University of Illinois College of Law Profile, Champaign, Illinois | BCGSearch.com

University of Illinois College of Law

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Rank 44

MAILING ADDRESS1

504 East Pennsylvania Avenue,

Champaign, IL 61820

MAIN PHONE

217-333-0931

REGISTRAR'S PHONE

217-333-1097

ADMISSIONS PHONE

217-244-6415

CAREER SERVICES PHONE

217-333-2961

WEBSITE

http://www.law.illinois.edu/
PDF Version

Overview 2

Established in 1897, the University of Illinois College of Law is one of the oldest and best-known law schools in the nation.

Illinois was one of the small number of charter members and founders of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) and was on the first national list of law schools approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). Illinois is the home of the founding chapter of the law honor society now known as the Order of the Coif, has been the home to many of the nation’s great law textbook and treatise writers, and is the birthplace of the interdisciplinary movements such as law and economics and law and psychology.

Student-Faculty Ratio 3

11.0:1

Admission Criteria 4

LSAT GPA
25th-75th Percentile 154-162 3.32-3.7
Median* 160 3.59

The above LSAT and GPA data pertain to the fall 2016 entering class.

Director of admissions Rebecca Ray
Application deadline March 15

Law School Admissions details based on 2016 data.

*Medians have been calculated by averaging the 25th- and 75th-percentile values released by the law schools and have been rounded up to the nearest whole number for LSAT scores and to the nearest one-hundredth for GPAs.

Admission Statistics 5

Approximate number of applications 1236
Number accepted 565
Percentage accepted 45.7%

The above admission details are based on 2015 data.

Law School Cost 6

Tuition and fees Full-time: $41,332 per year (in-state)
$49,082 per year (out-of-state)
Room and board $13,710
Books $1,800
Miscellaneous expenses $2,750

Class Ranking and Grades 7

Class Rank

Subject to the exceptions listed below, the College of Law neither computes nor discloses individual class rankings. After each semester, the cumulative GPA (“CGPA”) for each J.D. class (1L, 2L, 3L) at the cutoffs for top 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and top one-third are published.

Grades

A College of Law CGPA of 2.0 on a 4.0-point scale is required (a) for continuation as a J.D. student at the College of Law and (b) for graduation. Only graded College of Law courses count towards a student’s College of Law CGPA.

The following grading scale is used by the College of Law:

A+ 4
A 174-179
A- 3.67
B+ 3.33
B 3
B- 2.67
C+ 2.33
C 2
C- 1.67
D+ 1.33
D 1
D- 0.67
F 0

Academic Deficiency

Students who fall below the required 2.0 CGPA are deemed to be in academic deficiency and will be subject to the following procedures:

First-year students whose first-semester CGPA is below a 2.0 may register for courses in the second semester of the first year on a probationary basis, if they elect to do so after counseling with the Associate Dean. If the academic deficiency (i.e., CGPA below 2.0) is not eliminated by the end of this probationary semester, the student will be automatically dismissed from the College of Law immediately upon calculation of the new CGPA, without regard to the student’s enrollment in courses for a subsequent semester.

Any such student may submit a Petition for Readmission to the College of Law’s Executive Committee, after counseling with the Associate Dean. There is no guarantee that such a petition will be granted.

During other semesters, a student whose CGPA is below 2.0 is subject to the following rules:

  1. If the student’s CGPA is more than seven credit hours of a “B” grade below a 2.0, the student will be automatically dismissed from the College of Law immediately upon calculation of the new CGPA, without regard to the student’s enrollment in courses for a subsequent semester. Any such student may submit a Petition for Readmission to the College of Law’s Executive Committee after counseling with the Associate Dean. There is no guarantee that such a petition will be granted.

  2. If a student’s CGPA is seven credit hours or less of a “B” grade below a 2.0, the student will be automatically placed on academic probation. After counseling with the Associate Dean, a student on academic probation will be permitted to register for the next succeeding semester. If the academic deficiency is not eliminated by the end of this probationary semester (excluding summer sessions), the student will be automatically dismissed from the College of Law immediately upon calculation of the new CGPA, without regard to the student’s enrollment in courses for a subsequent semester.

