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.
ANDREW GORDON
President and MANAGING ATTORNEY AT GORDON LAW GROUP
CONCENTRATING ON TAX CONTROVERSY AND COMPLIANCE, CRYPTOCURRENCY LAW, FTC DEFENSE, INTERNET LAW, AND CORPORATE LITIGATION
Social justice is at the forefront of many things, and with good reason. In fact, more and more law school admission professionals have indicated an increase in student applications reflecting interest in pursuing a law career to become social justice advocates.
But what does it mean to be a social justice advocate? And, more specifically, what does social justice mean in the legal context? How can you, as a future attorney, gather the skills and information necessary to become the social justice advocate you desire to be?
This post explores what it looks like to be a social justice advocate and a practicing attorney.
Defining Social Justice
Merriam-Webster defines social justice as “a state or doctrine of egalitarianism.” Britannica states that “social justice, in contemporary politics, social science, and political philosophy, the fair treatment and equitable status of all individuals and social groups within a state or society.” The term also is used to refer to social, political, and economic institutions, laws, or policies that collectively afford such fairness and equity and is commonly applied to movements that seek fairness, equity, inclusion, self-determination, or other goals for currently or historically oppressed, exploited, or marginalized populations.
The term appears (although not defined) in The Federalist Papers No. 7. You can also find elements of social justice in theories such as Critical Race Theory, Motivational Interviewing, and Baxter-Magolda’s Theory of Self-Authorship.
In the legal sense, the definition is similar: “Social justice is justice that follows the principle that all individuals and groups are entitled to fair and impartial treatment. Social justice attempts to prevent human rights abuses. Social justice is based on notions of equality and equal opportunity in society. It focuses on the full and equal participation of all citizens in economic, social, and political aspects of the nation. Social justice can also refer to advantages and disadvantages distributed in a society.” (emphasis added)
Social justice is focused on justice, fair and impartial treatment, equality, and equal opportunity, and preventing abuses based on social injustices.
Principles/Goals of Social Justice
As you continue to understand what social justice means to you, consider the following articulated principles/goals of social justice as presented by GenV and Kent State:
Human Rights
Access
Participation
Equity
Diversity
Do any of these principles stand out to you? How do you see yourself advancing social justice issues within these categories? How can a law degree and career as an attorney support your goals of social justice through some or all of these lenses?
Lawyers and Social Justice
Based on the definitions and principles listed above, you can see clear themes emerging around how an individual perceives social justice. Understanding what social justice means is important in figuring out how you want to contribute towards social justice causes through your law school and legal careers.
Here are some examples of social justice issues that intersect with the law highlighted by the advocacy organization Pachamama:
Voting Laws (i.e. redistricting and voter ID)
Policing Laws (i.e. search and seizure and drug scheduling)
Environmental Laws (i.e. clean water and air, industrial waste disposal)
Health Care Laws (i.e. insurance mandates and coverage eligibility)
Education Laws (i.e. public school segregation and integration)
Labor Laws (i.e. worker’s rights, occupational health and safety)
The reality is social justice efforts inform almost all aspects of society and the human experience ranging from Climate Justice to Healthcare to Racial Justice to LGBTQIA+ Oppression to Sizeism to Ageism to Hunger and Food Insecurity. You can explore these areas here: 10 Social Justice Issues of 2022. Understanding what the role of law and the legal system is within these causes is important to understanding if a law degree and legal career is right for you.
Social Justice and You
If social justice is a big reason why you want to attend law school and practice law, it will be important that you give the concept some thought; especially if you cite this in your personal statement. Review the definitions listed above and research your own. Use the examples provided to paint a picture in your mind about what being a social justice advocate means to you.
As you develop your goals, be sure to explore the ways in which attorneys work within the universe of social justice causes that are of most interest to you. Are they helping to create policy? Do they represent clients, who are these clients? What type of legal matters or issues require attorney representation? Do you see yourself advocating for these causes through your full-time work or perhaps your pro bono work? How can you weave your passion for social justice into your life?
