ILLINOIS LAW
What if we told you that
everything you are looking for in a U.S. law school could be found
at Illinois?
LLM
PROGRAM
1
Welcome College of Law
@uillinoislaw
A WORLD-CLASS UNIVERSITY The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign community of students, scholars, and alumni is changing the world.
With a land-grant heritage as a foundation, Illinois pioneers innovative research that tackles global problems and expands the human experience. Our transformative learning experiences, in and out of the classroom, are designed to produce alumni who desire to make a significant, societal impact.
1867 Year Founded
29 Pulitzer Prizes 4
#2 Invented the first graphical web browser
#22 University in the world (Center for World University Rankings)
Among public universities for international students enrolled
51K+ Students from all 50 states and 100+ countries
5
Learn
Learn
THE LAW
THE LAW
The LLM
Academic
Putting Principles Into
EXPERIENCE
Practice
Areas of Strength
Bar Examination
• Business and Law • Criminal Law • Family Law, Health Law, and Torts • Government and Law • Environmental Law • Public Interest • Technology and Intellectual Property (IP) Law
For students planning to take the bar examination, the Illinois LLM is compliant with the requirements of the New York, California, Washington, D.C., and Missouri bar exams, among others. Students are provided individualized counseling and advising to assist them in meeting the requirements of bar and other qualifying professional examinations.
Analytical
Concentrations Students may apply to earn a Concentration rather than a General LLM degree. Concentrations will enable students to deepen their knowledge in a particular legal field. The following Concentrations are available:
6
• Corporate Law, Commercial Law and Trade • Criminal Law • Intellectual Property & Technology Law • International and Comparative Law • Justice, Democracy, and Legal Rights • Regulation, Sustainability, and Compliance
Flexible LLM Program Start Date: Most students begin the program in the fall semester (August). Limited applications are accepted to begin in the spring semester (January). 2 or 3 Semester Option: Students may elect to complete the LLM program in 2 or 3 semesters. This allows students the flexibility to customize a program of study, enjoy greater internship opportunities, and benefit from more time to study for the bar exam.
thinking,
problem-solving, research, pretrial and trial skills, negotiation, and interviewing are critical skills needed for real-world success. Students receive instruction and practice in critical lawyering skills, including client interviewing and oral advocacy.
Trial Advocacy for LLMs In the Trial Advocacy Program, students tackle real-world challenges through experiential learning to gain the skills they need to succeed in the practice of law. A dedicated faculty of seasoned trial practitioners supports the Program, giving students unparalleled opportunities to learn from a variety of experienced attorneys and judges. The Program also provides the opportunity to practice oral advocacy in English.
Clinical Education Illinois is one of the few law schools that allow LLM students to participate in clinics. Working with real clients on real problems is one of the richest ways to learn about lawyering and the complexity and depth that clients bring to cases. With class sizes of eight students, you can be sure you’ll get a very handson experience. Furthermore, the College recently completed a major renovation of our clinic space, providing students a professional legal setting in which to grow their skills as a practitioner.
Law Competitions There are ample opportunities for Illinois Law students to participate in competitions, with some of our most popular offerings being client counseling and negotiation competitions.
More Experiential Learning Opportunities at law.illinois.edu/clinics 7
Learn
THE LAW
Our
Faculty
[
PRACTICUM
C
[
] ]
onceived as a response to the protests that swept the United States in the wake of the killing of George Floyd, the Racial Justice Practicum is part of the College of Law’s commitment to make a lasting impact in the area of racial justice. The program includes a two-week classroom component, providing education in constitutional legal principles, labor and employment, health care legislation and its effects on Americans of color, as well as the ways in which the criminal justice system discriminates against people of color. The experience culminates in work experience with legal aid agencies or non-profit organizations that represent populations affected by racism in Illinois and elsewhere across the nation.
PRACTICUM
Latifat Moradeyo Externed at Chicago Appleseed Center for Fair Courts “The Racial Justice Practicum strengthened my involvement in public engagement by giving me the opportunity to work with the Chicago Appleseed for Fair Courts. I had the privilege of working on various projects that involved making policies and devising advocacy strategies to defend humanity against injustice. It also allowed me to gain an integrated and critical understanding of how the American legal system works. The externship was a worthwhile experience and I feel that it has prepared me well for my professional career.”