Any such student may submit a Petition for Readmission to the College of Law’s Executive Committee after counseling with the Associate Dean. There is no guarantee that such a petition will be granted.

“I” or “DFR” Grades

If a student cannot complete required coursework by the time grades are due in circumstances attributable to good cause, the instructor may enter a grade of “I” (Incomplete) or “DFR” (Deferred). Students should be aware that the presence of an “I” or “DFR” on their transcript, until remedied, prevents them from qualifying for academic honors and prevents them from graduating. In addition, students on academic probation will not be allowed to register for courses as long as they have any “I” or “DFR” grades on their records.

Important: If the “I” or “DFR” grade is not replaced by a letter grade by the last day of classes of the next semester (excluding summer sessions), the Student Records Office is required to automatically convert the grade to an “F” (failure). An exception may be granted should the instructor notify the Associate Dean that a further extension is warranted. Any such request must be submitted to the Associate Dean for approval before the “I” or “DFR” grade is converted to a failing grade.

Grade Normalization (Curve)8

The College of Law does not impose a mandatory grading curve on any law class. The faculty, however, has adopted the following recommended curve for J.D. student grades:

  1. For all first-year courses: a mean GPA for J.D. students of 3.20, with no more than 20% of the J.D. students receiving a grade of A- or higher. At least 10% of grades must fall at C+ or below.

  2. For all upper-level courses with at least 6 J.D. students enrolled: a mean course GPA for J.D. students of 3.40. Note that for the Fall 2015 semester, this upper-level curve does not apply to the College’s in-house clinics (Civil Litigation Clinic, Family Law Clinic, Community Preservation Clinic, Elder Financial Justice Clinic, Domestic Violence Clinic, and Federal Civil Rights Clinic).

Honors 9

Honor Criteria
Order of the Coif Order of the Coif is an honorary society distinguishing students whose CGPA in College of Law courses place them in the top 10% of their graduating class. In addition, society rules require that qualifying students must have completed at least 75% of their law studies (68 credit hours) in graded courses. Special rules govern the eligibility of transfer, visiting, and joint degree students for Coif membership.
summa cum laude Students who complete their degree work with a CGPA of 3.75 and above (on a 4.0 point scale) in College of Law courses graduate.
magna cum laude Students with a CGPA of 3.50 to 3.74 in these courses graduate.
cum laude Students with a CGPA of 3.25 to 3.49 in these courses graduate.
Harno Scholars The top 10% of the full-time registered students in each Law school class (i.e., 1L, 2L, and 3L) for each regular semester (excluding J.D. summer sessions) are recognized for their scholastic achievement as Harno Scholars. This designation commemorates a distinguished former Dean of the College of Law, Albert J. Harno, who led the College for 35 years, from 1922 to 1957. The recognition is based on the non-cumulative Law grades for the semester involved, and the honor is noted on the student’s transcript for the relevant semester.
Dean’s List The next 20% (11% through 30%) of the full-time registered J.D. students for each regular semester are recognized for their scholastic achievement as members of the Dean’s List. Once again, the recognition is based on the non-cumulative Law grades for the semester involved, and the honor is noted on the transcript for the relevant semester.

Awards 10

Rickert Award Outstanding 3rd year students in 4 categories
CALI Excellence for the Future Top grade in each course
Dykema Scholarship Outstanding 1st year minority student
Larry Travis Bushong Writing Award Top student paper on gay & lesbian issues
Jenner & Block Minority Scholar Outstanding 1st year minority student
Honorary Round Best Oralist Best oralist in moot court honorary round
Harker Prize Top ranked student after 1st year
J.Nelson Young Tax Award Academic excellence in tax at 3rd year
Ellen Daar Kerschner Memorial Scholarship Outstanding 3rd year female student
Robert E. & Jane C. Ferris Scholarship Academic excellence in preservation of property
Class of 1996 Public Service Award Public service commitment
Cook County Circuit Honors Externs 1st year students with honors in legal writing
Ward F. McDonald Scholarship Excellence in real estate law
H.H. Harris Foundation/Charles Hough Excellence in law
SBA Grants Student leadership
Public Interest Law Foundation Award Public interest student grants
Illinois Cyber Security Scholarship Program Cyber Security Program
Paul Lisnek Award Excellence in trial advocacy
Daniel W. Hamilton Student Scholar 3L w/ interest & demonst. ability in being a law prof
Colette & Judge Anthony Black Christian Law Award student emulating the qualities of Christian leadership

Journals 11

University of Illinois Law Review

The student-edited University of Illinois Law Review is generally regarded as one of the preeminent law reviews in the country. Students who excel in a summer writing competition are invited to become members. This journal attracts articles from scholars nationwide.

