There are so many jobs for people who hold Illinois law degrees. From civil law to criminal litigation to business negotiations, lawyers are in high demand. Law schools generally accept students who hold a Bachelor's degree in any major, but they prefer students who majored in business, political science or something similar during their undergraduate years.
Different IL law schools have different requirements, but being the best student you can be will only help your chances. Remember to research each school's admission requirements before applying.
1. Look into attending a public Illinois law school. These schools are bustling with life and social opportunities.
2. See if perhaps a private Illinois state law school is right for you. These schools cost a bit more but the quality of education is known for being of the highest quality.
3. Find out which Illinois law universities are accredited by the ABA. Attending an American Bar Association accredited school ensures that you'll be eligible to sit for the Bar Exam.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Check out the public law schools in Illinois
Public schools can be just as good as private schools, but for a fraction of the cost. They have large student bodies and foster a feeling of community. The opportunities for networking are great, and after you graduate, you'll be glad you made those contacts.
I recommend: Explore the programs offered at the
University of Illinois, which has impressive employment statistics for law graduates.
Northern Illinois University has a unique opportunity to study abroad in Agen, France.
Consider attending one of the private Illinois law schools
Private schools may cost more but each has its own advantages. For example, some colleges use rolling admissions (and thus, no application deadlines) and offer part-time classes as well as full-time schedules.
I recommend: Participate in the litigation practicum at the
John Marshall Law School. Take a tour of the law school at the renowned
DePaul University College of Law.
Find reputable and ABA accredited Illinois law colleges
The American Bar Association (ABA) approves schools that offer a proper law education, and guarantees that the student can sit for the Bar Exam upon graduation. Laws vary from state to state, but going to an accredited school is a good idea no matter what. Also, checking out the rankings of different schools can help you find top law schools in Illinois.
I recommend: Find accredited schools in your area at the
American Bar Association. Find rankings for Illinois schools on
Top-Law-Schools.com.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Carefully compare Illinois law schools before you make a decision to apply to one. You'll want to find the school that's right for you; some schools may offer law programs that don't appeal to you. Also, consider the professors' experience before deciding.
The official source of Illinois Law Schools is the Illinois Law Schools page at Business.com
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