Law Schools + Social Justice:
Law Schools strive to educate future attorneys who are ready to work on the most pressing legal issues and challenges in our society. As a result, law schools are continually evolving, reflecting on their curriculums and missions to ensure they are offering opportunities to learn in areas most relevant for attorneys today. As legal education continues to evolve and adapt, many law schools have expanded to include curricular offers that specifically offer learning opportunities on social justice topics, including clinics! Be sure to learn about these opportunities at law schools you are interested in.
As you look to the future, continue to refine what social justice means to you and how you could use your skills and experiences to advance a social justice cause, through your legal career, in a way that is meaningful to you.
To help you get started, check out the article “Top Schools Schools for Racial Justice” found in the Fall 2022 Edition of PreLaw Magazine or stop by the PLAS office and pick up a copy of the full magazine.
December is finally here and with it the final weeks of the semester! Our best wishes as you complete your end-of-semester tasks, prepare for finals, and set goals for winter break!
Below please see a list of important dates, upcoming events, and reminders for December 2022!
December 1: Strategies for Spring Application Success| 12:00 pm on Zoom. For more information and to register, click here.
December 1: Apply for TRIALS 2023 Hosted by NYU School of Law | For more information, click here.
December 1:DEADLINE! Last day to register for the January LSAT | Register here.
December 1:DEADLINE! Larson Law Office Scholarship | For more information, click here.
December 1: DEADLINE! Goodman Acker Law School Scholarship | For more information, click here.
December 1:DEADLINE! Future Lawyer Scholarship | For more information, click here.
December 1:DEADLINE! Avalaunch Media Scholarship | For more information, click here.
December 1:DEADLINE! Embry Law Firm Scholarship | For more information, click here.
December 2:SAVE THE DATE! University of Wisconsin-Madison Pre-Law Diversity Conference and Law Fair 2023 | February 10 from 9:00 am – 2:30 pm at the University of Wisconsin Law School. Register today, click here.
December 3: Undergraduate Research Symposium | The student application is now live, click here for more information. The application deadline is March 10, 2023.
December 5: AccessLex Webinar – Applying to Law School | 2:00 pm ONLINE. For more information, click here.
December 5:Recognition, Insight, and Openness (RIO) series | 7:00 pm on Zoom. For more information, click here.
December 6: AccessLex Webinar – Building Your Law School Budget | 11:00 am ONLINE. For more information, click here.
December 6: Test Anxiety Program | 6:00 pm on Zoom. For more information and to attend, click here.
December 6: Motivation…Where Art Thou? Finding Motivation in the Midst of Finals | 7:00 pm on Zoom. For more information, click here.
December 7:Last day of instruction, fall semester.
December 7:University of Chicago Law School: Admissions Webinar | 12:00 pm ONLINE. Click here to register.
December 7: I AM READY Program Information Session| 4:00pm on Zoom. For more information and to attend, click here.
December 7: Recognition, Insight, and Openness (RIO) series | 7:00 pm on Zoom. For more information, click here.
December 7: AccessLex Webinar – Applying to Law School: A Strategic Approach For Underrepresented Students | 7:00 pm ONLINE. For more information, click here.
December 8:Reading Day
December 8: Harvard Law Virtual Q&A | 7:00 pm ONLINE. For more information, click here.
December 8: Roosevelt University Paralegal Studies Program Online Information Session | 6:00 pm ONLINE. For more information, click here.
December 8: UK Summer Fulbright Information Session | 3:30 pm in 1027 Lincoln Hall. For more information, click here.
December 9 – 16: Final examination period. Good luck to all our UIUC pre-law students!
December 9:University of Houston Law Center Pre-Law Pipeline Program | 12:00 pm on Zoom. To attend, click here.
December 12: SLU Law – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Legal Profession | 12:00 pm-12:45 pm on Zoom. For more information and to register, click here.
December 12:AccessLex Webinar – Choosing a Law School | 2:00 pm ONLINE. For more information, click here.
December 13:Loyola Chicago JD Information Session | 1:30 pm on Zoom. For more details and to attend, click here.
December 14: AccessLex Webinar – Paying for Law School | 7:00 pm ONLINE. For more information, click here.
December 15: DEADLINE! Tilem & Associates, P.C. Scholarship | For more information, click here.
December 15:DEADLINE! The Pendleton Law Team Scholarship | For more information, click here.
December 15:DEADLINE! Law Student Scholarship | For more information, click here.