Elder Law Journal

The Elder Law Journal is the oldest scholarly publication in the country dedicated to addressing elder law issues. We are an academic publication published bi-annually by the students of the University of Illinois College of Law. The journal publishes manuscripts which not only address policy decisions, but also guide practicing attorneys. Thus, the scope of The Elder Law Journal makes it the perfect addition to the libraries of attorneys who advise clients on estate planning, living wills, arrangements for long-term care, qualifying for Medicaid, as well as other areas of law pertinent to the elderly. Additionally, articles in The Elder Law Journal are of interest to scholars and professionals in fields such as social work, gerontology, ethics, and medicine.

The Journal of Law, Technology, and Policy

The College of Law’s newest journal is The Journal of Law, Technology, and Policy. Launched in 2001, the Journal is a highly innovative, interdisciplinary publication devoted to cutting-edge issues of intellectual property. Students are invited to become members after submitting a writing sample and showing a demonstrated interest in intellectual property matters.

Illinois Law Update

College of Law students also write Illinois Law Update, a column focusing on recent developments in Illinois law, published monthly in the Illinois Bar Journal and read by thousands of practicing lawyers throughout the state. These students are chosen from among the top legal writing students in the College.

Comparative Labor Law & Policy Journal

The College also publishes the prestigious Comparative Labor Law & Policy Journal, a major international forum for the best scholarship in labor law and employment policy.

Illinois Business Law Journal

Law professors, practitioners, and students submit short articles for publication on this student-run website, where readers are also strongly encouraged to post comments relating to a specific article or a topic covered by an article.

Moot Court 12

The top students in each section of Law 793: Advanced Legal Writing: Appellate Advocacy will be invited to represent the College of Law in moot court competitions during the Spring semester of the same academic year.

External Moot Court Competitions: Twelve of the advancing students are invited to participate in one of three external moot court competitions. These competitions will vary annually. The four students selected for the Honorary Round will also be invited to participate in an external moot court competition the following fall semester.

Honorary Round Moot Court: The overall top four students, selected from a combined pool of all students enrolled in all of the Advanced Legal Writing: Appellate Advocacy sections in the fall semester, will be invited to participate in the Frederick Green Honorary Round Moot Court, which will be heard by a panel of distinguished judges from across the country. Law 793: Advanced Legal Writing Appellate Advocacy course provides the exclusive opportunity to advance to the Honorary Round.

Additional Opportunities: In addition to invitations to compete in the Honorary Round and at external moot court competitions, students advancing from Law 793: Advanced Legal Writing Appellate Advocacy may be invited to serve as teaching assistants for Advanced Legal Writing: Appellate Advocacy or as coaches for the spring external competition teams during the following academic year.

Clinical Programs 13

In addition to the study of legal principles, law students at Illinois enjoy a variety of learning opportunities that apply principles to practice. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, research, pre-trial and trial skills, negotiation, and interviewing are critical skills needed for real-world success.

Beginning in the first year, students receive instruction and practice in critical lawyering skills, including client interviewing and oral advocacy. During the second and third years, students “learn by doing” in these live-client and professional skills courses.

Because these courses synthesize material studied elsewhere within the curriculum, students and alumni report that these active learning programs are among the most meaningful experiences that they have at the College of Law.

