Do you have dreams of being a lawyer? Are you interested in attending law school? If so, consider applying to LegalTrek. LegalTrek is a summer program designed to provide a hands-on, comprehensive overview of the legal profession to diverse college students, or recent college grads. LegalTrek meshes traditional legal learning with opportunities to build legal skills!
LegalTrek’s mission is to diversify the legal profession by encouraging and supporting college students from historically underrepresented groups to attend law school. We are seeking diverse applicants from racial/ethnic minority groups, as well as socio-economically disadvantaged students, LGBTQ+ students, and students with disabilities, who are from the Chicago area or interested in working in the Chicago area after graduation. LegalTrek is a collaboration between the Chicago Committee for Minorities in Law Firms (Chicago Committee) and DePaul University College of Law, where legal diversity champion, Jennifer Rosato Perea serves as Dean. LegalTrek offers practical and engaging weekly seminars virtually or at DePaul University College of Law.
Students will participate in classroom lessons, and in a variety of exercises including: a mock jury trial, a simulated client negotiation, and much more. Students will be assigned an attorney mentor from one of Chicago’s top law firms or corporate legal departments. The LegalTrek course content will help students understand the role of the law and lawyers in our society, the different kinds of lawyers and what they do, and successful strategies for applying to law school. Students will be expected to participate weekly in class discussion, complete assigned readings, and turn in response papers.
LegalTrek is a rigorous program that requires your full participation. Attendance at all LegalTrek sessions is mandatory. If you miss more than two sessions, or are late to more than 2 sessions, you will be asked to leave the program. LegalTrek 2020 will take place on Tuesday afternoons from 2:00 – 4:30 pm virtually or at DePaul University, College of Law’s Loop Campus. LegalTrek will begin on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 and will go through Tuesday, July 20, 2021.
The deadline to submit an application is Friday, April 23, 2021. If you are interested, please submit your completed application with your transcript and 1 page resume to Anna Lloyd, Executive Director, either by email or mail (see mailing address in FAQ sheet). Applications submitted without a transcript or resume will not be reviewed. The LegalTrek committee will be contacting you to interview either by video or by phone in April. If you have questions, please see the included FAQ sheet or e-mail alloyd@chicagocommittee.org.
Access the LegalTrek Application
LegalTrek Application FAQ’s
1. I am not sure what LegalTrek is- what exactly will I be doing?
A: Please read the 2021 summer syllabus to see exactly what you will be doing each week and what types of assignments and preparation you must make in advance. Please read the beginning of the syllabus that sets forth the expectations and level of commitment expected from each scholar.
2. I see that LegalTrek is a program for undergraduates. I recently graduated from college and I would like to participate. May I apply?
A: Yes you may. While this program is designed and targeted for undergraduate students, there are limited spaces available for recent grads. Feel free to apply.
3. If I am selected as a finalist, I see that I must interview in April. I will likely not be able to make it to Chicago for an interview as I go to school in another state. Can I still participate?
A: Yes. We will be interviewing by phone. Not all students will be asked to interview, only those students who advance through the initial application stage.
4. When will I know if I am accepted to LegalTrek?
A: We would like to notify everyone of their admission acceptance by May 1, 2021.
5. How much does it cost to participate in LegalTrek?
A: There is no cost to participate in the LegalTrek program, but individuals are responsible for their own living and travel expenses.
6. Does the program offer housing options?
A: No, unfortunately we are unable to provide housing assistance at this time. Individuals are responsible for arranging their own housing.
7. Will I have access to a legal internship if I participate in LegalTrek?
A: No, an internship is not part of the program at this time. All LegalTrek scholars regardless of year in school will be assigned a law-firm mentor and you will meet with your mentor throughout the summer. You may be able to build relationships for future internship opportunities through this mentor, or your LegalTrek network.
8. How should I submit my transcript?
A: You or your school may mail a hard copy of your transcript to Anna Lloyd (see mailing address below). Your school may also send an electronic copy to alloyd@chicagocommittee.org, or you may email a scanned copy of your transcript.
9. If I decide to submit a hard copy of my application and/or official transcript what is your mailing address?
A: Please address all mail to:
Anna Lloyd
Executive Director
Chicago Committee on Minorities in Large Law Firms
P.O. Box 06411
Chicago, IL 60606