December 15: DEADLINE! Community Leadership Scholarship | For more information, click here.
December 16: AccessLex Webinar – Your Law School Investment | 11:00 am ONLINE. For more information, click here.
December 21:DEADLINE! The California Workers Compensation Lawyers Scholarship | For more information, click here.
December 22:DEADLINE! Lucas Law Legal Leaders Scholarship | For more information, click here.
December 22: Law School 101 – Understanding the Basics presented by MWBLSA | 4:00 pm ONLINE. Click here to join the virtual event via Zoom.
December 23 – January 2:University Holiday –Have a great winter break!
December 27:DEADLINE! Last day to register for the February LSAT | Register here.
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.
JANICE FARRELL PEA
Professor at the University of Illinois College of Law
QUICK FACTS ABOUT PROFESSOR PEA
Law School: University of Illinois College of Law
Undergraduate Major: Health Information Management
Professor Pea’s Three Words to Describe an Attorney:
Serendipitous| Varied |Satisfying
Professor Pea pursued a successful career in the health industry, including earning an MBA, prior to attending law school. Following graduation, she became a law clerk with the Illinois Supreme Court while also beginning her teaching career at the University of Illinois College of Law.Learn more about Professor Pea online, click the link below to view our interview with Professor Pea!
The upcoming Fall Break is a welcome change as we head into the final weeks of the semester and year. For students, it’s a time to step away from the day-to-day demands of academic life and for alumni, there is often a bit more time to disconnect from work and the everyday demands. To help make sure you’re maximizing your time before the end of the semester! Read our tips below on way to fully utilize this unique time!
1. Reconnect with your family and include them in your pre-law journey at the Pre-Law for Parents and Families event!
Whether it is your first fall break or last, take this time to reconnect with family and friends. Have a conversation and let them know how you have been doing and include them in your pre-law journey by inviting them to Pre-Law for Parents and Families on November 21 at 6:30 pm! For more information and to register, click here.
2. Relax and Rejuvenate
The end of the semester is always a busy, and often stressful, time. Make time for yourself over break to rest and rejuvenate prior to the end of the semester. UIUC also provides a wide variety of services and resources to help make the end of the semester as manageable as possible!
Here are some upcoming workshops that may interest you:
December 6 | 7:00 pm: Mangoes and Mental Health: Join Campus Recreation while we make delicious mango smoothies, dialogue, and skill-build healthy ways to manage our stress
Being productive is great, but overworking yourself may not be. Your efforts to be successful are more effective when you’re not exhausted. Many people find mindfulness apps like InsightTimer, Calm, or Headspace useful in bringing the focus back to the present moment.
3. Make a Plan to Finalize Applications
Applying this year? Set a goal date for application submission and stick to it!
We highly recommend trying to apply during the first half of the admissions cycle, if possible. Use Thanksgiving break as an opportunity to finalize your applications and submit them to schools. If you will be applying later than early December, use Thanksgiving break to complete as many of the application components as you can and identify the earliest date you feel you can apply.
Planning to apply in the spring of 2023? Plan and strategize to maximize success!
TIP: Make an appointment with a pre-law Advisor to discuss your spring 2023 application strategies.
TIP: Attend the “Strategies for Spring Application Success” workshop on December 1, 2022. To learn more and register, click here.
Regardless of when you apply, here is a brief checklist of essential items you will need to complete. If any of this feels overwhelming, don’t worry! Meet with a pre-law advisor and we’ll walk through it together):
CAS, LOR, Transcripts: Make sure you are familiar with the LSAC Credential Assembly Services (CAS) and stay current on the status of your materials and application components. Request transcripts NOW, these will take several weeks to process. Be sure you have submitted ALL required transcripts. Follow up with recommenders, be sure they are aware of your goal timeline, and be sure to check CAS to confirm when your letters of recommendation are uploaded.
LSAT and LSAT Writing: You will need your final score to apply. If you don’t have your score, confirm when it will be available and plan your goal submission date accordingly. Have you completed the LSAT Writing? You must complete the Writing portion to receive your score (you must only do this once – if you previously completed this step you are done!). Be sure to do that prior to the score release date of November 30, 2022. The LSAT Writing must be completed before your score is released.
