WELCOME TO THE 2020 ENTERING CLASS
CHICAGO-KENT COLLEGE OF LAW AT ILLINOIS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
A message from Dean Krug:
Congratulations.
You’re on your way to an exciting and rewarding future. A legal education offers a rich variety of professional opportunities—in private practice, business, government, public interest organizations, start-ups and more. Leading the way in teaching and practice innovation, Chicago-Kent will offer you a wide choice of courses and experiential learning opportunities—as well as committed mentoring and support—to help you take best advantage of the many career paths available to you as a future lawyer. The following pages will give you more information about the Chicago-Kent experience and making the most of your first year and beyond. Welcome to our community of highly motivated students, prestigious faculty, and engaged alumni. We look forward to having you join us!
Anita K. Krug Dean and Professor 2|3
"Coming from Los Angeles, I was nervous about choosing a law school that was out of state. The Chicago-Kent faculty and staff are always willing to help students and work with us for anything we need. It has been such a great community to be a part of. I have been lucky to have many faculty mentors who have helped me explore issues I’m passionate about through independent research, volunteer and advocacy work." JOANNA MARTIN ’19
"I am glad I chose Chicago-Kent because it is small enough that I can get involved with a variety of activities and form connections with faculty and staff members. I have even had dinners at professors' homes! My involvement with the Faculty Diversity Committee, the Career Services Office, the Self-Help Web Center, and more have enriched my experience on campus." TOBIAS RODRIGUEZ ’19
Who:
Our community You feel it from the minute you walk through the doors at ChicagoKent — the intellectual energy and personal connections between our students and faculty. This is a place where you’ll form lifechanging relationships that will assist you in both developing your skills today and furthering your career in the future. Chicago-Kent students are a diverse, eclectic group — hardworking, adept, self-motivated and creative. They come from 43 states and are citizens of 18 countries. Fifty-two percent of our students are women, and 29 percent are students of color. This diversity of background and interests is reflected in the more than 35 student organizations that are active on campus. Our faculty comprises a distinguished and accessible group of scholars, teachers and practitioners. They are as dedicated to their teaching as they are to their scholarly research and other activities, and invite students to engage with them on projects of mutual interest. We are also proud of the more than 14,000 alumni who are shaping the legal profession in all 50 states and around the world. Many of them work within walking distance of the school and can assist you in gaining access to the wealth of networking and practice opportunities in the Chicago legal market. Discover more at: kentlaw.iit.edu/the-c-k-experience Read about our alumni at: kentlaw.iit.edu/alumni 4|5
"Chicago-Kent offers a unique blend of practiceready training as well as academic strength that is difficult to find in a law school. The school's faculty have taught me how to think about legal issues both from a policy perspective and from the perspective of solving problems in real-world practice. My experience at Chicago-Kent has left me feeling prepared and eager to succeed as an attorney." ANDREW WILLIS ’19
"Chicago-Kent keeps you on the cutting-edge of the legal field. This translates into professors who are experts in emerging areas of law, guest speakers who introduce law students to dynamic new ways to use their legal degrees, and an alumni network full of visionary leaders in their fields. Chicago-Kent offers a law school experience immersed in the future." KEISHA MCCLELLAN ’19
What:
The Chicago-Kent experience At Chicago-Kent, you’ll be part of a culture that combines rigorous academics with entrepreneurial thinking. Our ambitious, curious students thrive on intellectual challenge and immerse themselves in real-world legal issues. Known as a trailblazer in legal education, Chicago-Kent has a long history of understanding where the profession is going and leading the way forward through innovative academic and experiential programs. You'll study and collaborate with one of the most influential groups of legal scholars in the country, many of them passionate about bringing fresh legal perspectives into the classroom and to their research. Our faculty will also teach you to understand the continuing technological developments that will transform the substance and practice of law during your career. Chicago-Kent is one of only a handful of law schools that are leading the way in helping students learn how to use technology effectively to advance their future clients’ interests and create greater access to justice for all. Most important, we take a personal approach to your legal education and provide the one-on-one guidance you need to tailor your coursework and experience to your specific career goals. We will connect you to a variety of practice opportunities both within the law school’s extensive skillstraining programs as well as through our connections to Chicago’s courts, banks, financial markets, businesses, government agencies, public interest organizations, and law firms. You’ll graduate with deep legal knowledge, relevant experience, and job-ready practical skills. Learn more about the J.D. program at: kentlaw.iit.edu/academics/jd-program 6|7
What:
