Pre-Law Advising Services Blog https://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising Pre-law news, events, & opportunities every week! Mon, 18 Mar 2024 14:17:46 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 Summer & Fall 2024 Course Recommendations https://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/2024/03/18/summer-fall-2024-course-recommendations/ Mon, 18 Mar 2024 14:17:45 +0000 https://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/?p=13357 Continue reading Summer & Fall 2024 Course Recommendations]]>

It’s time to get excited for Summer and Fall courses! Each semester we receive many questions from pre-law students regarding courses helpful in preparation for law school in advance of course registration.  Pre-Law Advising has made a helpful chart with suggested classes pre-law students might find useful and interesting in planning and exploring a legal education to assist in this process.

In general, students interested in going to law school should take classes that focus on analytical and critical thinking, communication, research and writing, and when possible – legal topics of interest. The recommended course list includes classes from many different disciplines that might serve one, or more, of these goals. Take a look at the chart to find courses that are both interesting to you and will help build the necessary skills for law school.

Click HERE for the list of summer 2024 courses & Click HERE for the list of fall 2024 courses!

Note: The Course Recommendation Charts are in Canvas. Self-enroll in the course by clicking here.

Please keep in mind that these lists should not be viewed as exhaustive as there are many beneficial courses offered each semester.  These lists should be used to highlight courses of particular

Want to learn more?

See what fellow Pre-Law Illini say are some of their favorite pre-law-related courses at Illinois…

Ben Richardson

Ben is currently the Class of 2026 Representative of the PLAS Advisory Council. He shared the following perspectives on his favorite pre-law-related course in the fall…

BADM 300 – The Legal Environment of Business – I found the course very engaging and interesting, and many of the concepts are very relevant to a career in the legal field, especially for corporate law. The class covers contract law, torts, labor laws, and a large variety of other relevant topics. The professor is very knowledgeable and makes the lectures interesting for students by providing real world examples and using his career in the legal field to illustrate concepts. Overall, I would highly recommend BADM 300 for anyone interested in business law and think it’s a great class. It introduces a wide variety of basics in law and gives students a foundation that I think is useful. On top of this, the class has an excellent discussion section each week, which allows students to practice speaking about legal issues in front of a class.

Here is a list of Previous Course recommendations by Pre-law students:

Sarine Kalayjian

Sarine is currently the At-Large Representative of the PLAS Advisory Council and the Secretary of the Women’s Undergraduate Law Society. Here are her perspectives on her list of favorite pre-law-related courses…

  • PS 230 – Intro to Political Research – This class taught me about the fundamentals of scholarly research, including the various components that must be considered when conducting your own research. I learned about the research/writing process, which can help pre-law students become familiar with how to formally write a research paper.
  • PS 220 – Intro to Public Policy – For those interested in both law and public policy, this course provides a broad overview of the various elements of American public policy. It could be useful to pre-law students because it shows how laws and domestic public policies merge in current events.

Daryl Salinas

Daryl is currently the At-Large Representative of the PLAS Advisory Council and Vice President of the Minority Association for Future Attorneys. She shared the following perspective on her favorite pre-law-related courses…

  • LAW 303 – Living the Law I loved this course because it explores different fields within the law, such as property law, criminal law, and family law. Also, at the end of the week, you are given a case to analyze, discuss, and rule on. Overall, it is a great course for any student who is even slightly interested in law. Additionally, the course is taught by Professor Jennifer Pahre, a law professor, and law students, so you will be able to form connections and ask them law-related questions!
  • PS 370 – Justice in the Law The professor (Ben Miller) is passionate about what he teaches, which makes you want to learn more about the topics! In this course, you will learn about various Supreme Court cases as well as different ethical philosophies. You will utilize what you have learned to write briefs over Supreme Court cases. It opens up a new perspective on how we view Supreme Court cases and their rulings.

Ashley Winters

Ashley is currently the Alumni Representative of the PLAS Advisory Council. These are his favorite pre-law-related courses…

  • PS 302 – The US Constitution II – This course, run by Professor Cho, is incredibly beneficial. The structure of the class and exam format are similar to those students can expect in law school. I also found the material covered to be interesting and thought-provoking.

Considering a minor?

Click on the button below to learn more about the Legal Studies Minor, including a Q&A with Professor Jennifer Pahre: 

Visit the Legal Studies Minor website to learn more or email:  

law-undergrad@illinois.edu!

Still not sure what to take? 

Schedule a pre-law advising meeting to discuss course options!