Application Documents: Don’t quite have a final draft of your personal statement, resume, or addendums but want to save your spot on our advising calendar? No worries! You can book your appointment with an existing draft and then email your advisor a more complete draft of your document prior to your appointment – documents must be received at least one business day prior to your scheduled meeting time to ensure it is reviewed!
Personal Statement – Fall break is a great time to draft and hopefully finalize your statement! Make sure to follow your specific schools’ prompts. Don’t forget to edit, edit, edit! Don’t know how to get started? Check out our Personal Statement resource on Canvas.
Resume – Make sure it is current and ready to apply! Make sure it is well-formatted, free of typos and mistakes, and easy to read. Don’t know how to get started? Check out our Resume resource on Canvas.
Addendums – Are there addendums required by your schools? Are there optional addendums? Be sure you have confirmed what addendums you will be submitting and begin writing.
School-specific requirementsand questions: Make sure you have reviewed the specific application requirements for the schools you will be applying to, and create a checklist for each school. Questions? If you have questions about an individual school’s application requirements or process ask NOW! Don’t wait until your goal submission date to confirm details. Reach out directly or send emails over Thanksgiving break!
Remember…
We are here to help! PLAS is here to review documents, discuss strategies, and answer questions. We highly encourage you to book your appointment soon, this time of year gets really busy!
3. Plan the End of Your Semester
Make a strategic plan for the end of the semester to help make things manageable.Think backward from deadlines and due dates to ensure you have enough time to prepare for each end-of-semester item. Take into account:
Final academic obligations (papers, projects, final exams, and study time). Mark deadlines and dates on your calendar.
Upcoming deadlines for internships or other special programs.
Admissions events and programs you may wish to attend (The last LSAC Forum is on February 3rd, 2023!).
Time for life logistics – plan around busy times and deadlines for things like groceries/bills, exercise, family, and friends.
4. Taking the LSAT in 2023?
Consider using some of your fall break to explore LSAT prep resources and start developing a study plan. Here are some links to get you started:
Save the Date!February 2023:LSATJumpstart hosted by PLAS, is a four-session mini-camp to help you prepare for the LSAT. To learn more and register, click here.
LSAC’s Khan Academy: explore what LSAT prep looks like through this free program.
LSAT Preparation Resources on Canvas: Head over to the PLAS Canvas page and scroll to the LSAT Preparation module. Here you will find many resources and tips to help you prepare for the LSAT.
5. Finally, start thinking ahead…
Make efforts to finalize important spring plans including course selections, extracurricular involvements, and goals for internships and other opportunities.
Unfortunately, the time between graduation and law school is often referred to as “gap years”. This term often invites an impression that this time lacks substance, is unintentional or is void of value. Perhaps, as a result, many students have an inaccurate impression that taking time prior to law school is inherently negative or a disadvantage to their ultimate goal of attending law school. The reality is that taking time to pursue opportunities prior to law school can contribute significantly to an applicant’s success, and can ultimately offer an individual tremendous benefits personally, academically, and professionally.
Whether you ultimately decide to pursue an opportunity prior to law or go “straight through”, every future applicant should consider how a timeline that includes a “gap year(s)” might enhance their application and contribute to their ultimate success as a law student!
Below is a collection of resources to assist in your decision-making!
View this brief virtual workshop discussing Gap Years!
Learn more about the many benefits of taking a gap year and possible opportunities to pursue!
Watch!Gap Year PerspectivesPanel
PLAS welcomed a panel of UIUC pre-law alumni to share perspectives and insights about their experiences taking time to pursue opportunities prior to law school. The Gap Year Perspectives Panel was hosted on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at 5:30 pm via Zoom. To register for this event, please click here. Learn more about our accomplished groups of panelists below!
“By taking these gap years and finding what makes me happy in life, I was able to figure out how to intertwine that with my passion for the law, (hopefully) setting me up to have a career after law school that I can be proud and happy with.”
Haydn Lambert ’19
“I wanted to get a better sense of what the world was like outside of school so that my time in law school would be more informed by experience.”
Skylar Rolle ’20
“I wanted to make sure that law school was the right choice for me. In addition, I wanted to take the chance to work in politics so that I could go into law school with some real-world experiences.”