Your first year Your first year at Chicago-Kent provides you with both the academic foundation and real-world experience that will benefit the second and third years of your education as well as your future legal career: ›D uring your first semester, you can meet with your assigned career counselor to start discussing your goals both during law school and after graduation. ›Y ou will immediately begin developing the writing skills that distinguish Chicago-Kent graduates through our comprehensive three-year Legal Research and Writing Program. ›Y ou will receive mentoring and support to help you adjust to the rigors of the 1L year through the student mentor program and the faculty advisor program. In addition, our 35+ student organizations provide a way to connect with other students and explore your career interests. ›T hrough our innovative 1L Your Way program you can customize your first-year coursework. You can get a jumpstart on your law school studies by taking Criminal Law through the optional early summer start available to both full-time and part-time students. As a fulltime student, you also have the option to take an elective course in a specialized practice area during the spring semester or participate in an innovative first-year clinical course where you will participate along with upper-level students as a member of a clinic section working on realworld cases in the C-K Law Group, Chicago-Kent’s in-house law firm. › In the summer after your first year, you can put your classroom learning into practice through our externship program or by enrolling in one of 12 legal clinics offered through the C-K Law Group: The Law Offices of Chicago-Kent. You can also take advantage of our summer elective course offerings. See the full curriculum at: kentlaw.iit.edu/academics/jd-program/curriculum Find more details on 1L Your Way: kentlaw.iit.edu/academics/jd-program/1L-your-way-program
First-year curriculum
SUMMER 2020
at a glance FULL-TIME DAY
PART-TIME DAY
PART-TIME EVENING
Optional summer start
Optional summer start
Optional summer start
Criminal Law
Criminal Law
Criminal Law
Criminal Law
Criminal Law
Torts
Torts
Legal Writing 1
Legal Writing 1
Civil Procedure
Contracts
Property
Property
Legal Writing 2
Legal Writing 2
Criminal Law FALL 2020
(fall start only)
Contracts Torts Legal Writing 1
(fall start only)
(fall start only)
Civil Procedure
SPRING 2021
Property Legal Writing 2 Legislation or 1L Your Way course selection (elective course or clinical course)
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When:
Meet us in person We have a number of admitted student visit opportunities this spring and we encourage you to join us for one of these events. You’ll have a chance to speak with members of our faculty and staff, tour the law school, and get to know other admitted students. ADMITTED STUDENTS WEEKEND Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28, 2020 The two-day event consists of a Friday night reception with the Dean followed by a Saturday program and tour of the school. DEAN’S PROGRAM AND NETWORKING RECEPTION FOR ADMITTED STUDENTS Friday, May 1, 2020 Meet Chicago-Kent alumni, faculty and students, and learn more about the law school experience. ADMITTED STUDENT VISIT DAYS Meet with current students, faculty and staff in an informal, small group setting. Visit days will take place on select Fridays in March, April and May. Please see the Admitted Students website for details and available dates. CONNECT WITH STUDENTS, FACULTY AND ALUMNI Can’t make it to Chicago or have questions that you would like to ask a member of our community one-on-one? The Office of Admissions is happy to put you in touch with current students, faculty and alumni. Just let us know how we can assist you. For more information and to RSVP, please visit the Admitted Students website at kentlaw.iit.edu/admitted-students
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Where:
The vibrant Chicago Loop As a student at Chicago-Kent, you will live and study in one of America’s great cities and a top legal market. Chicago is home to major law firms, corporations, governmental agencies, advocacy organizations and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Chicago is located in Cook County, home to one of the largest unified court systems in the United States. You will have access to a wide variety of professional and networking opportunities that can enhance your legal education and help launch your legal career. Chicago-Kent is located downtown in the West Loop, putting some of the city’s best apartment buildings, restaurants, food stores, athletic facilities, entertainment and public transportation nearby. You’ll be located near two major train stations — one block west of Union Station and three blocks south of the Ogilvie Transportation Center. This makes it easy to catch a cab, train or bus to anywhere in the city, suburbs and Chicago’s two major airports — O’Hare and Midway. Full-time students also receive a Chicago Transit Authority pass, so getting around is affordable, too. Other popular neighborhoods where students reside include Lakeview, Roscoe Village, Lincoln Park, Bucktown, Wicker Park, Streeterville, University Village and the South Loop. Discover which neighborhood and housing options work for you: kentlaw.iit.edu/housing/where-to-live 12 | 13
How:
Paying for law school TUITION AND FEES We understand that law school is a major investment. To help you manage your tuition costs, we are pleased to offer you a guaranteed tuition rate during your legal education. Your tuition rate is contingent upon your enrollment in the 2020 entering class and will not increase for the duration of your J.D. program. Tuition and fees for the upcoming academic year are typically available after January 1st and will be posted online at kentlaw.iit.edu/tuition SCHOLARSHIPS Chicago-Kent commits significant resources to scholarship funding for students each year. All applicants are automatically reviewed for available scholarships as part of the admissions process and all renewable awards are guaranteed each year regardless of GPA. Award notifications are typically announced in the acceptance letter. If you have questions about scholarship awards, you may contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@kentlaw.iit.edu Chicago-Kent also has a generous scholarship policy to reward upper-level law students without renewable awards who demonstrate outstanding academic performance. If you rank in the top 5% or 10% of your class at the end of your first and/or second academic years, you may be eligible for a class rank merit scholarship. Learn more about scholarship opportunities and requirements here: kentlaw.iit.edu/scholarships
