About the Council
The Advisory Council serves as an important bridge between the Pre-Law Advising Services Office (PLAS) and the pre-law student and alumni communities at Illinois. The Advisory Council is made up of a diverse group of pre-law students and alumni representing different colleges, majors, and stages of the pre-law journey.
The Council serves an important role in helping support the work of the Pre-Law Advising Services Office to enhance the resources and opportunities for all Illinois pre-law students and alumni by serving as ambassadors for the PLAS office, supporting the work of PLAS by providing feedback on the needs and interests of the Illinois pre-law community, and assisting with PLAS activities and initiatives. Members of the Advisory Council also receive invitations to unique professional development and networking opportunities each semester.
Who is on the Council
The 2025 – 2026 Advisory Council will be comprised of the following representatives from the undergraduate community:
- Two representatives from the Class of 2029 (freshmen) – selected during the Fall 2025 semester.
- Two representatives from the Class of 2028 (sophomores)
- Two representatives from the Class of 2027 (juniors)
- Two representatives from the Class of 2026 (seniors)
- Up to Two Alumni representatives (University of Illinois undergraduate graduates)
- Ten to Twelve At-large members (any class year)
In addition, the Council is chaired by the PLAS Graduate Assistant.
Up to two senior Advisory Council applicants will be selected to serve as Vice-Chair(s) of the Council each year.
Expectation for Advisory Council Members
Selected individuals are expected to complete the following requirements in their role as Advisory Council members.
- Attend the Fall Advisory Council Meeting (September)
- Attend the Spring Pre-Law Leadership Summit (January/February)
- Complete required participation activities during the Fall and Spring semesters (approx. 2-3 hrs per semester). Council members may choose from a variety of opportunities throughout the semester. General types of participation activities may include:
- Volunteer to assist with events.
- Participate in student engagement activities.
- Contribute to projects or initiatives.
- Serve on focus groups.
In addition, Advisory Council members will have unique opportunities for networking, professional development, and more!

How to Apply
Selection for the Council will be by application. Open to UIUC undergraduates and UIUC undergraduate alumni.
2025-2026 Advisory Council Applications are now closed.
Meet the 2025-2026 Advisory Council

Benjamin Aranda
At-Large Representative
Sociology, Class of 2028

Alyse Caldwell
At-Large Representative
Sociology, Class of 2026

Emma Costello-Wollwage
At-Large Representative
Political Science & English, Class of 2028

Joel Diaz
At-Large Representative
Latino/Latina Studies, Class of 2027

Erika Efigenio
Vice-Chair
Political Science and Psychology,
Class of 2027

Josh Ellison
At-Large Representative
Political Science and Legal Studies, Class of 2026

Hibba Hoda
At-Large Representative
Industrial Organizational Psychology, Class of 2026

Sam Holmes
At-Large Representative
History & Political Science, Class of 2028

Harrison Kennedy
Class of 2027 Representative
Neuroscience & Philosophy

Elizabeth King
At-Large Representative
Political Science and Psychology,
Class of 2026

Lev Linderman
Class of 2029 Representative
Biology

Eshal Mirza
Class of 2026 Representative
Psychology & Political Science

Savannah Misius
Class of 2026 Representative
Philosophy

Natalia Morales
At-Large Representative
Political Science, Class of 2027

Diti Nainwal
At-Large Representative
Physics, Class of 2027

Ben Richardson
Vice-Chair
Business Management, Class of 2026

August Strutzel
Class of 2029 Representative
Music

Anais Tatem
Class of 2028 Representative
Finance

Pranav Thamballapalle
Class of 2028 Representative
Political Science

Julia Trevino
Class of 2027 Representative
Information Sciences

Ashley Winters, ’22
Alumni Representative
Northern Illinois University College of Law, Class of 2026

Paige Thing
Chair
University of Illinois College of Law, Class of 2027