Matthew Krauter ’22
“I wanted to have the opportunity to make a real impact with my undergraduate education and be able to navigate law school admissions better and position myself for success.”
November 1:Drafting Your Application | 4:00 pm Zoom. For more information, click here.
November 1:APPtitude Pre-Law Program Applications Now Open!For students with anticipated graduation dates of December 2024, May 2025, or August 2025. To learn more and apply, click here.
November 1: NYU Law Online Information Session | 3:00 pm ONLINE. For more information, click here.
November 1: AccessLex Webinar: Applying to Law School | 5:00 pm ONLINE. For more information, click here.
November 1: Mental Playground: Coping with Childhood Trauma | 7:00 pm on Zoom. For more information, click here.
November 1: DEADLINE! Lavent Law Immigrant Scholarship | For more information, click here.
November 1:DEADLINE!Hallie Gay Walden Bagley Scholarship | For more information, click here.
November 1:DEADLINE!Neal Davis Law Scholarship | For more information, click here.
November 1: DEADLINE! Good Lawyers/Good People Scholarship | For more information, click here.
November 2: LSAT score release date via LSAC account.
November 2:APPtitude Pre-law Program Information Session| 4:00 pm via Zoom. Pre-registration is not required, click here for additional information. For students with anticipated graduation dates of December 2024, May 2025, or August 2025.
November 2: Recognition, Insight, and Openness (RIO) series | 6:00 pm on Zoom. For more information, click here.
November 3:Pre-Law 101 Session One | 4:00 pm – In Person – Everitt Lab #2310. For more information and to register, click here.
November 3: Law Student Panel: If I Knew Then What I Know Now, presented by Kaplan | 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm. For more information, click here.
November 4:DEADLINE!Apply to become a Mock Interview Coach with The Career Center | Mock Interview Coaches have flexible hours (up to 10 hours/week) and are compensated $15/hour | To learn more and apply, click here.
November 4: UChicago Law Admissions On-Campus Visit | 9:15 am – 1:00 pm – To learn more, click here.
November 4: Northwestern Law First-Generation Prelaw Conference: Navigating Law School Admissions for First-Generation and Underrepresented Students | 9:30 am – 4:00 pm. For more information, click here.
November 4: Counseling Center’s Perfectionism Series | 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm on Zoom. For more information, click here.
November 5:Fall Open House: Experiential Learning at Chicago-Kent College of Law | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, Virtual and In-Person. To learn more and register, click here.
November 7: DEADLINE! Truman Scholarship Campus Deadline | 12:00 pm. For more information, click here.
November 7: Creating a Powerful Resume | 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm in Career Center Conference Room 143. For more information, click here.
November 8: U.S. LL.M. Legal Education Conference: A Day in the Life – Current Students | 11:00 am – 12:30 pm. For more information, click here.
November 8: Feeling the Burn? Let’s Talk about Burnout | 7:00 pm on Zoom. For more information, click here.
November 9: Creating a Powerful Cover Letter | 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm in Career Center Conference Room 143. For more information, click here.
November 9: Recognition, Insight, and Openness (RIO) series | 6:00 pm on Zoom. For more information, click here.
November 9: St. Louis University School of Law | Virtual Sample Class with Professor Christine Rollins and Admissions Q & A | 6:00 pm ONLINE. For more information, click here.
November 9: U.S. LL.M. Legal Education Conference: A Day in the Life – Current Students | 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm. For more information, click here.
November 10:APPtitude Pre-Law Program Information Session| 12:00 pm via Zoom. Pre-registration is not required, click here for additional information. For students with anticipated graduation dates of December 2024, May 2025, or August 2025.
November 10: Pre-Law 101 Session Two| 4:00 pm – In Person – Everitt Lab #2310. For more information and to register, click here.
November 10: Northwestern Law’s “Ask me Anything” with Dean Lee |12:00 pm – 1:00 pm on Zoom. For more information, click here.
November 10: Udall Scholarship Info Session | 3:30 pm in 514 IUB. For more information, click here.
November 10: Recognition, Insight, and Openness (RIO) series | 7:00 pm on Zoom. For more information, click here.
November 11:DEADLINE! Last day to apply for the Internship with the Office of Congressman Sean Casten in Washington D.C. and Glen Ellyn, IL | For more information and to apply, click here.