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Alumni Attorney Talks | Peter W. Su https://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/2024/03/14/alumni-attorney-talks-peter-w-su/ Thu, 14 Mar 2024 16:08:14 +0000 https://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/?p=13278 Continue reading Alumni Attorney Talks | Peter W. Su]]> Alumni Attorney Talks is a virtual series that aims to provide prospective law students with helpful insights about attending law school and pursuing a legal career. This series features interviews with University of Illinois alumni working in a variety of diverse settings within the legal profession.

Peter W. Su

ATTORNEY, MEYER CAPEL

QUICK FACTS ABOUT MR. SU

  • Law School: Southern Illinois University School of Law
  • UIUC Undergraduate Major: Natural Resources and Environmental Science
  • Mr. Su’s Three Words to Describe the Legal Profession:

Necessary | Stressful | Rewarding

CHECK OUT THIS INSIGHTFUL INTERVIEW HERE!

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Let’s Talk About Financing Law School https://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/2024/03/12/lets-talk-about-financing-law-school/ Tue, 12 Mar 2024 17:41:04 +0000 https://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/?p=13227 Continue reading Let’s Talk About Financing Law School]]>

Every year, PLAS meets with pre-law students and law school applicants to answer the question “How do I pay for law school?”

Law school can be expensive. Paying for law school will look different than paying for an undergraduate education. With the right knowledge, tools, and support you can make this process manageable and less intimidating. And PLAS is here to help.

A Note on AccessLex:

Before we take you on a journey, we highly encourage you to take advantage of a wide range of resources available to you. One of the best resources related to financing law school is AccessLex, a not-for-profit organization that specializes in helping students navigate many aspects of the law admissions process, including financing law school. Their services are completely free and are available to aspiring law students, current law students, and attorneys! You can browse their online resources or set up a meeting with a certified financial expert. Trust us, AccessLex is one of the best tools you can have in your toolbox.

Sources for Paying for Law School

Students attending undergraduate institutions for their first bachelor’s degree may have a wide variety of funding options, such as federal loans and grants, work-study programs, need-based scholarships, and merit-based awards. However, the options for law school may be more limited to options during your undergraduate experience. Those sources are:

Merit-Based Scholarships

The main source of scholarships for law school are merit-based, with a significant focus on the applicant’s GPA and LSAT scores to determine an award amount. As a result, it is important to consider schools where your LSAT and GPA will be competitive to maximize your chances of receiving a scholarship, particularly if minimizing law school debt is a high priority goal. Generally speaking, need-based scholarship options are much more limited for law school. Law schools may have other types of scholarships available through the admissions process focused on additional applicant critieria, however, most law schools do not give need-based scholarships or provide more limited need-based options.

Note: What is considered “competitive” will vary from school to school. You are welcome to schedule an appointment with an advisor to talk through your options.

Federal Loans

There are two types of federal loans available for law school: 1) Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and 2) Grad PLUS Loans. You must fill out a FAFSA to see if you qualify for these options. To learn more about these options please visit the Federal Student Aid webpages linked above. Keep in mind that law school applicants are considered independent for purposes of determining financial aid eligibility.

The FAFSA

Any student who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs must fill out the FAFSA. The 2024-2025 FAFSA is going to look different than last year’s application. We encourage all rising law students to fill out the FAFSA the spring before you start law school.

Here are some notable changes that relate to future law students:

  • Rising law students can add up to 20 schools to their FAFSA.
  • The Student Aid Index (SAI) has replaced the Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
  • The new form is now available in the 11 most common languages in the USA.
  • Students can expect to see fewer questions on the form.

The University of Illinois Office of Financial Aid provides helpful guidance on the FAFSA and changes for the 2024-2025 aid year. You can also check out the helpful video below.

One of the biggest differences between undergraduate and law school (or any graduate program) is that you are considered financially independent for purposes of determining federal aid eligibility. This means that you are not required to submit parental information when applying for federal aid for law school. Please note that some law schools may ask to receive parental information, be sure to check with your list of schools to confirm in advance.

Private Loans

Private loans are another source of funding. The ability to obtain a private loan will depend on many factors, including your credit history and the possible need for a co-signor. Interest rates, as well as, repayment requirements for private loans vary. It is important to understand the terms before taking on a private loan. Additionally, you should always try to borrow federal loans first (if available) and only borrow what you need.

