Pre-Law Center

Pre-Law Center Offers FREE Trip to Iowa Law Bridge Program

mhans3 — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 00:53:23 +0000

Pre-Law Center Offers FREE Trip to Iowa Law Bridge Program mhans3 Thu, 01/12/2023 - 18:53

The UIS Pre-Law Center announces an all-expense-covered opportunity. Professor Deborah Anthony, Director of the Pre-Law Center, will provide transportation for a limited number of students to the University of Iowa College of Law for attendance in the Law Bridge 2023 program, scheduled for March 3rd and 4th. Meals and hotel will also be covered.

“The Bridge Program” is designed to introduce diverse students to law school. Students learn what it’s like to be a law student, how to develop the strongest application possible, what a law school class is like (by taking a mock class), the best ways to write with clarity, and factors they should consider as they apply to law schools.

If you are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity, please respond via email to uisplc@uis.edu to register by February 8th. The UIS Pre-Law Center will confirm your registration for the event with a response email invitation to complete a qualtrics survey for the University of Iowa College of Law.

When

Wed, Feb 8 2023, All day

Event Type

Academic Calendar

Student

Department

Pre-Law Center

UIS Pre-Law Center Kaplan LSAT Prep Scholarship

mhans3 — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 21:59:55 +0000

UIS Pre-Law Center Kaplan LSAT Prep Scholarship mhans3 Wed, 01/11/2023 - 15:59

UIS Pre-Law Center Opportunity

A single Scholarship for a full Kaplan LSAT prep course (online, on demand, or in person), valued between $600-&1200. Students interested in applying for the scholarship should email the following information to uisplc@uis.edu for consideration:

Name and UIS
Expected graduation
Expected law school enrollment
Statement of academic merit and financial need

Applications will be accepted through February 10th and the scholarship will be awarded on February 17, 2023.

Please note that the scholarship must be redeemed by March 1; however, the class may be scheduled for a later date.

When

Fri, Feb 10 2023, All day

Event Type

Academic Calendar

Student

Department

Pre-Law Center

UIS Pre-Law Center Zoom Law Chat

mhans3 — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 15:09:00 +0000

UIS Pre-Law Center Zoom Law Chat mhans3 Wed, 10/05/2022 - 10:09

University of Illinois Pre-Law Center presents Law Chat. Hosted by Professor Deborah Anthony, J.D.

Topic: Applying for Law School

How to get started
Preparing a strong application
Strategies for success

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 818 9873 7997

Password: 808663

When

Thu, Oct 20 2022, 5:30 - 6:30pm

Department

Pre-Law Center

Law School Fair Opportunity!

mhans3 — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 15:47:44 +0000

Law School Fair Opportunity! mhans3 Mon, 09/12/2022 - 10:47

UIS Pre-Law Center providing free transportation

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

MAPLA Law School Fair Caravan Stop!

September 28 | In-Person Law Forum

10 am- 2 pm | Illini Union, Urbana, IL

Gather information about law schools from across the country
Meet the people who will be reading your law school applications
Discover new law schools that would be a good fit for you
Talk with admissions professionals about what qualities they seek in a candidate
Access a list of the participating law schools here

Email UISPLC@UIS.EDU to reserve your seat in the van!

Deadline for transportation reservation is Friday, Sept. 23rd, at 5 pm.

The UIS Van will leave from campus at 9:30 am and return at approximately 2:30 pm, allowing time for networking at the law school fair and lunch before we return.

When

Wed, Sep 28 2022, 10am - 2pm

Department

Pre-Law Center

UIS Mock Trial Team

khobb2 — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 17:33:13 +0000

UIS Mock Trial Team khobb2 Tue, 08/30/2022 - 12:33

Mock trial is an academic competition that provides students with the opportunity to hone valuable skills, including critical thinking, active listening, public speaking, and teamwork.

The UIS Trial Team competes against other college teams within the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA). Each academic year, AMTA releases either a criminal or civil case packet. The team portrays unique witnesses such as an investigative reporter, doctors, forensic pathologists, police officers, restaurant owners, and much more. In addition, students participate as attorneys who question witnesses, make arguments and objections, conduct an opening or closing statement, and submit evidence. Each round scoring judges rate the attorney and witness performances.

