Chicago LegalTrek
The Mission
LegalTrek is a college summer program designed to provide a hands-on, comprehensive overview of the legal profession. LegalTrek’s mission is to diversify the legal profession by encouraging and supporting college students from historically underrepresented groups to attend law school. The Director of Chicago LegalTrek is Professor Sheila Maloney, Assistant Director for the Program on Negotiation and Mediation at Northwestern University School of Law.
The Curriculum
Chicago LegalTrek is a 10 week program that takes place from June through August. Students attend weekly sessions at Northwestern School of Law, where they participate in a variety of legal exercises, as well as visit local courts. The course content helps students understand the role of the law and lawyers in our society, the different kinds of lawyers out there and what they do, and successful strategies for applying to law school. Students are expected to participate in weekly exercises and discussion, complete assigned readings and turn in response papers and journals. Students are also paired with attorney mentors and are given access to LSAT and law school preparatory materials.
| 2009 Chicago LegalTrek Syllabus |
Photos courtesy of Scholarship Chicago
2009 Chicago LegalTrek Reception Video
To get a better idea of what Chicago LegalTrek is all about please view the video below, which was shown at the 2009 Chicago LegalTrek Reception to commemorate the completion of another successful year!
Eligibility
LegalTrek is open to rising college sophmores, juniors, and seniors. We are seeking diverse applicants from racial/ethnic minority groups, as well as socio-economically disadvantaged students, LGBT students and disabled students.
*The deadline to submit applications has passed. Applications for the 2011 Chicago LegalTrek Program will be available early next year.
How Member Firms & Corporations Can Get Involved
Diversity in the legal profession cannot be achieved without addressing the success of students of color and student success cannot be achieved without a serious commitment from the law firm community. There are several ways for you and your firm or corporation to become involved in Chicago LegalTrek.
* Support the program financially. Individuals and sponsors can become annual
subscribers or make a one time donation.
* Volunteer to help with Chicago LegalTrek events.
* Observe the Chicago LegalTrek college curriculum in action. One class is all it takes to
get hooked!
Please email LegalTrek Director, Professor Sheila Maloney, if you are interested in getting involved.