and Central Islip, NY courthouses. The application is due May 16!

http://www.nyeb.uscourts.gov/sites/nyeb/files/College-Intern-Summer-FY18-01.pdf

United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (Washington D.C.)

PAID internship, part-time
http://www.cafc.uscourts.gov/…/fi…/Employment/CAFC-18-04.pdf

U.S. Probation & Pretrial Services Office – WDNY (Buffalo, NY and Rochester, NY)

PAID Internship
http://www.uscourts.gov/careers/current-job-openings/99769

United States Probation and Pretrial Services Office Eastern District of Arkansas (Little Rock, AR)

PAID Internship
http://www.arep.uscourts.gov/…/2018.4.16%20-%20Operations%2…

United States Probation Office Central District of California – (Los Angeles, CA) 

unpaid, part-time
http://www.cacp.uscourts.gov/careers

United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit (Richmond, VA) 

PAID internship. For a student that is a business analytics, mathematics, statistics, or related major.
http://www.ca4.uscourts.gov/…/Vacancy-BusinessAnalyticsInte…

For more opportunities, visit the U.S. Courts website. http://www.uscourts.gov/careers/search-judiciary-jobs…

State’s Attorney’s and Public Defender Internship Opportunities 

If you are interested in government work in Illinois, check out our Compass page for 13 government related (State’s Attorney’s offices, Public Defender’s offices, etc.) opportunities across the state of Illinois.

There are internship opportunities posted on our Compass page for the following cities in Illinois:

  • Urbana
  • Chicago
  • Champaign
  • Bloomington
  • Edwardsville
  • Joliet
  • Galesburg
  • St. Charles
  • Kankakee
  • Murphysboro
  • Waukegan
  • Decatur
  • Springfield
  • Rockford

Other Exciting Opportunities – Diversify Your Resume and Work on Transferable Skills for Law School

Farrell Fellows Lead Summer Internship – Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago

Together with Community Initiatives staff, the Lead Interns will support the development, delivery, and maintenance of science education programs.  The delivery of the science education programs may include (but not limited to) museum guests, visitors, community and school audiences.

http://careers.msichicago.org/apply/5fIsx43D8t/Farrell-Fellows-Lead-Summer-Internship

CBS Investigative Intern – Studio City, CA

KCBS2/KCAL9 TV, the CBS Owned & Operated Duopoly in Los Angeles, is looking for an Investigative Intern. Participating in the Internship Program you will have the opportunity to experience how a major Broadcast News station runs the News Investigations Unit. There will be opportunities to witness and take part in day to day activities. Internship programs are for approximately 12 weeks and concludes at the end of the semester.

https://cbscorporation.jobs/studio-city-ca/internship-investigative-summer-2018/87E3AD3BA016458B882D8D518F0CDDE0/job/

WTTW Chicago Tonight Internship

Chicago Tonight is a multi-faceted news and current affairs program broadcast in prime time (7-8 p.m.) Monday – Friday. The program includes news analysis, interviews and other current features, film and theater reviews and commentary. It combines in-studio interviews and features, with pre-produced field packages and remote live shots.  Chicago Tonight  is unlike any other news program in the local market and a unique daily format among PBS stations nationwide.
Internship Applications are due April 30! https://interactive.wttw.com/about/employment 
For other WTTW internships, visit their website: https://interactive.wttw.com/about/employment

Summer 2018 Classes and Opportunities for May 2018 Graduates

Summer classes are offered in-person or online through the University of Illinois. There are great options for pre-law students looking to add a class or two in the summertime. We’ve looked at the course catalog (available here) and found some great classes for you this summer!

Please be aware that some of these classes listed and other summer classes have prerequisites.

Law 199:  The Best of American Case Law

Law 199: The Best of American Case Law is a 10-day summer course designed to introduce students to some of the most important and exciting law school cases. Students will come to understand how the law school classroom works, experience a broad sample of at least eight different areas of the law, and engage with nationally renowned law faculty as they present some of the most important legal cases. All students will receive a certificate for successful completion of the course. Current University of Illinois students will also receive 3 credit hours.

SCHEDULE: July 23 – August 3, 2018; 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. daily.

MEALS: Lunch is included in the course fee on days that class is held.

PS 100: Introduction to Political Science

Surveys the major concepts and approaches employed in the study of politics.

Credit is not given for both PS 100 and PS 200.