For more information about the UIS Mock Trial Club, please contact Coach Scott Pyles or President Abbie Hasty.

Support the Mock Trial Team

Latest Updates

Check back soon for the latest updates!

Trial Team Competitions

AY 2023-2024

February 17-18 2024 AMTA Regionals - Washington University in St. Louis

The UIS Mock Trial Team competed in the nationally sanctioned regional tournament in February!

November 10-12, 2023 Missouri State University - Bear Brawl Classic

UIS brought one team to the Bear Brawl Classic for back-to-back competition weekends!
The combined team went 2-6, taking a ballot from a nationally ranked program!
Pictured (L to R): Dakota Gordon, Abbie Hasty, Jake Pollock, Emily Lupi, Eliana Mitts, John Kennedy, Marcus Wilkins, Sadie Edgar, Emily Ahrens

UIS at the Bear Brawl Classic!

November 3-5, 2023 Illinois State University - 21st Annual Back to Normal Invitational

UIS fielded two teams at the ISU invitational for the first time in two seasons.
Team A had a record of 1-7
Team B had a record of 4-4, placing 13th out of 32 teams! This is the best team result in two seasons.
- Marcus Wilkins (pictured below) received an outstanding witness award with 18/20 ranks!
- This team also won the Spirit of AMTA (SPAMTA) award, which is “awarded to the team that best exemplifies the ideals of honesty, civility and fair play.” This is only the second time in program history that the team has won this award!
Team A (L to R in group picture): Tyler Vollintine. David Fernandez, Caitlin Deerwester, John Kennedy, Kenadee Julian, Susan Geiser, Abbie Hasty, Sadie Edgar
Team B (L to R): Emily Ahrens, Sophia Perdiou, Eliana Mitts, Dakota Gordon, Emily Lupi, Hannah Baity, Marcus Wilkins, Jake Pollock

AY 2020-2021

February 5-7 2021 AMTA Regionals

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, both UIS teams competed in two different regionals across the United States.
UIS Team A competed in regional E (Hosted by Boston College)
- Cedric Birgans received an outstanding witness award with 16/20 ranks.
- Joseph Partain received an outstanding attorney award with 19/20 ranks.
UIS Team B competed in regional H (hosted by AMTA)
- Bryce Thomas received an outstanding witness award with 18/20 ranks.

Cedric Birgans, Outstanding Witness Award

Joseph Partain, Outstanding Attorney Award

Bryce Thomas, Outstanding Witness Award

January 23-24, 2021 Central College - Racheter Invitational

UIS Trail Team placed 8th out of 30 teams
Camille Daley received an outstanding witness award with 18 ranks
Joseph Partain received an outstanding attorney award with 18 ranks

Camille Daley, Outstanding Witness Award

Joseph Partain, Outstanding Attorney Award

January 9-10 University of Nebraska - Scarlet and Cream

Joseph Partain received an outstanding attorney award with 18 ranks.

Joseph Partain, Outstanding Attorney Award

November 14-15 2020 – University of Missouri – Kansas City – Derek Morehead and Irene Downs Memorial Tournament

Jermaine Windham received an outstanding witness award with 19 ranks.

Jermaine Windham, Outstanding Witness Award

AY 2019-2020

February 8-9, 2020 - American Mock Trial Association Regional

The UIS Trial Team finished it’s record-setting season this year in style. First, UIS sent two teams to the American Mock Trial Association regional in Indianapolis, Indiana this past weekend. UIS’ B team had a record of 2-5-1. UIS' A team finished 9th place of 20 teams with a 4-4 record (losing 1 ballot by 1 point).

Additionally, four UIS students took home individual awards – more than any other program at the tournament. Outstanding witness awards were earned by Payton Wilkins (Class of 2023), Cedric Birgans (Class of 2023), and Jermaine Windham (Class of 2022)! Finally, with a perfect 20 ranks, Joseph Partain (Class of 2021) received an outstanding attorney award. Congratulations to these four individuals and the entire UIS Trial Team family for a record-shattering year!