Independent Funds

Law students may be able to fund their education through sources other than those listed above. This is where you can get creative! Here is a list of potential sources of independent funds:

  • Work-Study/Graduate Assistant/Teaching Assistant: some law schools may provide students with an opportunity to earn money or receive tuition remission through work-study, serving as a graduate or teaching assistant, or something similar.
  • External Scholarships: There are many scholarships available to current and prospective law students through independent organizations. AccessLex manages a robust scholarship databank listing these options. Keep in mind that scholarship offers will continue to be available to you as a current law student. Make it a habit to review available scholarships to maximize your chances of earning some!
  • Veterans Educational Assistance: If you are a veteran, you may have access to educational benefits through the US Department of Veterans Affairs.
  • Personal Savings or Summer Jobs: Some law students can offset the cost of their education through personal savings. Another option is to use your salary from your summer jobs during law school to offset your academic year expenses.

Regardless of how you fund law school, it will be important to understand how much law school will cost so you can plan accordingly.

Cost of Attendance

To understand how much you may need to borrow, you need to understand how much law school will cost. This is called Cost of Attendance or COA. COA includes items such as tuition and fees, books, supplies, living expenses (NYC v. Champaign?), transportation, parking, and other miscellaneous expenses. Law schools publish their unique COA on their websites.

Pay special attention to tuition and cost of living as the price tag will vary significantly based on the type of institution and location. For example, in-state tuition is likely to be more affordable than out-of-state or private tuition. Rent in Champaign-Urbana is likely to be less than rent in Los Angeles or Manhattan.

Consider the images below as visual representations of the variances in cost of living and tuition. Note: exact numbers may vary, for illustrative purposes only.

We hope this overview of how to pay for law school was helpful. Being well informed is one of the best ways to feel confident in your choice of law school and the expenses of pursuing this educational path. If you are ready to begin assessing specific costs, be sure to check out the AccessLex student loan calculator for a clear picture of expenses.

Pre-Law Advising is here to help! Please come see us. We are more than happy to support you and talk through any questions or concerns!

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March Snapshot https://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/2024/03/01/march-snapshot-4/ Fri, 01 Mar 2024 14:28:00 +0000 https://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/?p=13186 Continue reading March Snapshot]]>

Welcome March!

Below please see a list of important dates, upcoming events, and reminders for March 2024!

Highlight of March Events

March 1: APPLICATION OPENLaunch Into Law: University of Toledo | May 6 – 10, 2024. To learn more and apply, click here. The deadline to register is April 12, 2024.

March 1: APPLY to work with the Division of General Studies this summer as a DGS Peer Advisor! | For more information, click here. The deadline to apply is March 8, 2024.

March 2: APPLICATION OPEN Apply for the American Indian Law Center Summer Pre-Law Program! | For more information and to apply, click here. The deadline to apply is March 15, 2024.

March 2: 9th Annual Pathways to the Legal Profession Conference sponsored by Northwestern Pritzker School of Law’s Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion | 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. Click here for more information.

March 4: APPLICATION OPEN for Yale Law School Launchpad Scholars Program! | For more information and to apply, click here. First round applications are due May 1, 2024.

March 4: GREAT OPPORTUNITY! Finding an Internship Workshop | 5:00 pm in the Psychology Building Room 142. Presented by Psychology Leaders and the Career Center. All majors welcome! To register, click here and fill out the Google form.

March 4: Beinecke Campus Deadline Click here for more information.

March 4: Samvid Priority Deadline Click here for more information.

March 5: GREAT OPPORTUNITY! LSAT Prep Provider Digital Fair 2024 | Law School Admission Council. 4:00 – 7:00 pm. Click here for more information.

March 5: Roosevelt Univeristy – Paralegal Studies Program Online Info Session | 6:00 – 7:00 pm. Click here for more information.

March 6: PLAS WORKSHOP – Application Roadmap Workshop | On Zoom. 12:00 – 1:00 pm. Click here for more information.

March 6: Imposter Syndrome presented by The University Library and the Counseling Center | 1:00 pm, Main Library Room 106. To learn more and register, click here.

March 7: APPLY to be an ISTAR Tour Guide this summer! | For more information and to apply, click here. Applications close March 29th.

March 7: AccessLex – An Introduction to Personal Finance for First-Generation Students Webinar | 7:00 pm. Click here for more information.

March 7: Quad Fellowship Priority Deadline. Click here for more information.

March 8: ACADEMIC DEADLINE – Drop Deadline for full semester courses without a grade of W. Click here for more information.

March 8: DEADLINE Last Day to apply to work with the Division of General Studies this summer as a DGS Peer Advisor! | For more information, click here.

March 9: Northwestern Pritzker School of Law: Master of Science in Law (MSL) Open House | Located at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. 9:30 am – 12:30 pm. Click here for more information.