PS 224: Politics of the National Parks

Credit: 3 hours. This class surveys the major concepts and approaches employed in the study of politics. Class meets online. Class meets June 11 to August 2. This course takes a two-week field trip to the Greater Yellowstone Area to study the politics of wildlife, wilderness, natural resources, and tourism, among other topics. Students will learn about sustainability in the region, the effect of stakeholders on national parks policies, and the legal and administrative environment of the National Park Service. There is a course fee of $800 to cover all transportation, lodging, and meals. For more information, see https://publish.illinois.edu/pahre/study-in-yellowstone-this-summer/

PS 305: The US Supreme Court

Credit: 3 hours. Examines how the modern Supreme Court resolves major issues in American constitutional politics. Prerequisite: PS 101, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor; PS 301 or PS 302.

CMN 101: Public Speaking

Credit: 3 hours. Preparation and presentation of short informative and persuasive speeches; emphasis on the selection and organization of material, methods of securing interest and attention, and the elements of delivery. Credit is not given for both CMN 101 and either CMN 111 or CMN 112.

CMN 340: Visual Politics

Credit: 3 hours. Explores the role of visual images in U.S. culture, paying special attention to the ways that images function persuasively as political communication. Provides tools for analyzing historical and contemporary images and artifacts, such as photographs, prints, paintings, advertisements, and memorials. Emphasis on how visual images are used for remembering and memorializing; confronting and resisting; consuming and commodifying; governing and authorizing; and visualizing and informing.

GWS 100: Intro Gender & Women’s Studies

Credit: 3 hours. Interdisciplinary introduction to the study of gender, women, and sexuality. Addresses issues such as social experience, representation and popular culture, femininities and masculinities, family structure, education, employment, economics, literature and the arts, religion, history, and technology. Explores interrelationships of race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, ability, and age from a transnational perspective. Same as HDFS 140 and SOC 130.

BADM 300: The Legal Environment of Business

Credit: 3 hours. Introduction to law and the legal system, litigation, contracts, business organizations, intellectual property, employment law and governmental regulation of business. This section will be taught online. Students must have broadband access to the internet to participate. Please see http://publish.illinois.edu/onlinestudentorientation/online-business-minor-courses/ for more information. This course will open to Food Science & Human Nutrition majors on Monday, April 16, 2018 and to the campus on Monday, April 23, 2018 at approximately 10:00 a.m. This is an elective course for undergraduate students pursuing the business minor. Restricted to Food Science & Human Nutrition or Curric Unassigned or Accountancy or Finance or Marketing or Business or Information Sys & Info Tech or Supply Chain Management or Business Process Management or Management or Information Systems or Operations Management major(s) or minor(s). Restricted to students with Junior or Senior class standing.
GLBL 100: Intro to Global Studies

Credit: 3 hours. Foundation course for understanding a range of contemporary issues and learning to analyze them from multiple disciplinary perspectives. Students consider globalizing trends within themes of wealth and poverty; population, cultures, and human rights; environment and sustainability; and governance, conflict, and cooperation. Course objectives are to enhance knowledge of human cultures, their interactions and impacts on the world; develop skills for successfully negotiating realities of contemporary societies; and promote values for global learning, diversity, and sustainable futures.

HIST 100: Global History

Credit: 3 hours. Broad introduction to global history, by exploring the global structures and transnational forces that have shaped human history, from the emergence of agriculture and urban centers to our contemporary global village.

Summer Institute for Languages in the Muslim World – SILMW

SILMW is 8 weeks long. It runs during Summer II Session.

The Summer Institute for Languages of the Muslim World (SILMW) is an annual intensive language institute at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign that focuses specifically on teaching critical languages spoken in the Muslim World.

At SILMW 2018 we are offering the following languages (click on a language for more info and for the contact information of the instructor).

  • Arabic
  • Persian
  • Swahili
  • Turkish
  • Wolof

The class schedule is 9-11 and 12-2, Elementary classes: M-F, Intermediate classes:M-R and half day on Friday, Advanced classes: M-R

IFLIP ANNOUNCES NEW SUMMER CLASSES! Classes are now three weeks! Please register by May 1st, 2018

Open to members of the University community and to the general public.Classes meet Monday through Friday, two hours a day, for three weeks, except holidays. Taught by advanced graduate students or faculty. Courses focus on conversational skills, travel preparation and language survival skills. There is minimal homework, no attendance policy, and no academic credit. Click here for more information: http://www.slcl.illinois.edu/outreach/iflip/

 

May 2018 Graduates: There are great gap year opportunities for you!

Please visit our Compass page for over 20 Gap Year Opportunities.

Here are five full time opportunities at Kirkland & Ellis that would be great for May 2018 Graduates!

