About the Council
Established in 2022, the Advisory Council serves as an important bridge between the Pre-Law Advising Services Office (PLAS) and the pre-law student and alumni community 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. Together, 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. In addition to being ambassadors for the PLAS office, members of the Advisory Council assist and support 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 2024 – 2025 Advisory Council will be comprised of up to twenty students:
- Two representatives from the Class of 2028 (freshmen) – selected in the Fall 2024 semester.
- Two representatives from the Class of 2027 (sophomores)
- Two representatives from the Class of 2026 (juniors)
- Two representatives from the Class of 2025 (seniors)
- Up to Two Alumni representatives (Illinois graduates)
- Ten to Twelve At-large members
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-Chairs 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!
2024-2025 Advisory Council Information Video
Meet the 2024-2025 Advisory Council
Lauren Anderson
At-Large Representative
Sociology, Class of 2026
Kaitlyn Cicatello
At-Large Representative
Political Science, Class of 2025
Carter Cohen
At-Large Representative
Political Science, Class of 2026
Saniya Dawkins
At-Large Representative
Political Science, Class of 2025
Erika Efigenio
Class of 2027 Representative
Political Science and Psychology
Isabel Escapa
At-Large Representative
Psychology and Sociology, Class of 2025
Elizabeth Galla
Class of 2025 Representative
Finance and Strategic Business Development & Entrepreneurship
Sam Holmes
Class of 2028 Representative
History
Serena Jobi
Vice-Chair
Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, Class of 2025
Elizabeth King
Class of 2026 Representative
Political Science and Psychology
Marina Magaña
At-Large Representative
Political Science, Class of 2026
CJ Maples
At-Large Representative
Economics, Class of 2027
Cheryl Martinez
At-Large Representative
Industrial Engineering, Class of 2026
Savannah Misius
At-Large Representative
Philosophy, Class of 2026
Kyla Osborne
At-Large Representative
Political Science, Class of 2026
Natalia Perez
Class of 2025 Representative
Political Science and Psychology
Ben Richardson
Vice-Chair
Business Management, Class of 2026
Mia Starke
Class of 2028 Representative
Biology
Lauren Strojny
At-Large Representative
Political Science and Psychology,
Class of 2025
Milica Stupar
Class of 2026 Representative
Political Science
Ashley Winters, ’22
Alumni Representative
Northern Illinois University College of Law, Class of 2026
Imaan Zaheer
Class of 2027 Representative
Political Science
How to Apply
Selection for the Council will be by application. Applications for the class of 2027, 2026, 2025, and Alumni Reps are now closed.
Applications for the Class of 2028 representatives are now open. Applications are due by September 8, 2024 at 11:59 pm.