Olumide Ajayi Externed at John Howard Association “I am passionate about public interest and the use of ‘law and policies’ as a tool for the attainment of social justice. The college of law, through my participation in the Racial Justice Practicum course, afforded me the rare privilege to experience firsthand practice of public interest. During my externship, I visited some prisons and reported on policies what would make better the dreadful conditions of prisons. This experience makes me feel ready to combine public interest engagements with my law career. I am glad I participated in the program, and I recommend the participation of other law students.”
The faculty at Illinois Law are acclaimed teachers, community-minded innovators, and interdisciplinary experts. They are national leaders in many areas of law, and their highly cited research is shaping the modern legal landscape. • Range of perspectives – 42% of the tenured faculty have advanced degrees in other fields in addition to their law degrees. • Homegrown talent – of the 46 full-time faculty members, 6 received their law degrees at the University of Illinois. • Powerhouse of legal scholarship – Ranked #31 in the Leiter Poll of top law faculties.
8
is an opportunity to help teach and mentor the “ This next generation of lawyers about the various ways in which the law can be used as a tool for racial justice. The level of energy and institutional commitment to this initiative has been outstanding.” Professor Margareth Etienne leads the coursework aspect of the Racial Justice Practicum.
9
Learn
Learn
THE LAW
The
Career
THE LAW
Chicago CONNECTION
variety of programming options are available for LLM students to participate in, offering ample opportunities to network with the College’s more than 4,000 Chicago-based alumni.
The Chicago Program The Chicago Program offers semester-long Chicago-based courses and events for interested LLM students. Taught by leading practitioners and College faculty, courses are taught in the Illini Center in downtown Chicago, the Chicago Bar Association, and in the offices of several preeminent law firms, including Winston & Strawn, Foley & Lardner, Steptoe & Johnson, and Burke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella. Events and lectures are open to all LLM students, offering fantastic opportunities to network with the College’s more than 4,000 Chicago-based alumni. Launched in 2012, the Chicago Program is designed to enrich the College’s curriculum, expand professional opportunities for students, and involve alumni and other practitioners more closely in the College’s educational mission.
PLANNING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIZED PROGRAMMING International Student Interview Program (ISIP) Illinois Law participates in ISIP. The annual consortium event sponsored by 33 law schools nationwide facilitates the hiring of highly qualified, foreign-trained lawyers enrolled in LLM programs at each school. The program attracts more than 150 of the leading legal employers from around the world, who review student resumes based on their hiring needs and country of practice. Over 1,800 candidates representing 70+ countries will have an opportunity to be considered for internship and permanent positions in the United States and abroad.
Perspectives on Practice Throughout the academic year, the Careers Office partners with various student organizations to bring in guest speakers to share perspectives on their legal practice.
Workshops Law School 101 is a comprehensive program to introduce incoming students to the study of law and the legal profession. Beyond academic support, students receive career support through resume and cover letter workshops, mock interviews, and special bar preparation workshops.
THECHICAGOPROGRAM 10
11
Learn
THE LAW
Our
Alumni
I
llinois Law alumni include managing partners at leading international law firms; founders of cutting-edge boutiques; CEOs, CFOs, and in-house counsel at Fortune 500 companies; federal and state judges, prosecutors, and public defenders; and lawyers working in other public interest positions. Our alumni are not only accomplished, but incredibly loyal, helping to mentor, teach, hire, and support our students.
13,400+ Global Illinois Law Alumni 12
13
Meet Oluwakemi, Alanna, and Patrobas student is ever wasted at Illinois Law, and that is the most amazing thing about being a student here. Professors actively encourage students to share their perspectives, which encourages critical thinking and allows students see and appreciate the question from the point of view of varying perspectives and backgrounds.”
Learn
THE LAW
Alanna Román Abreu “With nationally recognized faculty and an extensive and innovative curriculum, UIUC provided me with the legal foundation and realworld skills I was looking for in an LLM program.
Our
Students THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE Illinois Law students are smart, driven, and passionate. Here, you can pursue your interests and create lasting relationships in our vibrant community. Complementing the breadth of courses and practical training is an array of opportunities for active engagement outside the classroom.
30+
student organizations
100+
lectures and events per year
14
@uillinoislaw Follow us on Instagram for a sneak peek at student life!