March 9 – 17: Spring Break – Have an enjoyable and safe Spring Break!

March 12: AccessLex | Choosing a Law School Webinar | 2:00 pm. Click here for more information.

March 12: AccessLex | Applying to Law School Webinar | 7:00 pm. Click here for more information.

March 13: UChicago Law Admissions Monthly Webinar | 5:00 – 6:00 pm. Click here for more information.

March 15: DEADLINE Last Day to Apply for the American Indian Law Center Summer Pre-Law Program! | For more information and to apply, click here.

March 18: ONLINE Junior & Senior Student Scholarships Recruitment Information Session | 3:30 pm. Click here for more information.

March 19: ONLINE Junior & Senior Student Scholarships Recruitment Information Session | 11:00 am. Click here for more information.

March 20: LSAC Webinar | FAFSA Delay: What’s Happening and What’s Next | 2:00 pm. Click here for more information.

March 20: AccessLex | Paying for Law School | 11:00 am. Click here for more information.

March 20: ONLINE Junior & Senior Student Scholarships Recruitment Information Session | 2:00 pm. Click here for more information.

March 21: PLAS WORKSHOP – Pre-Law 101 – Session One | 4:00 pm. Click here for more information.

March 21: Junior & Senior Student Scholarships Recruitment Information Session | 3:00 pm. Click here for more information.

March 22: ACADEMIC DEADLINE – Add Deadline for POT B (2nd 8-week) courses. Click here for more information.

March 26: AccessLex | Building Your Law School Budget |11:00 am. Click here for more information.

March 26: ONLINE Freshman & Sophomore Student Scholarships Recruitment Information Session | 11:00 am and 3:30 pm. Click here for more information.

March 26: Penn State Dickinson Law | Virtual Application Workshop |6:00 pm. Click here for more information.

March 27: AccessLex | Your Law School Investment |2:00 pm. Click here for more information.

March 28: PLAS WORKSHOP – Pre-Law 101 – Session Two | 4:00 pm. Click here for more information.

March 29: Sign up for CLEO’s ASAP (Achieving Success in the Application Process) Program | Applications are now open! Select from multiple dates and locations. For more information and to apply, click here.

March 29: DEADLINE Last Day to Apply to be an ISTAR Tour Guide this summer! | For more information and to apply, click here.

Scholarships, Internships & Pathway Programs

Click on the buttons below to explore pre-law scholarships, internships, and other opportunities, and pre-law pathway and diversity programs.

Must be enrolled in the PLAS Canvas page. Click here to enroll.
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Alumni Attorney Talks | Jackson D. Glisson https://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/2024/02/16/alumni-attorney-talks-jackson-d-glisson/ Fri, 16 Feb 2024 18:09:05 +0000 https://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/?p=13162 Continue reading Alumni Attorney Talks | Jackson D. Glisson]]> Alumni Attorney Talks is a virtual series that aims to provide prospective law students with helpful insights about attending law school and pursuing a legal career. This series features interviews with University of Illinois alumni working in a variety of diverse settings within the legal profession.

Jackson D. Glisson

PARTNER, UB GREENSFELDER

QUICK FACTS ABOUT MR. GLISSON

  • Law School: University of Illinois College of Law
  • UIUC Undergraduate Major: Civil Engineering
  • Mr. Glisson’s Three Words to Describe the Legal Profession:

Demanding | Fast-paced | Analytical

CHECK OUT THIS INSIGHTFUL INTERVIEW HERE!

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Law School Insider | The Classroom Experience https://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/2024/02/12/law-school-insider-the-classroom-experience/ Mon, 12 Feb 2024 15:12:24 +0000 https://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/?p=13058 Continue reading Law School Insider | The Classroom Experience]]>

Welcome to Law School Insider! This newest installment of our series will feature insights from our Graduate Assistant about different aspects of the law school experience, highlighting the differences between law school and college over a variety of topics including classes, extracurriculars, finals, and more.

What do you know about law school classes?

When you ask students what makes law school classes unique, one common answer is “cold calling.” Despite its notoriety, cold calling is far from the only difference between undergraduate and law school classes. This blog post will review the classroom experience in law school and correct some common misconceptions about what a legal classroom looks like.

Many first-year law classes may look quite similar to lectures at the undergraduate level, but there are many notable differences between the two. In most undergraduate-level lectures, students listen to their professor’s lecture for the entire class period, with the occasional voluntary participation. Assignments are spread throughout the semester to help track student understanding. At the undergraduate-level, students are likely to have different classmates in each of their large lectures. This is extremely different from the typical law school classroom, which will heavily emphasize participation amongst a small group of students.