Junior Paralegal – Corporate

New York, NY: http://staffjobsus.kirkland.com/jobs/2629335-junior-paralegal-corporate

Junior Paralegal – International Trade & National Security

Washington D.C.: http://staffjobsus.kirkland.com/jobs/2600812-junior-paralegal-international-trade-and-national-security 

Corporate Junior Paralegal

San Francisco, CA: http://staffjobsus.kirkland.com/jobs/2505717-corporate-junior-paralegal

Litigation Junior Paralegal

Chicago, IL: http://staffjobsus.kirkland.com/jobs/2470011-litigation-junior-paralegal

Junior Paralegal – Intellectual Property

New York, NY: http://staffjobsus.kirkland.com/jobs/2422412-junior-paralegal-intellectual-property

Mark Your Calendars – Week of April 23

Today is the last Pre-Law Advising Services event of the semester!

Personal Statement Workshop for Fall Applicants

When? 4:00 – 5:00 PM

Where? Room 514 of the Illini Union Bookstore, 807 S. Wright Street

If you’re planning to apply to law school this fall OR if you’re graduating and planning to apply to law school in the next couple of years, then this is a great opportunity to learn about writing a personal statement for law school. The personal statement is a critical part of the law school application in which applicants must show personality, highlight strengths, identify career goals, and address why law school is their next step: a tall order for a 2 page document!

Join us as we cover:

  • What the personal statement is (and isn’t) to law schools
  • Creating a realistic timeline
  • Outlining a plan for how to write the statement
  • How the personal statement and resume work together in the application
  • Knowing your resources to help you along the way

We’ll have time for Q&A, so bring your questions!

Possible Pre-Law RSO for 2018-2019

Pre-Law Advising Services is measuring interest for a possible pre-law registered student organization here at the University of Illinois. The RSO would be for the 2018-2019 school year. Please answer our survey to let us know about your interest in this RSO and possibly joining the Pre-Law RSO! The form can be found here:  https://goo.gl/forms/MvL1xYyR2cY8Tvss2

Job Opportunity for UIUC Seniors and Recent Graduates – DEADLINE IS APRIL 25!

Proskauer, a large international law firm with offices in multiple locations, is looking to hire Project Assistants to start working this summer for the following offices: New York City (Corporate only); Boston and Washington, D.C.

Project Assistants are recent college graduates who are looking to gain exposure to the legal field before attending law school. They possess excellent written and oral communication skills, critical thinking abilities and are detail oriented. These qualities allow them to effectively support lawyers and more senior paralegals on a wide range of projects and tasks with appropriate supervision. Practice areas for Project Assistants include corporate, litigation and labor. Candidates must be willing to make a two-year commitment and be available to work the hours required by a leading law firm (including evenings and weekends). Successful candidates will be placed in specific practice areas based on the firm’s needs.

To learn more about the Project Assistant positions, go here: https://www.proskauer.com/careers/paralegals.
Interested UIUC seniors and alumni applicants should submit their cover letters and resumes to Judy Argentieri, Pre-Law Advisor, UIUC at: jargenti@illinois.edu, by Wednesday, April 25, 5:00pm.

 

Deadline for the June 11 LSAT is approaching!

Test Date: Monday, June 11, 2018

Registration Deadlines

Requests for testing accommodations are due by the receipt deadlines below. All receipt deadlines are by 11:59 pm Eastern Time (ET).

Receipt Deadline
Registration May 1, 2018
Registration Accommodation Request May 1, 2018
Nonpublished Test Center Registration(additional fees apply) April 24, 2018
Photo Upload May 25, 2018

For more information about the June 2018 LSAT, visit the LSAC website.

 

“A CONVERSATION WITH ALAN DERSHOWITZ” AT FOELLINGER AUDITORIUM

Foellinger Auditorium, April 26, 2018 at 7:30PM

For more information on the event: https://calendars.illinois.edu/detail/5714?eventId=33302447

Global Career Services: UN & International Organizations

Interested in a career with the United Nations or international non-profit organizations? The Area Study Centers and the Illinois Model United Nations is co-hosting this event to learn more about resources and to get advice about working in this field.

The link for more information can be found here: https://www.careercenter.illinois.edu/event/global-careers-careers-un-and-international-organizations

Union Calendar of Events

Need a study break during finals? Check out the Union’s Calendar of Events for the rest of the school year. For more information, click here.

Feminist Film Festival 

The Annual Feminist Film Festival is a grassroots event that uses art and alternative media to bring social issues to the fore. The goal of the festival is to showcase independent film spanning documentary, narrative, and experimental genres in order to explore perspectives often missing from mainstream media and culture. The festival strives to serve as a space for underrepresented artists and filmmakers to raise consciousness concerning issues related to gender, race, class, sexuality, ability and other dimensions of social identity.

The University of Illinois Annual Feminist Film Festival is organized and hosted by the Women’s Resources Center, in collaboration with a variety of campus units and departments. For more information, click here.