Oluwakemi Adeyemi “I was drawn to the College of Law for the ability to choose my courses based on my need, which was to understand how laws and policies of governments can be structured to ensure private enterprises flourish. My choice was made easier by the reputation of Champaign-Urbana as one of the best college cities to live in and Krannert Centre for the Performing Arts (KCPA). Through my work with KCPA, I gained practical experience setting up an event and dealing with logistics, lighting, legal issues, and so on. I have also volunteered as a Peer Advocate with the Office of Students Conflict Resolution, helping students resolve disputes through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and helping set up the Peer Advocate program. Working with the Office of Students Conflict Resolution helped me appreciate how much effort UIUC puts into ensuring its students have the best experience. Like my work with conflict resolution, I’ve found that no idea shared by any
Particularly, the Chicago Program offered me the incredible opportunity to learn from several alumni and practitioners about the actual practice of law. This experience helped me enhance my problem-solving and communication skills and provided me with a strong support network. One of the things I liked the most was how much the school cares about students and how much effort they put into making you feel at home. The faculty and staff are very supportive and encouraging. This allowed my classmates and I to fully integrate into the community and have a better learning experience. The Urbana-Champaign campus is also amazing, and there are so many activities and recreational spaces. The whole experience at Illinois Law has been the best combination of theoretical knowledge, hands-on legal experience, and memories to treasure for a lifetime.”
and everyone is looking to mutually grow and support each other. No one laughs at unconventional answers, and everyone is willing to share their resources with you if you ask. After graduation, I will miss the calm of the town, the cold and snow, the great hospitality, and the friendships I’ve built.”
Patrobas Sirabo Wafula After admission, I found that the administrative staff walks this journey with you, and the professors spare nothing to answer questions, shape arguments, and guide your conceptualization of the law. In class, there is such a complimentary spirit, as opposed to an adversarial or competitive spirit,
15
Learn
THE LAW
THIS IS OUR
Community LIFE IN CHAMPAIGN-URBANA A micro-urban community known for its big-city amenities yet small-town affordability, accessibility, safety, and friendliness, Champaign-Urbana (C-U) is dynamic and vibrant, with a lively cultural scene, a variety of restaurants, and numerous recreational opportunities.
Things to Know
Chicago
Champaign Urbana
• Average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $900 • Getting around town is fast and easy. — Mass transit bus system – FREE for students — Pedestrian and bike-friendly, with dockless bike share available St. Louis — Uber, Lyft, and Zipcar are available • Ranked the fastest-growing city in Illinois in 2017 (Business Insider), C-U boasts an assortment of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and cultural venues. • Recreation opportunities abound, with one of the premier campus recreation facilities in the country just steps away from the law school, and plenty of public and state parks in the region.
#1
Best Midwest Food Town (August 2017, Midwest Living)
16
Indianapolis
#1
Best college town for young adults 2021 (Realtor.com)
17
Learn
Admissions Timeline
THE LAW
Tu i t i o n & A i d 1)
All admitted students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships.
2) More than 80% of admitted students receive at least a partial scholarship. 3) Cost of living is 9% lower than the U.S. average. Estimated Cost of Attendance
Application deadline
None. Applications are accepted year-long on a rolling basis.
Entry Term
Fall
Spring
Admissions and scholarship decisions begin
October
June
Seat deposit and acceptance deadline
April
September
Start date
August
January
Application Requirements Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree, LLB, or equivalent degree. The bachelor’s degree need not be in law. Application requirements include: • • • • • •
Completed application Résumé Statement of purpose Certified transcripts and credentials At least one letter of reference TOEFL or IELTS score reported from ETS or IELTS (or a Duolingo English Test score from February 1, 2020 through August 1, 2023)
Learn More and Apply: law.illinois.edu/apply-llm
(Expenses for Academic Year 2023-2024)
Tuition Fees Room and Board
$5,282 USD $13,554 USD
Books and Supplies
$1,800 USD
Other Expenses
$3,090 USD
TOTAL
18
$49,500 USD
$73,226 USD
19
ILLINOIS LAW
Your Law Career Advances at Illinois. law.illinois.edu/apply-llm
504 East Pennsylvania Avenue Champaign, IL 61820
20
@uillinoislaw