For the vast majority of law schools, you would take your first year of law classes exclusively with your section in your 1L year. 1Ls are first-year law students. Typically in the 1L year, students are split into both large and small sections, with whom they will take all of their doctrinal classes. Common doctrinal classes that students may take with their large section include: Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Property, Torts, Civil Procedure, and Contracts. A small section will break down that large section into even smaller groups. A class like Legal Writing & Research is often taken with a small section.

The vast majority of 1L classes utilize casebooks. A casebook is a type of textbook that contains excerpts from cases. Cases are legal disputes between people. For example, when a spouse initiates a divorce with their partner, they have started a divorce case. Casebooks use cases to teach students how the law works through real-life application. Casebooks consist of written opinions by judges, which are typically deciding the outcome of a case which has come to court. Students can expect to have new readings assigned from their casebook for every class period.

While every student has their own method of preparing, many students brief the cases they read. Briefing a case means breaking down the elements of a judicial opinion into a short written summary. Cases can often be long and include lots of information, so it can be helpful to categorize that information. One common way to split up a case is to write a few sentences on each of the following: the parties involved in the case, the issue at hand, any legal rules mentioned, the holding of the case, and the reasoning of the court. If you are called on by a professor, a brief can serve as a quick guide to remember what happened in the case.

Most law school classes utilize the Socratic Method. This method, modeled after Socrates’ unique style of teaching, encourages learning through participation and dialogue. Law professors will randomly call upon students to review cases that were assigned for the class.

During a cold call, professors may ask a wide variety of questions that can vary from describing the facts of a case to talking through a hypothetical that will require the student to apply the rules they learned from the readings. Some professors like to stick with a single student during an entire class. Others will jump quickly from student to student after asking a few questions.

Some cold calls, in fact, are not entirely randomized. Some professors will go in alphabetical order, while others will notify students in advance of the week they may be called on. In fact, often in upper-level classes, professors will just expect open discussion without having to formally call on anyone.

For many 1L classes, the only assignment you will receive throughout the semester is to complete the readings. This means that most classes conclude with a final exam that makes up 100% of the final grade. Students typically prepare for finals by creating outlines. Outlines are documents which recap everything that was taught throughout the semester, including notes from lecture, discussion, and case readings. Thus, outlines often include shortened versions of briefs, which will describe the main rule of a case in a sentence or two. If you are interested in learning more about preparing for law school finals, keep an eye out for a future installment of Law School Insider!

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2024 LSAT News & Resources https://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/2024/02/07/2024-lsat-news-resources/ Thu, 08 Feb 2024 05:59:23 +0000 https://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/?p=13102 Continue reading 2024 LSAT News & Resources]]>

There are a number of upcoming changes related to the LSAT.  Below is an update on these upcoming changes.  Please note that we will continue to update this post as additional information is released.

LSAT Format Change

Beginning with the August 2024 LSAT administration, the LSAT will no longer include an Analytical Reasoning (Logic Games) section.  The June 2024 will be the last examination to include Logic Games.

August 2024 Administrations and future exams will include the following sections:

  • 1 Reading Comprehension – scored
  • 2 Logical Reasoning – scored
  • 1 Experimental – unscored

Test-takers will also continue to be required to complete the unscored Persuasive Writing section of the LSAT. The Persuasive Writing section must only be completed once but must be completed before the release of the test-taker’s first LSAT score.

Additional information is available on the LSAC website.

In addition, you can look through a PowerPoint presentation from a prior webinar below.

LSAT Prep Resources

In anticipation of the new LSAT format in August, LSAC will provide new LSAT prep resources through Law Hub (free) and Law Hub Advantage ($115). These new resources will be tailored to the new upcoming LSAT format and released sometime after February 2024.

Kahn Academy resources will continue to be available through LSAC through the June LSAT administration. Additional information on prep resources through LSAC is available on the LSAC website.

Choosing an LSAT Administration and Timeline

This year more than ever, being intentional about your timeline is important. When determining your LSAT timeline consider the following:

  • When is your target application submission time frame? Consider planning for late Fall (Nov – Dec).
  • Plan for the possibility of two attempts prior to your goal submission time frame.
  • Plan for 3-6 months of study and prep prior to your first attempt.
  • Consider your schedule and the realities of the available time to prep.
  • Consider how the upcoming changes to the LSAT might be beneficial or detrimental to your success.
  • Be intentional with your timeline, don’t invest study time on question types that will not be part of your LSAT.