Still looking for a summer 2018 internship? Applying for full time jobs? Maybe your resume needs a second look!

Career Center Resume Reviews

The Career Center offers resume reviews at different locations across camps. This is a great way to get feedback on your resume without having to schedule an appointment. Please bring a paper copy to the location of your choice. This is a FREE service provided by the University.

Monday-Friday, 2:00-4:30pm: The Career Center, Resource Center 715 S Wright Street (Across from the Alma Mater).

Sunday, 4:00-9:00pm: Monday & Wednesday, 7:00-9:00pm, Undergraduate Library 1402 W Gregory Drive (in the Consultation Corner)

Tuesday, 5:30-7:30pm: The IKE 301 E Gregory Drive (in Room 1010A).

For more information, visit the Career Center’s website.

 

Your Law School Short List: Using Standard 509 Information to Narrow Your Choices for Fall 2018

Are you narrowing your list of law schools that you plan on attending for Fall 2018? Unsure of how to tell the difference between some schools? Making a final decision can be stressful. If you feel like you need more information about a law school, consider looking at their Standard 509.

What is a Standard 509? The American Bar Association requires that law schools disclose certain information about their schools. Standard 509 information includes: LSAT/GPA data, tuition and living expenses, diversity of enrollment, grants and scholarships, and more. Most law schools provide a link to the Standard 509 document at the bottom of their law school websites. However, the ABA provides an easy way for you access the documents and compare schools. The website is: http://www.abarequireddisclosures.org/

We also more information about how to access Standard 509 reports on our Compass page. 

Using all the Illinois Law Schools Standard 509 documents, here are some ways you can utilize this resource and narrow your choices! The three topics we looked at included: on campus cost of living, conditional versus non-conditional scholarships, and transfer rates.

 

Mark Your Calendars – April 2

Thank you to the students that joined us for the Taking the Gap Year Workshop last week!

For the students that could not attend the Gap Year Workshop, the list of current gap year job opportunities (over 20 available job opportunities across the country) will be available on our Compass page by the end of the week.

Upcoming Pre-Law Advising Services Events:

Monday April 16 – Applying to Law School Workshop for Fall Applicants at 4PM in 514 Illini Union Bookstore Building

Monday April 23 – Personal Statement Workshop for Fall Applicants at 4PM in 514 Illini Union Bookstore Building

And don’t forget to mark your calendars for the Illini Career and Internship Fair, Tuesday April 10, 1pm-6pm, Illini Union Rooms A, B, and C! This career fair is open to all disciplines and is designed to serve as a “just-in-time” fair for students that have yet to secure a summer internship or full-time job after graduation.

Classes for Fall 2018 – Registration Begins Soon!

Last Wednesday’s blog featured a list of suggested classes for pre-law students.

PS 491 — Internship with the Champaign County Public Defender’s Office

Unlike other internships that require a substantial research project completed in conjunction with the internship itself for academic credit, credit in this program is based on class meetings and structured assignments that integrate readings on political systems, the legal system, and constitutional and human rights, with on-the-job experience summarizing case files, witnessing trials and colloquies, and interviewing witnesses and clients. Students are supervised by the Champaign County Public Defender or attorneys in the office. Stay tuned for updates regarding the application process for this exciting opportunity. For more information, go here: https://pol.illinois.edu/academics/undergraduate-program/internships.

SUMMER INTERNSHIPS
Still looking for summer opportunities? We’ve posted lots of internships and jobs over on our Facebook page.

The Division of General Studies is hiring PAID summer peer advisors to assist with summer registration. Visit our Facebook page for the full job description.

Consider Volunteering!

If you are still looking for summer internships or ways to build your resume, consider searching for “volunteer” opportunities at legal aid organizations, non-profits, and similar places. Volunteering is an excellent opportunity for students studying for the LSAT over the summer or freshmen and sophomores looking to add to their resumes. *Pre-Law Advising Services is not affiliated with any of these organizations.

Here are a few opportunities for volunteers and great ways to build your resume over the summer/work around your own schedule:

For Environmental Law: The Alliance for the Great Lakes has volunteer opportunities in the Chicagoland area. https://greatlakes.org/get-involved/

For Immigration Law: Centro Romero has volunteer opportunities. http://centroromero.org/crweb/about_us/volunteer/

For Family Law: Metropolitan Family Services has volunteer opportunities in Chicago. https://www.metrofamily.org/get-…/volunteer/volunteer-types/

For Criminal and Juvenile Law: Lawndale Christian Legal Center, which serves youth involved with the criminal justice system, age 24 and younger, in Chicago’s North Lawndale community also has volunteer opportunities: http://lclc.net/partnering/volunteering/