A special thanks to UIS alumnus and current UIS masters student, Jayde Schlesinger, for volunteering her time to assistant coach this year.

Participating Students: Joseph Partain, Cedric Birgans, Alexis Campbell, Bryce Thomas, Nikola Sowa, Payton Wilkins, Jenny Viramontes, Sam Vonbehren, David Alonso, Jacob Cacioppo, Amanda Young, Nathan Hayes, Jermaine Windham, and Ashtray Sents

Joseph Partain (Class of 2021)

Cedric Birgans (class of 2023)

Payton Wilkins (Class of 2023)

Jermaine Windham (Class of 2022)

Joseph Partain earned a perfect 20- ranks attorney award at the regionals competition! This aspiring attorney has been with the UIS Trial Team for 3 years and has put in a lot of time, hard work, and effort.

Cedric Birgans earned an outstanding witness award at the regionals competition in Indianapolis, Indiana! This rising freshman has the most earned single-season individual awards in UIS Trial Team team history.

Payton Wilkins earned an outstanding witness award at the regionals competition in Indianapolis, Indiana! He has been working hard on the team through the 2019-20 season and has done exceptionally well.

Jermaine Windham earned an outstanding witness award at the regionals competition in Indianapolis, Indiana! He has put in a lot of effort to the team this season, being a big contributor to the success of UIS Trial Team’s first-ever B team!

January 25, 2020 - 32nd Annual National Mock Trial Invitational at Loras College

Cedric Birgins (left) and Joseph Partain (right) with their trophies

The UIS Trial Team competed in the 32nd Annual National Mock Trial Invitational at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. Joseph Partain (class of 2021) received an individual outstanding attorney award with 19/20 ranks and Cedric Birgans (class of 2023) won an individual outstanding witness award with 19/20 ranks. The UIS Trial Team heads to its Regional tournament in Indianapolis, Indiana (February 8-9, 2020) having earned the most single-season individual awards in UIS Trial Team history.

January 17-18, 2020 - Central College in Pella, Iowa

The UIS Trial Team competed at Central College in Pella, Iowa. Joseph Partain (class of 2021) took home an outstanding attorney award with 18 ranks on both prosecution and defense. Cedric Birgans (class of 2023) was awarded an outstanding witness award with a perfect 20 ranks. This marks the third tournament this year where these students have taken home these honors. They are exciting to watch!

Pictured (clockwise): Upper-Left Joseph Partain & Cedric Biggins; Cedric Biggins with wooden shoes trophy; and the Trial Team (l-r) Bryce Thomas, Nikola Sowa, Jacob Cacioppo, Cedric Birgans, Payton Wilkins, Joseph Partain, , Alexis Campbell, and Damilola Moibi.

November 16, 2019 - University of Missouri Kansas City Mock Trial Invitational

UIS’s Cedric Birgans (class of 2023) received his second outstanding witness award in two weeks at the University of Missouri Kansas City mock trial invitational. Birgans scored 19 ranks, placing him 3rd overall out of all witnesses at the tournament.

November 8-10, 2019 - Illinois State University Tournament

The University of Illinois Springfield Trial Team participated in a 32-team tournament hosted by Illinois State University. The tournament was held in the courtrooms of the McLean County Justice Center in Bloomington, Illinois. Out of approximately 300 students, 69��app Springfield’s Joseph Partain (class of 2021) took home an outstanding attorney award ranking in the top seven of all attorneys within the tournament. Additionally, Cedric Birgins (class of 2023) received an outstanding witness award, ranking second overall in the entire tournament.

Past Updates

The UIS Mock Trial team received its 2019-20 case from the American Mock Trial Association. All interested students are invited to participate in prosecuting or defending a murder trial.

Another Win for the UIS Mock Trial Team!

On January 19-20, 2019, UIS sophomore Joseph Partain (Luka, IL) received an outstanding attorney award* at Central College’s mock trial invitational tournament in Pella, IA. Given the Dutch heritage of Pella, IA, outstanding attorneys were awarded a miniature pair of Dutch clogs! Joseph was one of 11 students honored:

Members of the team UIS include the following UIS students: Chance Austin, Andrew Jarmer, Jenny Viramontes, Alexis Campbell, Joseph Partain, Trenton Newbury, Adeola Babington, Jade Sisti, and Colton Goins.