Talk to a pre-law advisor! If you are unsure which LSAT format or timeline is right for you, talk to a pre-law advisor. We are here to discuss options, provide insights, and help you determine what path is best for you. Advising appointments are available for all current UIUC students and alumni. Schedule an appointment online now!

Additional Resources

LSAT Peer Perspectives Panel: Gain insights from recent LSAT takers regarding prep strategies, resources, and test day experiences.

LSAT Study Groups: Sign up spring LSAT Study groups by clicking the button below.

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February Snapshot https://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/2024/02/01/__trashed-2/ Thu, 01 Feb 2024 21:44:15 +0000 https://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/?p=13006 Continue reading February Snapshot]]>

Welcome February!

Below please see a list of important dates, upcoming events, and reminders for February 2024 and the beginning of the spring semester!

Highlight of February Events

February 1: Today is the first day of Black History Month which is celebrated each February. Learn more about Black History Month at Illinois online at the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center, including a listing of upcoming programs and celebrations on campus!

February 1: Gilman Scholarship Information Session | 3:30 pm. IN PERSON. For additional information, click here.

February 2: ONLINE Gilman Scholarship Information Session | 9:00 – 10:00 am ONLINE. For additional information, click here.

February 2: Gilman Scholarship Workshop Session | 3:30 in IN PERSON. For additional information, click here.

February 2: LSAC Digital Law School Forum | 4:00 – 7:00 pm ONLINE. For additional information, click here.

February 2: 12th Annual Wisconsin Statewide Pre-Law Diversity Conference and Law Fair | 9:00 am – 2:30 pm at Marquette University Law School. Click here for more information.

February 3: Chicago-Kent College of Law | Winter Open House (Hybrid) | 9:00 am – 12:30 pm. Click here for more information.

February 6: Choosing a Law School – AccessLex Institute | 11:00 am. Click here for more information.

February 6: FREE Logical Reasoning Workshop Presented by TestMasters | 6:00 – 7:30 pm. Click here for more information.

February 7: Penn State Dickinson Law | Virtual Application Workshop |All day. Click here for more information.

February 8: PLAS WORKSHOP: Pre-Law 101 | Session Two: 12:00 – 1:00 pm. ONLINE. For additional information, click here.

February 8: The Road to Zero: A Strategic Approach to Student Loan Repayment – AccessLex Institute| 11:00 am ONLINE. Click here for more information.

February 8: Beinecke Scholarship Information Session | 9:00 – 10:00 am ONLINE. Click here for more information.

February 8: Beinecke Scholarship Workshop | 3:00 – 4:00 pm in IUB 514. Click here for more information.

February 11: REGISTRATION DEADLINE! Illinois Leadership Center | Imprint | Click here to register.

February 13: Applying to Law School: A Strategic Approach For Underrepresented Students – AccessLex Institute | 11:00 am ONLINE. For additional information, click here.

February 13: UChicago Law Admissions Monthly Webinar | 12:00 – 1:00 pm ONLINE. For additional information, click here.

February 15: Paying for Law School – AccessLex Institute | 7:00 pm ONLINE. Click here for more information.

February 15: Samvid Scholarship Information Session | 3:30 – 4:30 pm in IUB 514. Click here for more information.

February 17: Chicago-Kent College of Law | Virtual Diversity Open House| 11:00 am – 12:30 pm. Click here for more information.

February 17: Illinois Leadership Center | Imprint | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Click here for more information.

February 17: Spring Open House @ Stetson Law | 8:30 – 11:30 am IN PERSON. For additional information, click here.

February 20: PLAS WORKSHOP: Navigating Application Decisions | 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm. Click here for more information.

February 22: Voyager Priority Deadline| 12:00 pm. Click here for more information.

February 23: Mix & Meet Up with MAFA Game Night! Learn more about MAFA and get to know current members at this fun game nite! | 5:30 pm at the Illini Union. Click here for more information.

February 24: Law School Launch Virtual Summit hosted by AccessLex Institute | 10:00 am – 1:30 pm. Click here for more information.

Scholarships, Internships & Pathway Programs

Click on the buttons below to explore pre-law scholarships, internships, and other opportunities, and pre-law pathway and diversity programs.

Must be enrolled in the PLAS Canvas page. Click here to enroll.
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Alumni Attorney Talks | Colleen Breems https://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/2024/01/18/alumni-attorney-talks-colleen-breems/ Thu, 18 Jan 2024 22:53:56 +0000 https://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/?p=12806 Continue reading Alumni Attorney Talks | Colleen Breems]]> Alumni Attorney Talks is a virtual series that aims to provide prospective law students with helpful insights about attending law school and pursuing a legal career. This series features interviews with University of Illinois alumni working in a variety of diverse settings within the legal profession.