For Poverty and Elder Law: Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance has volunteer opportunities across Central and Southern Illinois. http://lollaf.org/?page_id=128

For Legal Aid: Legal Services of Eastern Missouri has volunteer and internship opportunities in the St. Louis area. http://www.lsem.org/volunteer/volunteer-overview/

For Legal Aid: Prairie State Legal Services regularly hosts school year and summer interns at its each of its local offices (Bloomington; Joliet; Kankakee; McHenry; Ottawa; Peoria; Rockford; Rock Island; St. Charles; Waukegan; and Wheaton), and the following special projects: Legal Help for Homeowners Project (Wheaton and Waukegan); Low Income Tax Clinic (Wheaton); and Fair Housing Project (Waukegan, Rockford, and Peoria).https://www.pslegal.org/psls-career-opp.asp

Campus Events

The Hidden America: Health Effects of Structural Inequality and Violence

Thursday, April 5
12 p.m.
Max L. Rowe Auditorium
Law Building

https://calendars.illinois.edu/detail/5714?eventId=33302939

International Week 2018

Through numerous educational, cultural, and recreational events co-hosted by student groups, centers, colleges, units, and local partners, International Week aims to raise awareness about the breadth of international education, activities, and resources available in our community.  Events include an international fair, mini language lessons, an Asian night market, an international children’s celebration, and more!  To submit an event or find events to attend, visit: http://go.illinois.edu/IWevents

Use these hashtags all week: #IW2018 #ILLINOISinternational!

International Prom 2018 – April 7th

Join #ISSSIllinois and IEngage Student Council UIUC for International Prom 2018! Date: Saturday, April 7, 2018; Time: 7-10pm; Place: Illini Union Ballroom (2nd Floor); Theme: Postcards from the World; Attire: Cultural dress from home country is encouraged; Semi-formal, formal dress is requested; Cost: Your $8.00 ticket includes entry to Prom, light refreshments, and fun! Tickets will be $12.00 at the door.

Tickets available: go.illinois.edu/Prom2018

Internships: Applications, Interviews, and Other Tips

March is an important time for summer internships. There are many deadlines that are for March 1 and March 15. Some of the internships in our Winter Break Internship Newsletter over on Compass are still available, and we’ve been posting LOTS of internships on our Facebook page! Here are some tips on applications, subsequent interviews, and other important things to do to make sure you land the perfect summer internship.

Applications

1.Apply early! If you wait until the last minute to apply, you might be at the bottom of the resume stack.

2.Make a checklist for the required application materials. Make sure you send the employer everything they ask for. Some employers will not even consider your application unless you provide the materials they ask for. Common internship application components include:

  • Resumes
  • Cover Letters
  • Transcripts
  • Writing Samples
  • References

3. Be formal. Dress up for your interview–even if it’s through Skype. Iron your dress suit. Treat this interview seriously. For cover letters or emails, make sure to address employers as Mr., Ms., and Mrs. Use appropriate email subject lines if communicating via email. Examples of appropriate subject lines for internship applications and correspondence:

  • John Doe Application Materials for Summer 2018 Internship at XYZ Company
  • John Doe Resume, Cover Letter, and Writing Sample for Summer 2018 Internship
  • Summer 2018 Internship for XYZ Company – John Doe

4. Send a thank you note after your internship interview! Even if you think the interview did not go that well, send a thank you email and a written thank you note. You would rather be the applicant who sent the thank you note instead of the only applicant who did not send the thank you note.

Interviews

  1. Do a mock interview before your real interview! The Career Center offers mock interviews. This is a great opportunity to practice with someone who can give you constructive feedback. For more information about the Career Center’s mock interviews, click here.
  2. Phone interviews and Skype interviews are very common for first round or preliminary interviews. Make sure you have a quiet environment to conduct your phone interview. If your dorm or apartment is going to be distracting or loud, book a study room for your phone or Skype interview. For information about reserving a study room through the University’s library system, click here.
    1. If you decide to do a Skype interview at your dorm or apartment, be careful of what is in the background of the video. Clean up your space and take a picture from your webcam to see what the interviewer will see. Do a practice interview over Skype with a friend to make sure you know how to use it and it works.
    2. Dress up for your Skype interview. Treat this interview as a formal interview. Wear a suit!
  3. Make copies of your application materials and bring the materials to your interview. Bring at least three paper copies of your resume, cover letter, and transcript to an in-person interview.

Other Tips- Utilize campus resources!

  1. The Career Center hosts great events for finding an internship. Their next “Finding an Internship” workshop is Tuesday March 13. For more information about that event, click here. 
  2. Make sure you are registered to use Handshake@Illinois. This resource helps connect you with employers looking for interns and other full time jobs. To register, click here. 
  3. Get resume tips and get your resume reviewed. The Career Center offers tips for writing a resume. The Career Center also offers resume reviews.

