Jumpstart is a preparation program designed to help students develop the academic and interpersonal skills needed to navigate law school and become successful legal professionals.

The four-day orientation program brings together incoming students from groups traditionally underrepresented in the legal profession before the official orientations at their respective law schools. Jumpstart participants include students from the six Chicago-area law schools and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Through a series of interactive sessions, students confront the challenges that all first-year law students face and learn about the crucial components of a successful and satisfying law school experience. They also learn about important resources and support available to them on an ongoing basis.

This year’s Jumpstart program will:

  • Provide a general overview of what to expect from law school;
  • Engage participants in a comprehensive discussion of the key components of academic success, including class preparation, note-taking, outlining, and exam-writing;
  • Host a Federal Court Day where students will meet and hear from federal judges and law clerks;
  • Facilitate networking opportunities with current law students, attorneys, and law school administrators; and
  • Answer questions about summer jobs and externships, student organizations, time management, budgets and scholarships, well-being, and more.

August 11 Schedule August 12 Schedule August 13 Schedule August 14 Schedule

General Resources
August 11 Materials
August 12 Materials
August 13 Materials

Resources coming soon.

August 14 Materials

Resources coming soon.