Events & Programs

From workshops on personal statements to Pre-Law 101 sessions to special events featuring law school admissions deans - Pre-Law Advising Services hosts over 30 events per year.

Click on our Events Calendar below for a full listing, and explore our pages for the Law School Fair and our LSAT Jumpstart to learn more about those signature events. 

Recurring Pre-Law Workshops
No

The Pre-Law 101 workshop series is the introductory program for students at UIUC.  Pre-Law 101 sessions provide a comprehensive overview of the law as a career, legal education, and the process for preparing and applying to law school. The series includes two sessions:

  • Session 1: Discovering Law: In this session, we will look at the legal profession, including what lawyers really 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.   Participants should get a clearer idea of whether law school and practicing law, is something they are interested in and guidance on the next steps in their journey to law school.
  • Session 2: Preparing for Law School: In this session, we will look at strategies for preparing for law school.  First, we will examine the academic and personal qualities law schools are looking for in their applicants. Then we will look at suggested timelines, recommended activities, and priorities as you prepare to apply to law school.  Finally, we will briefly look at the application process itself, including a discussion of the Law Schools Admission Test (LSAT).

 

Individual Pre-Law 1-On-1 Appointments: Pre-Law 1-On-1 appointments are first-time appointments with the PLAS office. Freshman and Sophomore students (students in their first 4 semesters of undergraduate study) should complete the Pre-Law 101 workshop series prior to scheduling a first-time individual advising appointment (Pre-Law 1-On-1). 

Who Should Attend:  Pre-Law 101 sessions are open to all UIUC 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 series will be offered monthly through the fall and spring semesters.  Sessions may be completed at any time; however, we do recommend completing Session 1 prior to attending Session 2.

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 UIUC 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.

The Drafting Your Application workshop 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.

Gap Year(s): 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 and spring semesters.

The Navigating Application Decisions workshop will explore the application process following the submission of your application, 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, 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 event 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.

Annual Pre-Law Programs
Campus and External Pre-Law Events

There are many wonderful programs, related to prelaw, that occur across the UIUC campus, the community, and the country. If you are interested in exploring these events, please visit the calendars below.