Mock Trial Team Wins Award at University of Nebraska

On January 12-13, 2019, the UIS Trial team received the Spirit of AMTA award at the first annual Scarlet and Cream Invitational hosted by the University of Nebraska. Since 2000, the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) has recognized the team that best exemplifies its ideals – civility, justice, and fair play. The Spirit of AMTA award is awarded to only one team per tournament. Teams are voted and ranked based upon the following ideal criterion: Outgoing and friendly before and after trial; extremely cordial; team demonstrated through its behavior (e.g., offering use of exhibits, sharing equipment) a willingness to go beyond the call of duty; a shining example of AMTA’s ideals of civility, fair play, and justice.

Additionally, senior Andrew Jarmer received an outstanding attorney award. In addition to the scores for each function of the trial, each scoring judge is asked to rank the top four attorneys and the top four witnesses in the round. Those rankings are used to calculate individual awards, which are independent of team awards. A first rank is worth 5 points, a second rank is worth 4 points, a third rank is worth 3 points, and a fourth rank is worth 2 points. A student’s ranks on the four ballots on each side of the case are added together for a maximum of 20 points on a side. The students with the most points out of 20 are given outstanding attorney and witness awards. Andrew Jarmer received 18 points and was therefore one of approximately 10 students honored.

Finally, the team placed in the top eight at the tournament. Members of the team include the following UIS students: Chance Austin, Andrew Jarmer, Jenny Viramontes, Alexis Campbell, Joseph Partain, Trenton Newbury, Adeola Babington, and Jade Sisti.

2018 Mock Trial Fifth Place Finish Press Release

As part of the trial advocacy (LES/ PSC 376) class, UIS took two teams to the Illinois State University 28-team mock trial tournament November 17-19, 2017 at the McLean County Law and Justice Center. Top performing UIS attorneys included: Keaton Hill, Darius Millican, Fredrick Moore, Chris Vemagiri, Jayde Schlesinger, and Sierra Sigretto. Top performing UIS witnesses included: Keaton Hill, Shaina Humphrey, Sierra Sigretto, Chris Vemagiri and Halie Edwards.

UIS mock trial will kick off its competitive-team season January 2018.

On Saturday, October 28, 2017 nine members of the LES/ PSC 376 – Trial Advocacy course, along with three UIS Mock Trial Club members, competed in the second annual UIS Mock Trial Showcase against Quincy University. This event included a two-round scrimmage in the UIS courtroom (TV Studio B). UIS students litigated both the prosecution and the defense sides of an attempted murder case.

Judges for the day included local practicing attorneys, mock trial coaches, law students, and UIS mock trial alumni.

UIS will send two teams (22 students) to compete in a four-round invitational tournament at Illinois State University November 17-19. Rounds will be held in the circuit court courtrooms of the McLean County Law and Justice Center.

To kick off the 2017-2018 season, eight members of the LES/ PSC 376 – Trial Advocacy course, and two UIS Mock Trial Club members, competed in a two round invitational scrimmage at 69��app College of Law on October 7, 2017.

There were six schools in attendance including 69��app Urbana-Champaign, Illinois State University, and 69��app Springfield.

Judges included practicing attorneys, mock trial coaches, and law professors from 69��app College of Law.

These students below, along with another UIS team, will compete in a four round tournament at Illinois State University in November 2017.

In the 2016-2017 season, the UIS Trial Team competed at various invitationals including its regional tournament in Joliet, IL on February 18-19, 2017 (pictured here).

During the year, the UIS Trial Team hosted invitational scrimmages with Bradley and Quincy University and attended the following invitational tournaments: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Rhodes College (Memphis, TN); Loras College (Dubuque, IA); and regionals hosted by Lewis University (Joliet, IL).