November 11: ONLINE Udall Scholarship Info Session | 9:00 am on Zoom. For more information, click here.
November 11: UChicago Law Admissions On-Campus Visit | 9:15 am – 1:00 pm. For more information and to register, click here.
November 11: University of Houston Law Center Pre-Law Pipeline Program | 12:00 pm on Zoom. To attend, click here.
November 11:Counseling Center’s Perfectionism Series | 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm on Zoom. For more information, click here.
November 11: Udall Scholarship Workshop | 3:00 pm in 514 IUB. For more information, click here.
November 12: Northwestern Law First-Generation Prelaw Conference: Navigating Law School Admissions for First-Generation and Underrepresented Students | 9:30 am – 4:00 pm at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Engagement. Click here to register.
November 11-12: November LSAT – Best wishes to everyone taking the LSAT this weekend!
November 13:DEADLINE! Last day to sign-up for LSAT study groups! | Click here for additional details and to sign-up.
November 14: St. Louis University School of Law #MotivationalMondays Virtual Series: Intellectual Property | 12:00 pm – 12:45 pm. For more information, click here.
November 14: UChicago Law Admissions Monthly Webinar | 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm ONLINE. For more information and to register, click here.
November 15:Gap Year Presentation and Panel | 5:30 pm via Zoom. For more information and to register, click here.
November 15: Test Anxiety Program | 1:00 pm on Zoom. For more information, click here.
November 15:Loyola Chicago JD Information Session | 3:30 pm on Zoom. For more details and to attend, click here.
November 15: You’ve Got a Friend in Me: Supporting a Friend Who’s Struggling | 7:00 pm on Zoom. For more information, click here.
November 15: AccessLex Webinar: Law Student Panel: The Inside Scoop | 7:00 pm ONLINE. For more information and to register, click here.
November 16: Behind the Scenes: The B1G Law School Experience | 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm ONLINE. Join the Big Ten Law Schools for a virtual admissions panel. For more information and to attend, click here.
November 16: AccessLex Webinar: Choosing a Law School | 4:00 pm ONLINE. For more information and to attend, click here.
November 16: Mythbusting the LSAT with Kaplan | 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm. For more information, click here.
November 16: Test Masters – Logic Games Workshop (FREE) | 7:30 pm ONLINE – Register online to attend!
November 17: DEADLINE! Last day to register for the LSAC Digital Law School Forum | 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm. For more information, click here.
November 17:Special Event! University of Illinois College of Law: Meet the Admissions Team | 4pm at Peer and Sarah Pedersen Pavilion. For more information, click here.
November 17: Recognition, Insight, and Openness (RIO) series | 7:00 pm on Zoom. For more information, click here.
November 18: DEADLINE!Last day to apply to the APPtitude Pre-Law Program | For students with anticipated graduation dates of December 2024, May 2025, or August 2025. For more information and to apply, click here.
November 18: In-Person St. Louis University School of Law Pre-Law Day | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. For more information, click here.
November 19: CLEO CONNECTION: Juniors Jumpstart the LSAT | Time provided upon registration. For more information, click here.
November 19: CLEO CONNECTION: Road to Law School Workshop | 8:00 am – 3:00 pm. For more information and to register, click here.
November 19:CLEO CONNECTION: Sophomore Super Saturdays | 8:00 am – 3:00 pm. For more information and to register, click here.
November 19: DePaul College of Law Open House | 9:00 am – 1:00 pm in-person. For more information and to register, click here.
November 19: LSAC Digital Law School Forum | 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm ONLINE. For more information and to attend, click here. Deadline to register is November 17!
November 19:Counseling Center’s Perfectionism Series | 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm on Zoom. For more information, click here.
November 21: Pre-Law for Parents and Families | 6:30 pm ONLINE. For more information and to register, click here.
November 21: Georgetown Law Virtual JD Information Session | 10:30 am ONLINE. For more information and to register, click here.
November 22: AccessLex Webinar: Paying for Law School | 3:00 pm ONLINE. For more information and to register, click here.
November 28:DEADLINE! Goldwater Campus Deadline | 12:00 pm. For more information, click here.
