Pre-law events at Calvin
During the academic year, the Pre-law Program at Calvin sponsors informational meetings, lectures and panel discussions.
Citizens United and State-Level Reform: The Michigan Corporate Accountability Amendment
The Supreme Court's Citizens United decision declared that corporations are people entitled to First Amendment rights and can spend unlimited money to influence elections, but the majority opinion also urged states to pass good disclosure laws. Although the Court ruling struck down the laws of many states, including Michigan, that prohibited corporate spending on elections, nothing in their decision stipulated that corporations are allowed to spend in secret. Prof. Mark Totten, of the MSU College of Law, will discuss legal vocations, legal education, and some of his work, including his involvement in formulating the Michigan Corporate Accountability Amendment, a proposal that would make Michigan the first state in the nation to pass comprehensive reform and to
Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 3:30 p.m.
Bytwerk Theater
De Vos Communication Center (downstairs)
2011-12 Pre-law Program Informational Meetings
All Calvin students who are potentially interested in exploring a future career in law are encouraged to attend the annual informational program meetings scheduled each September.
THURSDAY, September 15, 2011
DeVos Communication Center
Room 273A
[POLITICAL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT CONFERENCE ROOM]
Freshman and Sophomores: 3:30 p.m.
Juniors and Seniors: 4:15 p.m.
Special Event for Calvin Pre-Law Students
On Thursday, November 10, Varnum and Clark Hill law firms sponsored a reception for Calvin College alumni working in the legal field and current Calvin pre-law students, followed by a lecture by John Witte, Jr. (Calvin Alumnus and professor of religion and law at Emory University).
The Green Dream and the Need for the Rule of Law in the Biofuel Trade
On January 30, at 3:30 p.m. in DeVos Communications Center Room 170, Jason Glaser of La Isla Foundation will present "The Green Dream and the Need for the Rule of Law in the Biofuel Trade." Glaser is the president and co-founder of La Isla Foundation, an organization dedicated to identifying the cause of the chronic kidney disease epidemic among western Nicaraguan men working in the sugar cane industry. Seventy percent of the men in the area develop CKD, and while the exact cause has not been found, the epidemic continues as the sugar cane industry booms, due in part to the global rise in biofuels. La Isla Foundation is actively advocating for measures which encourage further research into the causes, as well as accountability for the businesses involved. The lecture is being sponsored by the Calvin Pre-Law Program.
Other activities related to preparing for and attending law school
We also publicize information about upcoming off-site Law School Forums, special events, Webinars, seminars, open houses and more.
Chicago Law School Forum
The LSAC holds Law School forums around the country annually, featuring numerous American Bar Association (ABA)-approved law schools. Participants can talk to various law school representatives and attend workshops throughout the day. The event is free, but pre-registration is recommended.
- July 14, 2012
- 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Palmer House Hilton, 17 East Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois
- for additional information and to register
So...You Think You Want to be a Lawyer
Sponsored by Varnum Law in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and led by attorneys and summer associates, this session will address issues and perspectives on law school, including tips for getting in, getting noticed, and the practice of law once you achieve a J.D.
- July 26, 2012
- 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.
- Bridgewater Place, Grand Rapids, MI
- Presentation will be followed by networking reception
- to register
Michigan State University Receptions for Prospective Law School Applicants
- featuring remarks by MSU Law administrators, faculty, alumni and students as well as informal conversation to answer questions about MSU's program and admission requirements
- Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at Western Michigan University's Fetzer Center, 1903 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, MI
- Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at MSU College of Law in the Castle Board Room (Room 343), East Lansing, MI
- Thursday, November 3, 2011 at the University of Michigan, The Michigan League in Vandenberg Room, 911 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI
- Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at the MSU Detroit Center, 3408 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI
- Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at Grand Valley State University in the DeVos Center's Loosemore Auditorium, 401 W. Fulton St, Grand Rapids, MI
- for additional information and to pre-register for a reception
Michigan State University Webinars
- Tuesday, September 27, 2011 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.: LSAT 101 providing information about the Law School Admissions Test, including skills assessed by the test, examples of questions, and strategies for maximizing LSAT scores
- Thursday, October 10, 2011 from 7:30 to 8:15 p.m.: Expert Advice for 2012 and 2013 Law School Applicants, including tips for writing an effective personal statement, for securing letters of recommendation, timelines for applying to law school, ideas for researching law schools and legal careers, and financial aspects of law school
- Monday, November 7, 2011 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Career Options and Market Outlook for Attorneys, including fundamental skills needed for legal careers, career paths of law school graduates, hiring and compensation data and trends, attorney job satisfaction, and assessing the financial costs of law school
- Tuesday, April 17, 2012 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Cracking the LSAT, including skills that the LSAT will assess, examples of question types and strategies for maximizing LSAT scores, how and why law school admission committees rely on the LSAT, and recommendations on preparing for the LSAT
- Tuesday, April 24, 2012 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Educational Debt and the Financial Aspects of Planning for Law School including information about the complete costs of earning a law degree, loan program costs and repayment options, creating a financial plan to minimize borrowing, and making an informed decision about taking on debt
- All webinars are free of charge, but require pre-registration
- Webinars include audio and video, so participants must have access to computer, Internet and audio capabilitites (a phone or speakers)
An Insider's Guide to the Law School Admissions Process
- Thursday, September 22, 2011 from Noon to 12:50 p.m.
- Tuesday, October 18, 2011 from noon to 12:50 p.m.
- presented by Michigan State University College of Law Office of Admissions
- presenters will discuss factors considered by law school admissions committees when reviewing applications and will suggest steps to strengthen your application.
- Early registration is encouraged (space is limited); contact Kelly Kassmaul to RSVP
University of Michigan Law Day
- 127 law schools and organizations are expected to attend, providing excellent information about the legal field and law school admissions, requirements and standards
- Wednesday, September 21, 2011
- 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
- U of M's Michigan Union building
- for additional information
- driving directions to the Michigan Union
Michigan State University's James Madison College of Law: Law School Fair
- 105 law schools will attend, providing opportunities to talk to admission representatives, ask questions and learn about specific programs
- Tuesday, September 20, 2011
- 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- 4th floor of Spartan Stadium in the Spartan Club on Michigan State University Campus, East Lansing, Michigan
- for additional information
Michigan State University's "Get Ready for the Law" Workshop
- Friday, September 16, 2011
- 10:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
- Michigan State University College of Law, East Lansing, Michigan
- for additional information and to pre-register