During the 2015-16 season, the UIS Trial Team competed in the 10th Annual Billiken Barristers’ Invitational at the Saint Louis University School of Law on November 14-15, 2015. UIS walked away with an outstanding attorney (Austin Mehmet) and an outstanding witness (Vanessa Pratt) award. The teams took more ballots than ever before! Click here to read more about the 2015-2016 UIS Trial Team.

The inaugural UIS Trial Team organized in October 2013 and competed in its first invitational tournament at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois, on January 18-19, 2014.

UIS partners with UIC School of Law so students can earn their law 69��app faster

atry2 — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 15:31:24 +0000

UIS partners with UIC School of Law so students can earn their law 69��app faster atry2 Thu, 04/14/2022 - 10:31

UIS + UIC Law

jbaum02s — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 22:12:06 +0000

UIS + UIC Law jbaum02s Tue, 03/01/2022 - 16:12

Save time and money while successfully achieving your goal to complete law school. The UIS + UIC Law program helps students complete their bachelor’s 69��app and law 69��app in six years instead of the usual seven years.

UIS undergraduate students can apply for admission to 69��app Chicago School of Law during their junior year at UIS. Admission is not guaranteed but if admitted, they will enroll in the law school after their third year at UIS. After a student successfully completes 30 credit hours of law school coursework, UIS accepts the UIC courses towards the credits required for the bachelor's 69��app.

UIS students with undergraduate majors listed on the right are eligible for the UIS + UIC Law program.

Accountancy
Business Administration
Criminology and Criminal Justice
Economics
English
Environmental Studies
History
Legal Studies
Management Information Systems
Political Science
Public Administration

“This is a fantastic program that allows students who are motivated in their law school path to save time and money in their educational pursuits while successfully achieving their career goals.”
Deborah Anthony, UIS Professor of Legal Studies and Director of the UIS Pre-Law Center.

UIS + UIC Law Qualifications

UIS students must complete pre-law counseling through the UIS Pre-Law Center and be certified by the Pre-Law Center director as qualified for eligibility in the program. The Pre-Law Center director will coordinate with the student’s undergraduate advisor to determine if a student has met all general education, major and minor 69��app requirements. When enrolling in UIC School of Law, students must attend full-time for the first two semesters.

A select number of qualified UIS student applicants will be accepted into the program with the UIC School of Law. Students applying for admission into this program must take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or General Record Examination (GRE) as part of the application process. The UIC School of Law carefully evaluates the quality of the applicant’s academic record, letters of recommendation, personal statement, writing sample, work experience, student activities and LSAT or GRE score.

Helpful Resources

Tuition & Fees

We are committed to making higher education accessible and affordable. Estimate your education costs.

Aid & Scholarships

See the financial aid and scholarships that are available to help fund your education.

Contact

Deborah Anthony, Director, UIS Pre-Law Center
217-206-8340
danth2@uis.edu

Contact

zalwi2 — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 16:58:02 +0000

Contact zalwi2 Thu, 01/13/2022 - 10:58

For more information contact Prof. Deborah Anthony, Pre-Law Center Director

Mailing Address

Public Affairs Center
PAC 363
One University Plaza
Springfield, IL 62703

Office Hours

Tuesday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Thursday 9.00 AM – 5:00 PM

Department Phone

(217) 206-4529

Department E-mail

uisplc@uis.edu

Resources

zalwi2 — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 16:52:43 +0000

Resources zalwi2 Thu, 01/13/2022 - 10:52

Would you like to learn more about legal careers, life in law school, or learn what it takes to prepare for a legal education? Get answers to these questions as well as others!

Legal Career Information

Search Jurist for law school and legal career information.
The Internet Legal Resource Guide is a comprehensive resource of information available on the Internet concerning law and the legal profession.

Legal Education Information

American Bar Association (ABA) law school preparation
Noodle.com – Law School Search Tool
Lawyers.com
Law School Admission Council (LSAC) and LSAT Testing official web site
Paralegal Programs & Guide
The University of Illinois Law School
U.S. News and World Report Law School Rankings
Boston College Law School Matrix
University of Richmond Pre-Law Guide

Financial Aid for Law School

Are you wondering how you are going to fund law school? The SmartStudent^TM Guide to Financial Aid offers some law school funding options.