November 28: St. Louis University School of Law #MotivationalMondays Virtual Series: Health Law | 12:00 pm – 12:45 pm. For more information, click here.
November 28: Recognition, Insight, and Openness (RIO) series | 7:00 pm on Zoom. For more information, click here.
November 29: Got the Blues? Slaying Seasonal Depression | 7:00 pm on Zoom. For more information, click here.
November 30: DEADLINE! Value of Mentorship Scholarship | For more information, and to apply, click here.
November 30: LSAT score release date via LSAC account.
November 30: AccessLex Webinar: Your Law School Investment | 2:00 pm ONLINE | For more information and to register, click here.
We are reaching that point in the cycle where many applicants are moving into the final stages of preparing their applications. Whether you are looking to apply in a few weeks, or later this application cycle, below are some helpful tips based on actual applicant experiences to assist in your final preparations!
DO:
1. Follow all directions closely!When asked for their best advice, we routinely hear law admissions deans say “follow the application directions” as their #1 tip. Follow the application directions as written and provided – full stop!
Example: if the personal statement page limit is 2, don’t submit a 2.5 page document and assume they won’t mind – even if it is well written.
Each application may have slightly different criteria or directions, it is important to confirm specifics for each school.
2.Triple-checkmentioned school names in essays to match the school you’re submitting the individual application to.If you choose/are required to individualize documents for each individual school based on their directions (see above) – be sure to confirm you have submitted the right draft to the right school. This mistake really happens…every year.
3. Choose recommenders wisely.Those with whom you have a strong relationship and will write about specific experiences and qualities will be most effective.
4. Use your resources! There are many resources to help you succeed in this process. Be sure to utilize the PLAS Office! Whether we help you directly or connect you with the necessary resources – we are here to help!
5. Explore a wide variety of schools. You may be surprised at what you find! Be sure to check out the Researching Law Schools blog post for tips on identifying schools!
Be sure to attend a law fair and meetings with schools – there is an LSAC Digital Forum occurring on November 19!
6. Get Organized! Create a spreadsheet, google doc, or other means to organize your information and track your application tasks. PLAS has put together an Excel spreadsheet that you can use to get started. To see the example, click here.
Don’t forget about your email! Set up folders to organize communications as you receive them!
7. Apply to a range of schools where you feel your LSAT/GPA are very competitive, competitive, and less competitive (some may refer to this as safety, target, and reach schools). This will open up the most opportunities for admission and potential scholarships, it will also help provide as much choice in the admission process as possible.
DON’T:
1. Forget to proofread all your application materials. Be sure to plan time to give every application a comprehensive and thorough review before submitting.
2. Skip directions.Yes – it’s so important we’ve included it on our list twice!
3. Submit applicationsto law schools that you do not see yourself attending. Every school you apply to will not necessarily satisfy your goals/wish list to equal measure as another. However, don’t waste your energy or time with options that you know you will not pursue. Instead, look for a better-fitting option that meets at least some of your most important goals and that you could see yourself attending.
4. Write optional statements/addendums that 1. don’t apply to your personal situation; or, 2. that you feel compelled to write simply to “add more” to your application. Only include addendums where required, relevant, and that add new, substantive information. Doing “more” can take away from your application if it doesn’t contribute something relevant, meaningful, or helpful!
5. Apply late without a strategy. Most law schools admit students on a rolling basis with final deadlines in the spring semester. You should balance carefully having a strong application with the submission timing of your application. Sometimes applying a bit later in the cycle can result in submitting a superior application overall, however, if you will be submitting after December you do want to take timing into account and adjust your strategy.
Be sure to attend the PLAS “Strategies for Spring Application Success” workshop which provides helpful information and strategies for submitting applications from January to spring.
6. Put all your eggs in one, super competitive, basket! In other words, don’t apply only to schools where acceptance rates are low or where you are at the low end of their GPA and LSAT ranges.
7. Lose touch! You should be making connections with schools throughout the application process, both before and after you apply. This will help you gather important information and perspectives to assist you with final decisions and also in creating more opportunities for you to leave a positive impression with schools. Be sure to make time for programs, events, and visits (virtual and in-person) at the schools you are applying to!
Stay Tuned! We will have great programming upcoming this winter and spring to help you navigate the post-application process!