Colleen Breems

PARTNER, BEERMANN LLP

QUICK FACTS ABOUT MS. BREEMS

  • Law School: DePaul University College of Law
  • UIUC Undergraduate Major: Human Development and Family Studies
  • Ms. Breems’ Three Words to Describe the Legal Profession:

Rewarding | Challenging | Dynamic

CHECK OUT THIS INSIGHTFUL INTERVIEW HERE!

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Back to School | Spring Preview https://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/2024/01/11/back-to-school-spring-preview/ Fri, 12 Jan 2024 04:35:33 +0000 https://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/?p=12947 Continue reading Back to School | Spring Preview]]>

Spring semester is here and this is an important time to look ahead at what you can do to best prepare yourself for your future law school adventures, including planning your spring task list, finalizing summer plans, and revisiting timelines.

Below are some suggested areas to prioritize this spring, depending on your place in the journey to law school. Also included are some January Application Tips for those who are submitting applications this January!

JANUARY APPLICATION TIPS

Have you submitted applications? Are you looking to apply to law school in January – it is still a great time to submit applications to achieve admissions success! Be sure to keep a few things in mind in you are in the application process this year.

If you are still working on applications

  • If it is still on your to-do list, make sure you sign up for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) as soon as possible to begin uploading and submitting all application materials. For more information on CAS, click here.
  • Check all applicable deadlines. Remember, law schools use a rolling admissions process, so get your applications in as soon as possible, with the understanding that while many law schools have deadlines in March, deadlines are school-specific and may be in February, March, April, May, or later!
  • If you are still waiting on letters of recommendation, make a concerted effort to reach out to your recommender(s) and agree on a completion date (by the end of January if possible) so you can execute on your application submission timeline without delay.
  • Make sure you have submitted your transcript to LSAC. To learn more about the transcript summarization process, click here.
  • If you are planning on applying during the 2023-2024 cycle but have not yet taken the LSAT, please reach out to our office right away. We are happy to strategize with you!
  • Complete your FAFSA if you haven’t already. This is how financial aid for federal loans for summer/fall will be determined, whether you are an undergrad or an incoming law student.

If you have submitted applications…

  • Be sure to monitor your inboxes for updates and communications each day.
  • Keep researching schools and mark important upcoming dates, events, and programs on your calendar.
  • Create a spring application budget – consider travel expenses for admitted student events and begin researching seat deposit expectations which will likely be several hundred dollars or more.
  • Consider if you would want to submit a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI). Consider what you might say and when you should submit (timing is important)! Keep in mind that some schools may have specific guidance on when/if LOCIs will be reviewed and considered. PLAS is also here to help you strategize!
  • Complete your FAFSA if you haven’t already. This is how financial aid for federal loans for summer/fall will be determined, whether you are an undergrad or an incoming law student.

IMPORTANT LSAC DEADLINES

Jan. 10 – 13: January LSAT Administration Dates | For more information, click here.

Feb 2: February LSAC Digital Law School Forum — JD-focused | 4:00 – 7:00 pm ONLINE. Register by January 31, 2024, by clicking here.

Feb. 9-10: February LSAT Administration Dates | For more information, click here.

Feb 29: Last Day to Register for the April LSAT | For more information, click here.

UPCOMING PLAS WORKSHOPS AND EVENTS

January 23: LSAT Jumpstart| Session One: LSAT Overview and Session Two: Reading Comprehension with Blueprint | 6:00 – 8:00 pm ONLINE. For more information, click here.

January 24: LSAT Jumpstart|Session Three: Logical Reasoning with Blueprint and Session Four: Analytical Reasoning with Blueprint | 6:00 – 8:00 pm ONLINE. For more information, click here.

January 26: Pre-Law Leadership Summit|9:30 – 11:00 pm IN PERSON. For more information and to nominate a representative, click here.

January 30: LSAT Jumpstart|LSAT Peer Perspectives Panel| 4:00 pm ONLINE. For more information, click here.

February 1: Pre-Law 101 – Session One | 12:00 pm ONLINE. For more information, click here.

February 8: Pre-Law 101 – Session Two| 12:00 pm ONLINE. For more information, click here.

TIPS FOR FRESHMAN AND SOPHOMORE STUDENTS

Apply for Summer Jobs and Internships.  Now is a great time to research summer opportunities and experiences. This is a great way to gain valuable experience and enhance your resume. Check out our Internship Guide or browse available opportunities on UIUC’s Handshake page.
Note: To access the internship guide, you must enroll in the PLAS Canvas page. Click here for more information.