Featured Internships – These have March 15 deadlines, so apply soon!

  1. U.S. Department of Education–Washington, D.C. The Department of Education Intern Program seeks to provide students with an experience that exposes them to government and federal education policy while providing students with meaningful responsibilities. Applicants for the ED Intern program will be accepted throughout the year on a rolling application schedule. Applications need to be received at a minimum of a month before the proposed start date to be considered, however, it is highly recommended that applications
    are submitted much further in advance due to high demand for spots in the program (especially during the summer season). No application will be considered complete until three items are received by ED: a cover letter; an up to date resume; and a copy of the intern application (located on the website below). For more information and to obtain a copy of the application, go to: http://www.ed.gov/students/prep/job/intern/index.html. Application Deadline:
    March 15. Questions? Send an email to StudentInterns@ed.gov
  2. Internship with Senator Tammy Duckworth. A Congressional internship offers a unique opportunity to witness and experience first-hand the legislative process as well as assist in helping your representative or senator represent the citizens of Illinois. Click here for internship information about Senator Duckworth’s internships.  The application deadline is March 15.
  3. The Wolff Internship with the Institute of Government & Public Affairs is a PAID internship starting in the summer and going through the next academic year. Applications are due March 9. 

(Further Reading) Helpful Past Blogs About Internships

  1. Still making summer plans? Here’s what to do now 
  2. The 2017 Internship Newsletter is Live on Compass!

 

 

Mark Your Calendars – Week of March 5

Thank you to the students that attended the Negotiating Scholarships Workshop last Monday!

Save the Date for the next Pre-Law Advising Services Event!! Taking a Gap Year (Or More) Before Law School

Are you considering working, volunteering, traveling, or doing something else before attending law school? If so, how can you use that time effectively to improve your applicant profile? Do you want to know more about going straight through to law school after undergrad? This event helps students explore different paths to law school. The panel will feature three current law students–two with work experience and one who went directly from undergrad to law school–to answer your questions and discuss the pros and cons of going straight to law school versus taking a gap year (or more) and working.

Events on Campus

Virtual Career Fair for Students with Disabilities: Wednesday, March 14, 8am-5pm

Bender Consulting Services, Inc. is hosting a virtual career fair where job seekers with disabilities can meet employers from across the nation. This online recruiting event is open to students & alumni from 2-Year and 4-Year Colleges and Universities across the United States. Use the following link to review the event schedule and register: https://www.careereco.com/Fair/EventDetails?fairId=4c573eb5-af3c-4ad9-855a-a831011b640e

Other Spring Career Fairs

March 1-2:  Career XPO (Architecture and Urban and Regional Planning)  https://arch.illinois.edu/degrees/career-xpo

March 5:  Educators’ Job Fair  https://www.careercenter.illinois.edu/educators-job-fair

March 13:  Research Park Career Fair  http://researchpark.illinois.edu/career-fair

April 10:  Just-in-Time Illini Career & Internship Fair  https://www.careercenter.illinois.edu/just-time-illini-career-internship-fair

PAID internship opportunity! Wolff Internship applications are due March 9.

 

OIIR’s “Lunch on Us” Program 

Join OIIR every weekday for a noontime discussion, and learn something new. Featuring speakers, panels, and resources at the University of Illinois, all lunches introduce you to the cultures, histories, and societal issues that the diverse communities of our campus face.

Programs take place from noon to 1 pm. For more information, click here.

“Reforming the Supreme Court of Israel”
by Professor Amnon Reichman, University of Haifa
Friday, March 9, 2018
12-1 p.m.
Max L. Rowe Auditorium, Law Building
Professor Reichman will present “Reforming the Supreme Court of Israel.” His lecture is part of the “Distinguished International Lecture Series in Constitutional Law” sponsored by the College of Law’s Program in Constitutional Theory, History and Law; and Israel Studies Project.This event is free and open to the public.

Upcoming Career Center Events

Creating Your Powerful Cover Letter, 4-5 p.m., The Career Center Conference Room 143, 715 S Wright St.

Tuesday, March 6

Finding an Internship, 5-6 p.m., The Career Center Conference Room 143, 715 S Wright St.

Wednesday, March 7

Health Professions Wednesdays: Beyond the Medical Model, 4-5 p.m., The Career Center Interview Suite 213, 616 E Green St.  

Wednesday, March 7

Acing Your Interview, 4-5 p.m., The Career Center Conference Room 143, 715 S Wright St.

Wednesday, March 7

Creating Your Powerful Resume, 5-6 p.m., The Career Center Conference Room 143, 715 S Wright St.