Meet with a pre-law advisor…
The Pre-Law Advising Office is designed to help you achieve success in your goal of attending law school (seriously – it’s kind of the reason for our existence…). Whether you are a senior Illini or an alum planning to continue your education in law school, we are anxious to meet with you!
It’s time to get excited for Spring courses! Each semester we receive many questions from pre-law students regarding courses helpful in preparation for law school in advance of course registration. To assist in this process, 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.
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 Spring 2023 Recommended courses!
Please keep in mind that this list should not be viewed as exhaustive as there are many beneficial courses offered each semester. This list should be used to highlight courses of particular interest and give a broad overview of options.
NEW for Spring 2023:Internship Opportunity! Law 199 – Tolerance Means DialogueInternship | For more information, view the flyer here or visit the website here. For questions, please email Prof. Wilson (wils@illinois.edu) and CC Roxana Madani (rmadan3@illinois.edu).
Want to learn more?
See what fellow Class of 2023 Illini say are some of their favorite pre-law related courses at Illinois…
Justin Davis
Justinis currently the Class of 2023 Representative of the PLAS Advisory Council and president of UIUC Accounting Club. He shared the following perspectives on his favorite pre-law related courses…
PHIL 102 – Logic and Reasoning– It was a great introduction to applying critical thinking to a text and then writing down your analysis.
BADM 300 – The Legal Environment of Business – This was my first perspective on what laws apply to corporations. It also provided a glimpse into liability, constitutional law, and the hierarchy of federal vs state laws.
Jack McNabb
Jack is currently a pre-law student of the Class of 2023, studying Sociology and Business & Informatics. Here are his perspectives on his list of favorite pre-law related courses…
SOC 364 – Impacts of Globalization – Professor Dill is my other favorite professor at Illinois and his globalization class combined economic and sociology theory to explain globalization trends throughout the world. This course was also reading and discussion intensive.
BADM 340 – Ethical Dilemmas of Business – I am currently taking this course and I have enjoyed it thus far. As the name states, this course explores some at large ethical issues facing the current business world and could be valuable to students interested in business law.
Sruthi Navneetha
Sruthi is currently the At-large Representative of the PLAS Advisory Council, president of Phi Alpha Delta, and president and founder of Women In Law Pre-Law Society. She shared the following perspective on her favorite pre-law related course…
ECON 437 – Game Theory – This can really help with other pre-law-related classes as topics in this class reappear in almost even Political Science class. It also helps people think critically, which is essential to scoring well on the LSAT.
Alex Nevarez
Alex is currently the Class of 2023 Representative of the PLAS Advisory Council, president of Pre-Law Honors Society, and vice-president of Kappa Alpha Pi. These are her favorite pre-law related courses…
PHIL 103 – Logic and Reasoning QR 2 – This is the most important course I have taken because it is directly applicable to the LSAT. In this course, you learn logic, symbolic logic, and essentially a new way of thinking. This new way of thinking is directly applicable on the LSAT as there are two logic sections. Because I had already taken this course when I started LSAT studying the logic sections came easy to me because my brain already had logic thinking background.
PHIL 104 – Intro to Ethics – In this course it is logic, ethics and writing combined. You cover three hot topics and read from philosophers coming from both sides and then you will write a paper on who you believe is right for each topic. The material is extremely in-depth and eye-opening and it aided me in helping me create good and sound arguments. I grew as a thinker and a writer.
James Weigel
James is currently the At-large Representative of the PLAS Advisory Council studying Aerospace Engineering with a Political Science minor. He shared the following perspective on his favorite pre-law related course…
PS 370 – Justice in the Law – In this class, students work through supreme court cases and brief them. The brief style has a heavy emphasis on legal reasoning and other skills important for prospective lawyers. The professor (Ben Miller) is one of the best professors that I have ever had and cares deeply about the educational development of his students.
Considering a minor?
Check out this informative video about the Legal Studies Minor, including Q&A with Professor Jennifer Pahre:
Alumni Attorney Talks is a virtual series which 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.
BONITA B. HWANG CHO
OWNER & PARTNER, LAW OFFICES OF CHENG, CHO & YEE
SPECIALIZING IN IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY LAW
Learn more about the Law Offices of Cheng, Cho & Yee here.