Apply to Summer Pre-Law Programs These short summer programs are a wonderful opportunity for students interested in the legal profession. They typically last 3-5 weeks and are usually free for qualified students. Application deadlines vary but are typically in March and April. If you are interested in these programs check out the AccessLex Directory here!

Sophomore Students – Start researching the LSAT. Not ready to take the real LSAT yet but wondering what it’s all about? Then it’s time to make LSAC (Law School Admission Council) your best friend! This is the organization that administers the LSAT. Learn how to prepare for the LSAT and even take a free test here. Additionally, join PLAS for LSAT Jumpstart to learn foundational information about this crucial exam. To learn more click here.

Job Shadow/Informational Interviews. Job shadow or ask a lawyer to spend 30 minutes doing an informational interview with you. Don’t be intimidated; this is an opportunity for you to buy them coffee and ask about their professional life. Connect with the Career Center for great tips on acing interviews!

Keep up. Use this time to reassess your study plans and goals. Are you satisfied with your major? Are you finding meaningful opportunities and connections on campus? Are you hoping to study abroad? What would be most useful to you now?

Juniors, Seniors and Alumni Applying during the 2024-2025 cycle:

Make your LSAT plans.  Taking the April or June LSAT? Select your prep option and start studying as soon as possible. You want to give yourself the most time to prepare. Ideally, you will study for 4-6 months before taking the LSAT. Keep this in mind when selecting your ideal LSAT examination date. Spring break can be a great time to crank up your LSAT studying.

Save the Date for LSAT Jumpstart & Learn About LSAT Updates: As you may have heard, the LSAT is changing in August 2024. There will be important things to consider as you explore when to take the LSAT. Mark your calendars for LSAT Jumpstart – you don’t want to miss it!

Meet with Pre-law Advising Services. This is the perfect semester to schedule an individual advising session to meet with an expert pre-law advisor on your law school plans. Appointments can be scheduled online at anytime.

Begin considering who will be your recommendation writers.  Applications to law school require letters of recommendation. If you know who you will want to support you with a letter, you should consider approaching your recommenders by this May/June (at the end of THIS semester) so they have plenty of time to write the letter and your performance is still fresh in their mind. If you are an alum, reach out this spring to begin connecting – the longer you wait, the more difficult it is to track people down and for them to remember you. If you don’t feel you have recommenders to ask, begin building relationships this spring in preparation for your application cycle. We recommend identifying two “academic” and at least one additional “professional/leadership/service” related recommender.

Plan to Register for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS).  This is the account you will need to open to have your recommendation letters processed. Be sure to get signed up no later than August if you will be applying in the 2024-2025 cycle.  Once you set it up, your account is good for five years. You can read all about it here.

Seniors taking a gap year (or two) before law school:

Decide who will be your recommendation writers.  It’s a good idea to decide who on campus will write your recommendations, and approach them by the end of this semester to make contact. If you are applying during the 2024-2025 cycle, you’ll want to secure those letters in the spring. If you are planning on applying in a future cycle, it will be important to make contact with your recommender and ask for support. If you keep in touch regularly, your recommender will be better prepared to assist you in a year or two. Plus, regular contact will help with timing. Remember, if you wait too long to make contact,  your preferred professor may be gone, on sabbatical, retired, etc., so it’s better to connect now.

Research Opportunities & Apply. Consider what you hope to achieve by taking time prior to law school and look for opportunities that help you achieve those goals whether it be further education, job opportunities, service, or more. Be sure to connect with career resources on campus, update your resume, and begin creating a timeline for securing your next opportunity.

Register for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS).  If you plan to apply during the 2024-2025 cycle, register for CAS in the summer or early fall. If you plan to apply in a future cycle, hold off on CAS until you are closer to applying.

tips for a successful spring

Get organized! Mark important dates on your calendar. This can include seat deposits, admitted student open house days, and scholarship deadline information for those applying during this cycle. If you are not there yet, consider updating your calendar with academic, RSO, and personal dates. Organization frees up space in your mind!

Stay Connected – Attend Programs! Attend upcoming workshops for guidance on all things pre-law. Check out our Master Calendar below:

Apply for additional scholarships. There may be some wonderful local, state and/or national scholarship opportunities with your name on them! Check out AccessLex’s Scholarship Databank here.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of where you are on your pre-law journey, remember we are here to support you, so please reach out with any questions or thoughts or if you just want to talk.

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