Friday, March 9

Immigration Attorney Presentation, 4-5:30 p.m., The Career Center Interview Suite 213, 616 E Green St. 

Taking the LSAT “Cold” – Good Idea or Bad Idea?

Some students believe that they should take the LSAT “cold” or without preparing for the exam, because students can take the LSAT multiple times. So is it a good idea to take an actual LSAT (not a practice one) without prepping just to get the experience?

At Pre-Law Advising Services, we do not encourage this decision. In short, it is not a good idea to take the LSAT “cold.”

Reasons Why You Should Always Prepare for the LSAT Before You Take the Test:

  1. You should take the LSAT seriously.

    1. The LSAT is a crucial element of your law school application. Your LSAT and your GPA are two of the most important parts of your application. Take this part seriously.
    2. A good LSAT score can increase your odds at getting into a school with a higher ranking, a school in your preferred location, more scholarship money, and give you better options when you make your final decision.

  2. Every LSAT score is sent to the schools you apply to.

    1. Even though you can take the LSAT multiple times, every score is sent to every law school to which you apply. You cannot hide a low LSAT score from any law school.
    2. Most schools want for you to explain if your score increases by more than 5 points. Most people that take the LSAT cold and then seriously study for the exam oftentimes have to explain large score increases or discrepancies. It is difficult to do so without indicating that you were unprepared for the exam.

  3. A “cold” LSAT score can show that you were not prepared.

    1. If you have two or three extremely different LSAT scores because you took the LSAT cold, it will show that you were not prepared for the tests.
    2. Law schools may read into the fact you took an LSAT cold – you may come across as an unprepared or unorganized applicant.

  4. Schools may average your LSAT scores.

    1. Because you can now take the LSAT as many times as you want, law schools may use different systems when looking at multiple LSAT scores.
    2. It is possible schools may average your scores, look to the middle test score, or consider your multiple LSAT scores in a different way than you may have planned for.

Our best advice for LSAT prep: allow yourself about 4-6 months to prepare for the LSAT; prepare a realistic study plan, stick to the plan to study consistently, and be honest with yourself and your studying.

A few other thoughts about the LSAT:

  • The LSAT is NOT the same as the ACT or SAT because the LSAT tests your critical thinking rather than your knowledge of any particular subject. Your SAT or ACT score is not necessarily a good predictor of your LSAT score for this reason.
  • The LSAT does NOT test the same material as the ACT, SAT, GRE, or GMAT. The topics and approach to the LSAT should be unique to the LSAT.
  • To prepare properly for the LSAT, as a general rule four to six months of consistent studying is encouraged. The LSAT is not a test that comes easily to many students. It is important to give yourself enough time to study and feel prepared for the test.

The next LSAT is Monday June 11, 2018. For more information about the upcoming LSAT, click here. The registration deadline is Tuesday May 1, 2018. If you are planning on taking the June LSAT, you should register early to get your preferred testing site. Some testing sites fill up quickly, so you should register early!

 

Mark Your Calendars – Week of February 12

Thank you to the students that joined us for the LSAT Prep Fair last week!

Our next event will be the “Negotiating Scholarships Workshop” on Monday February 26! The event will be held at 1090 Lincoln Hall from 5PM – 6:15PM.

Now is the time to assess aid offers and discuss options for additional scholarships with your law schools. How can applicants have a respectful yet productive conversation that potentially results in more scholarship dollars being awarded? Join us as we examine exactly how to go about negotiating law school scholarships with the expertise of a panel of law school admissions professionals with a wealth of experience! This session is a must-see for anyone applying to law school, and the information applies to any law school. Panelists include:

  • Amanda Noascono, Assistant Dean and Director of Admissions, DePaul University College of Law
  • Rebecca Ray, Assistant Dean for Admissions and Financial Aid at the University of Illinois College of Law
  • Nicole Vilches, Assistant Dean for Admissions, Chicago-Kent College of Law

Financing Your Legal Education Webinar: Feb. 15 at 6:00 pm. Law school is an important investment. Making informed decisions about how to finance that investment is crucial. This session, provided by Access Lex,  will help you to understand the costs of pursuing legal education and the financial aid application process. We’ll also review the available financing options and identify ways for you to be financially prepared to achieve your educational goals. To register for this free workshop visit http://bit.ly/2ESeyuu

Applications for Chicago-Kent’s Honors Scholars program are due TODAY Feb. 12 for current applicants. Honors Scholars receive full tuition scholarships for 3 years. Candidates must have a GPA of at least 3.5 and LSAT score of 160. Visit their website for more details and to apply.