Mastering Law School Admissions Process

Discover expert insights on navigating the law school admissions process in our exclusive video featuring Professor Julia Wykoff. JD Advising Prelaw Presentation (UIS) - Zoom

Spring 2025 Events

ILLINOIS PRE-LAW DAY: A day at 69��app Urbana-Champaign. April 8, 2025. To sign up for this event, Email us. Limited spaces available.

LSAT Preparation

zalwi2 — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 16:45:03 +0000

LSAT Preparation zalwi2 Thu, 01/13/2022 - 10:45

FREE LSAT Practice Tests

Are you interested in practicing with an actual LSAT exam before test date? If so, sign up for a timed prep test and blind review session offered by the Pre-Law Center!

Stop being fearful of the LSAT and come have some fun with us! E-mail uisplc@uis.edu to sign up now!

LSAT Practice Testing Schedule

Please email uisplc@uis.edu to schedule your LSAT Practice Test.

Pre-Law Center Hours

Tuesday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday: 9:00am - 1:00pm
Thursday: 9:00am - 5:00pm.

Arrangements can be made for students needing to test outside of those hours.

Location: Pre-Law Center, PAC 363

Preparing for the LSAT

The Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) is the law school entrance exam. It is required for admission to most ABA-accredited law schools.

Many students want to know the best way to prepare for the LSAT. While there are many different types of software and courses that you can take, it is ultimately up to the student to decide which method works best. Some options include Blueprint, LSATMax, Princeton Review, Alpha Score, Kaplan, Magoosh, and Khan Academy.

Extensive LSAT information can be found on the Law School Admissions Council website, including test dates, test sign up, and many test prep resources. Signing up for an account and accessing many resources are free.

On this website you will find LSAT dates, test centers and deadlines. If you have any questions about how to apply for the LSAT or would like a hard copy of the application materials, please visit the Pre-Law Center!

We also have available past LSAT information booklets which contain a practice LSAT as well as other helpful information. Please stop by or e-mail the Pre-Law Center if you are interested in any prep materials. Supplies are limited.

Pre-Law Center

Pre-Law Center Offers FREE Trip to Iowa Law Bridge Program

UIS Pre-Law Center Kaplan LSAT Prep Scholarship

UIS Pre-Law Center Opportunity

UIS Pre-Law Center Zoom Law Chat

Law School Fair Opportunity!

UIS Mock Trial Team

Latest Updates

Trial Team Competitions

AY 2023-2024

February 17-18 2024 AMTA Regionals - Washington University in St. Louis

November 10-12, 2023 Missouri State University - Bear Brawl Classic

November 3-5, 2023 Illinois State University - 21st Annual Back to Normal Invitational

AY 2020-2021

February 5-7 2021 AMTA Regionals

January 23-24, 2021 Central College - Racheter Invitational

January 9-10 University of Nebraska - Scarlet and Cream

November 14-15 2020 – University of Missouri – Kansas City – Derek Morehead and Irene Downs Memorial Tournament

AY 2019-2020

February 8-9, 2020 - American Mock Trial Association Regional

January 25, 2020 - 32nd Annual National Mock Trial Invitational at Loras College

January 17-18, 2020 - Central College in Pella, Iowa

November 16, 2019 - University of Missouri Kansas City Mock Trial Invitational

November 8-10, 2019 - Illinois State University Tournament

Past Updates

Another Win for the UIS Mock Trial Team!

Mock Trial Team Wins Award at University of Nebraska

UIS partners with UIC School of Law so students can earn their law 69����app faster

UIS + UIC Law

UIS + UIC Law Qualifications

Helpful Resources

Tuition & Fees

Aid & Scholarships

Contact

Contact

Mailing Address

Office Hours

Department Phone

Department E-mail

Resources

Legal Career Information

Legal Education Information

Financial Aid for Law School

Mastering Law School Admissions Process

Spring 2025 Events

LSAT Preparation

FREE LSAT Practice Tests

LSAT Practice Testing Schedule

Preparing for the LSAT

Additional free LSAT preparation resources:

Paid LSAT prep courses:

UIS partners with UIC School of Law so students can earn their law 69��app faster