FINANCIAL AID The Office of Financial Aid coordinates the awarding and disbursement of Federal loan funds. Questions may be directed to the Office of Financial Aid at 312.906.5180 or finaid@kentlaw.iit.edu. Here is an overview of the financial aid process: 1. FAFSA Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa as soon as possible after October 1st and list the Chicago-Kent College of Law FAFSA school code E00773. The preferred FAFSA completion deadline is April 1st. 2. STUDENT AID REPORT (SAR) After completing the FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) via email or mail. Review the SAR and any comments noted by the Department of Education. Make any necessary corrections with the Department of Education and make sure that the Chicago-Kent school code is on your SAR. If not, we will not receive your FAFSA. 3. FINANCIAL AID AWARD NOTIFICATION Admitted students will start receiving their financial aid award notification by email in March. 4. AWARD REVIEW AND ACCEPTANCE Log into your myIIT portal account at my.iit.edu to view and accept the full or partial awards offered to you. If you are borrowing federal student loans, it is to your advantage to accept the Federal Unsubsidized Loan before the Federal Plus Loan. 5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS Complete a Loan Agreement (Master Promissory Note) for each Federal Direct loan type you accept and complete the required Loan Entrance Counseling session on the Department of Education’s website at studentloans.gov. 6. FINANCIAL AID DISBURSEMENT Financial aid (scholarships and student loans) is disbursed in equal installments each semester. If all requirements are complete, student loan funds and scholarships will be disbursed directly to your student account 10 days prior to the start of each semester. Full details on the Financial Aid process are available here: kentlaw.iit.edu/financial-aid
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Where:
Resources and support Preparing to begin law school requires a significant amount of planning and organization of your life and finances. The staff at Chicago-Kent is committed to making itself available to you at each step of the process. Feel free to contact any of the offices below with any questions or concerns. If you’re not sure who to speak with, the Office of Admissions is the first place to start — we will put you in touch with the right person to assist you. OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS 312.906.5020 admissions@kentlaw.iit.edu OFFICE OF FINANCIAL AID 312.906.5180 finaid@kentlaw.iit.edu CAREER SERVICES OFFICE 312.906.5200 kentcso@kentlaw.iit.edu
STUDENT SERVICES Jenna Abhijeet Director of Student Services 312.906.5005 studentservices@kentlaw.iit.edu Marsha Ross-Jackson Senior Lecturer and Assistant Dean for Student Professional Development and Diversity 312.906.5346 mrossjac@kentlaw.iit.edu
DISABILITY RESOURCES Chicago-Kent ensures equal educational opportunities for students with disabilities. The law school building is fully accessible and on an individual basis we provide reasonable accommodations to all students with permanent or temporary disabilities. Students are encouraged to consult with the IIT Center for Disability Resources at 312.567.5744 or by email at disabilities@iit.edu if they have a disability that may require accommodation. All information will be treated as confidential. For additional information, please visit iit.edu/cdr
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When:
Key dates and deadlines Ready to join the Chicago-Kent community? Please keep these dates and deadlines in mind as you prepare for the start of classes. TUITION DEPOSIT Your non-refundable tuition deposit is due by the dates specified in your letter of acceptance and should be paid online through the myIIT portal. Learn more here: kentlaw.iit.edu/admitted-students/accessing-the-myiit-portal EARLY SUMMER START OPTION If you would like to begin your law school studies early, you may opt to take Criminal Law during the summer term. The class contains a mixed enrollment of both day and evening division students, and typically meets two evenings per week beginning in late May. The priority registration deadline for the early summer start option is typically in early April. You can find more information here: kentlaw.iit.edu/early-summer-start-option FALL COURSE REGISTRATION Registration information for the fall term will be sent to you in late June. At that time, you will receive your section assignment and fall course schedule. You will register online for your assigned classes through the myIIT portal. The fall registration deadline is July 15, 2020. Learn more here: kentlaw.iit.edu/admitted-students ORIENTATION WEEK The academic year for new students starts with Orientation Week, which begins August 17, 2020. Orientation Week is not optional and both Criminal Law and Legal Writing will begin during that week. Use this online academic calendar to outline your general schedule for your first year: kentlaw.iit.edu/academics/academic-calendar
Why
Chicago-Kent? Innovative curriculum. Gifted scholars. Passionate students. Dynamic community. If you have any questions about your future at Chicago-Kent, please feel free to contact the Admissions staff anytime at: 312.906.5020 (phone) 312.906.5274 (fax) admissions@kentlaw.iit.edu
OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS 565 West Adams Street | Chicago, IL 60661-3691