Indiana University McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis is now accepting applications on a rolling basis for its new Pathway to the Law program, featuring online for-credit courses, LSAT assistance, a $2000 scholarship, mentoring, and more for selected applicants. https://mckinneylaw.iu.edu/admissions/jd/diversity/pathway-to-the-law.html

A preview to our March event . . . the “Taking a Gap Year Before Law School” Workshop will be on Thursday March 29th in Room 514 of the Illini Union Bookstore from 5:00 – 6:00PM.

Are you considering working or taking a gap year before law school? Do you want to know more about going straight through to law school after undergrad? Pre-Law Advising Services is hosting an event for students to learn more about different paths to law school. The panel will feature three current law students–two with work experience and one who went directly from undergrad to law school–to answer your questions and discuss the pros and cons of going straight to law school versus taking time off and working.

SUMMER PLANS–Still looking for opportunities? Check these out.

Career Fairs. Mark your calendars for spring career fairs, which are open to all Illinois students and present both job and internship opportunities. Find these and other fair opportunities in Handshake.

Looking for some tips on how to make the most of a career fair?  The Career Center is offering a workshop on Career Fair Prep TODAY, February 5, 5pm, Career Center Conference Room 143 at the Career Center.  The Career Center is also offering workshops on crafting a strong resume, how to use LinkedIn, and more.  Visit their website here for information on other great programming opportunities at the Career Center!

Summer PLUS programs. We posted a spreadsheet full of pre-law undergraduate summer programs over on our Compass page! For example:

June LSAT Registration–Planning to take the June LSAT? Registration is now open here! We recommend registering early because this one typically fills early AND LSAT takers were up nearly 30% last year! Now is also a good time to apply for a fee waiver. For more on LSAC fee waivers revisit this blog post.

Did you know that you can get a scholarship for working at an unpaid internship this summer? Apply for the Fred S. Bailey scholarship here, which provides a $1000 stipend for part-time internships and a $2500 stipend for full-time summer internships. Applications due April 12.

University of Illinois’ Office for Student Conflict and Resolution Subcommittee Applications Now Open!

The University of Illinois’ Office for Student Conflict and Resolution has opened up their applications for their two subcommittees: the Subcommittee on Student Conduct and the Subcommittee on Sexual Misconduct. Student applicants must be:

  1. Enrolled full-time at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign;
  2. At least two full semesters from graduation; and
  3. In good academic standing with at least a 2.5 grade point average.

It is encouraged that students have Friday afternoon availability for the Fall 2018 and Spring 2019 semesters. For more information and to apply, visit their website here.

Campus Events:

OIIR’s Lunch on Us Program – Free Lunch Every Weekday!

The Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Relations is offering their “Lunch on Us” program this semester. Programs take place every weekday from noon to 1pm every day and offer a free lunch for attending. To see their schedule, click here. 

“Creating Your Powerful Cover Letter” at the Career Center – Thursday February 15 from 4:00 – 5:00 pm at the Career Center Conference Room 143

Cover letters are challenging to write, and yet, are often a critical aspect of an internship or job application. Learn how to write an effective cover letter that showcases your skills and experiences for a specific position.

Upcoming Law School Opportunities–open to pre-law students!

Indiana University Maurer School of Law (Bloomington) is hosting a Diversity Law Day on Saturday, Feb. 17. This free event includes a mock class, lunch, tours of the law school, and sessions about critical thinking and what lawyers do. Visit their website here for more details and to register.

The Wisconsin Statewide Pre-Law Diversity Day will be Friday, Feb. 23 at Marquette University Law School in Milwaukee. This free event features sessions with the deans of both Marquette and University of Wisconsin law schools, a law school admissions update, mock law school class, tours, lunch, and a mini law school fair. For more details and to register visit their website here.

Free Speech After Charlottesville–February 16 from 12-1 pm at the University of Illinois College of Law Rowe Auditorium. Speaker Teresa Sullivan will discuss the August 2017 events that involved clashes between white supremacists and counter-protestors on the grounds of UVA and in Charlottesville. She will discuss how these events have shaped the debate about free speech, led to discussions about the proper dividing line between free speech and hate speech, and changed the way that universities prepare for public assemblies that can lead to violent clashes between opposing groups. Free and open to the public–lunch will be provided to the first 200 participants. Find more details here.

 

New Location for the LSAT Prep Fair

There has been a location change for our 2018 LSAT Prep Fair. The LSAT Prep Fair is next Tuesday February 6 from 4PM to 6PM. The event will now take place at the Illini Union Bookstore Building, Room 514 (the 5th floor of the Illini Union Bookstore Building)!

The elevator banks that lead to the 5th Floor are on the Wright Street Side of the building (not the bookstore entrance, just down the block a few steps).