  • Access to Justice Practicum (Chicago)
  • Advanced Innocence Project
  • Appellate Defender
  • Applied Environmental Law
  • Civil Litigation Clinic
  • Clinical Assistantships
  • Community Preservation Clinic
  • Corporate Counsel Externship
  • Domestic Violence – Immigration Clinic
  • Elder Financial Justice Clinic
  • Externships
  • Family Advocacy Clinic
  • Federal Appellate Defender
  • Federal Civil Rights Clinic
  • Innocence Project
  • Intellectual Property Clinic
  • Legislative Projects

Placement Facts 14

Starting Salaries (2015 Graduates Employed Full-Time)

Private sector (25th-75th percentile) $65,000 - $160,000
Median in the private sector $109,000
Median in public service $57,000

Employment Details

Graduates known to be employed at graduation 51.4%
Graduates known to be employed ten months after graduation 72.9%

Areas of Legal Practice

Graduates Employed In Percentage
Law Firms 55.6%
Business and Industry 13.7%
Government 17%
Judicial Clerkships 7.2%
Public Interest Organizations 2.6%
Academia 3.9%
Unknown 0%

Externships/Internships 15

Externships

Externships offer students the opportunity to receive College of Law credit for hours spent working with government and not-for-profit attorneys and with state, federal, and international judges. Externships can be located anywhere in the world.

Externships are highly valued by law students because they:

  • Offer real-world experience in the practice of law;
  • Connect the classroom to legal practice;
  • Develop lawyering skills;
  • Cultivate important relationships with judges and practicing attorneys; and

Provide exploration of different areas of law and help students evaluate their career interests and talents.

Nearly all students will complete one or more externships while enrolled at the College of Law.

Students work under the direct supervision of an attorney and complete assignments, including interviewing clients and witnesses; researching legal questions; preparing legal documents, such as pleadings, discovery motions, and briefs; and in some instances, trying cases.

Student Organizations 16

  • American Bar Association (ABA) – Student Division
  • American Constitution Society (ACS)
  • Asian American Law Students Association (AALSA)
  • Bankruptcy Law Society (BLS)
  • Black Law Students Association (BLSA)
  • Chicago Bar Association (CBA) – Student Division
  • Christian Law Students Association (CLSA)
  • Corporate and Business Law Association (CBLA)
  • Downstate Legal Association (DLA)
  • Education Law and Policy Society (ELPS)
  • Energy and Environmental Law Society (EELS)
  • Family Law Society (FLS)
  • Federalist Society (Federalists)
  • Health and Elder Law Society (H&ELS)
  • Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) – Student Division
  • Immigration Law Society
  • Intellectual Property Legal Society (IPLS)
  • International Student Association (ISA)
  • Italian-American Law Students (ITALSA)
  • Jewish Law Students Association (JLSA)
  • Latino/Latina Law Students Association (LLSA)
  • Myra Bradwell Association for Women Law Students (WLS)
  • OUTLAW (Sexual Orientation and Legal Issues Society)
  • Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity (PAD)
  • Privacy & Security Law Society
  • Public Interest Law Foundation (PILF)
  • South Asian Law Students Association (SALSA)
  • Sports and Entertainment Law Society (SELS)
  • Student Bar Association (SBA)
  • Student Legal Relief (SLR)

References

  1. http://www.law.illinois.edu/administrative-directory
  2. https://law.illinois.edu/about/history/
  3. https://premium.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/university-of-illinois-urbana-champaign-03053
  4. https://premium.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/university-of-illinois-urbana-champaign-03053/admissions
  5. https://premium.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/university-of-illinois-urbana-champaign-03053/admissions
  6. https://premium.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/university-of-illinois-urbana-champaign-03053/cost
  7. https://law.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Academic-Policy-Handbook-JD-1617-2.pdf Page 14,15,16,17,18
  8. https://law.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Academic-Policy-Handbook-JD-1617-2.pdf Page 14
  9. https://law.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Academic-Policy-Handbook-JD-1617-2.pdf Page 18,17
  10. http://www.nalplawschoolsonline.org/employer_profile?FormID=355&QuestionTabID=38&SearchCondJSON=
  11. http://www.law.illinois.edu/academics/journals
  12. https://law.illinois.edu/academics/courses/moot-court/
  13. https://law.illinois.edu/academics/clinics-experiential-learning/
  14. https://premium.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/university-of-illinois-urbana-champaign-03053/career-prospects
  15. https://law.illinois.edu/academics/clinics-experiential-learning/externships/
  16. https://law.illinois.edu/student-life/student-organizations/

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