A career grounded in professionalism begins in law school.

It’s important to instill the values of professionalism from the start. We partner with Illinois law schools to host a professionalism orientation with new students before the start of their first year.

The orientation is designed to welcome first-year students to the profession and introduce them to the core concepts of attorney professionalism. Orientation activities include:

• An address by justices and judges from the Illinois Supreme Court and the state’s federal and appellate courts on the importance of establishing a professional identity.
• The administration of a Pledge of Professionalism, during which law students commit to upholding the highest standards and ideals of the legal profession.
• Small group discussions with students and local attorneys focused on techniques for navigating challenging professionalism scenarios.

We’re fortunate to work with Illinois’ nine law schools. Each offers its students educational excellence in the study and practice of law.

• Chicago-Kent College of Law
• DePaul University College of Law
• Loyola University Chicago School of Law
• Northern Illinois University College of Law
• Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law
• Southern Illinois University School of Law
• University of Illinois Chicago School of Law
• University of Illinois College of Law
• University of Chicago Law School

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We’re here to support your career from Day 1 of law school. Sign up below to keep in touch as you move into the profession.

Jumpstart is a pre-law school preparation program designed to support first-year Illinois law students in developing the academic and interpersonal skills needed to navigate law school and become successful legal professionals.

Jumpstart participants are selected by their law schools, and the Commission is proud to welcome students from each of Illinois’ nine law schools.

The curriculum includes sessions on class preparation, note-taking, outlining, and legal writing, as well as a federal court day where students interact with federal judges and law clerks. Jumpstart also facilitates networking opportunities for participants with current law students, attorneys, and law school administrators.

Jumpstart was created by Hon. Ann Claire Williams (Ret.), a former U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois and Of Counsel at Jones Day. The Commission has been involved in Jumpstart since 2013 and currently serves as the program coordinator.

“Thank you for organizing such an amazing Jumpstart program! I am truly changed by the information, advice, and most importantly, resources dispensed this week! I know that I will be a better law student because of my participation with this organization and I am forever grateful. I look forward to being a part of future Jumpstart activities and offer to pay it forward at next year’s program should you need anyone.” – 1L student, DePaul University College of Law, Class of 2021