Pre-Law 101
The Pre-Law 101 workshop series is the introductory program for students at Illinois. The Pre-Law 101 workshop series provides a comprehensive overview of the law as a career, legal education, and the process of preparing for and applying to law school. The series includes a live session, followed by a series of on-demand resources on specialized topics for those participants who successfully complete the live workshop. The Pre-Law 101 workshop may be completed at any time; however, completion of Pre-Law 101 is expected prior to scheduling an individual advising appointment for students in their first three semesters of undergraduate studies.
Discovering Law | Live Workshop
In this session, we will look at the legal profession, including what lawyers actually do and where they work, and look at the law school experience. We will also look at legal education and what it means to earn a law degree, and the necessary steps for the pre-law path as an undergraduate student. Participants gain a clearer idea of whether law school and practicing law, is something they are interested in and receive guidance on the next steps in their journey to law school.
Pre-Law 101 Resources | On-Demand
Following the live Discovering Law session, participants will be invited to continue exploring the pre-law path through the Pre-Law 101 on-demand series. On-demand resources include videos on specialized topics, additional online tools, peer perspectives, and more!
Who Should Attend: The Pre-Law 101workshop is open to all Illinois students and alumni who have an interest in attending law school and pursuing a career in law, however, these sessions are specifically targeted toward students in their first four semesters of undergraduate study.
When is it Offered: The Pre-Law 101 workshop will be offered monthly (4x per semester) through the fall and spring semesters. The live sessions will be offered both in-person and virtually. The Pre-Law 101 workshop may be completed at any time, however, completion of Pre-Law 101 is expected for freshmen before scheduling an individual advising session.
Application Roadmap
The Application Roadmap workshop provides a detailed overview of the law application cycle, logistical details for applying to law schools, an examination of application components, strategies for a successful law application process, suggested timelines, and a preview of resources and events.
Who Should Attend: Any Illinois student or alumni interested in applying to law school during the current or most immediate application cycle is encouraged to attend this program.
When is it Offered: Application Roadmap is typically offered multiple times each year, particularly during late summer, early fall, and late spring.
Drafting Your Application
The Drafting Your Application workshop includes live and on-demand sessions that will examine critical components of the law school application including personal statements, resumes, and addendums. The program will feature an overview of the individual components, strategies for successful drafting, a timeline for completion, and common pitfalls to avoid. These components are vital in helping distinguish you as a candidate and adding invaluable information to law schools’ 360 review of your application file.
Who Should Attend: All individuals planning to apply during the current or most immediate application cycle are strongly encouraged to attend.
When is it Offered: Drafting Your Application is typically offered multiple times each year.
Exploring Gap Years
Exploring Gap Years: Thinking about taking time to pursue opportunities before attending law school? Engaging in work, civic opportunities, fellowships, and more prior to law school can be an excellent way to gain important insight into your long-term goals, develop your credentials, and prepare to be a successful law student. Join us for a presentation that explores common ways applicants spend time prior to law school, the pros/cons, and discover if a gap year might be the right choice for you.
Who Should Attend: All individuals considering taking a gap year before attending law school.
When is it Offered: This workshop is typically available in the fall semester.
Navigating Application Decisions
The Navigating Application Decisions workshop will explore the application process following the submission of your application and as you begin receiving results. In this program, we will discuss the various outcomes of your application (acceptance, denial, waitlist, on hold) and proactive steps to navigate each response including connecting with law schools (including visits), managing seat deposits, evaluating financial offers (including scholarship appeals/negotiations), and how to ultimately select the right law school for you. This workshop will help you identify and organize important factors to take into consideration when making your final decision on which law school to attend.
Who Should Attend: All individuals who have applied to law school during the current application cycle and have either received or are awaiting, responses.
When is it Offered: The Navigating Application Decisions workshop is offered in the spring semester.