Office of Professionalism & Career Strategy
Our Mission Heading link
Our Mission
The Office of Professionalism & Career Strategy, directed by retired Illinois Appellate Court Justice Margaret O’Mara Frossard, strives to help students develop a sense of professionalism and engagement with their legal education. The office works to improve the delivery of student services while providing a foundation for professionalism and prepares students to become responsible, dignified members of the legal community. Deans, faculty, and staff are involved in fostering those efforts by modeling professional conduct for students. Members of the legal community, including judges, practitioners, and alumni, will also be involved in helping students achieve these goals.
Professionalism Programs Heading link
Lawyer-to-Lawyer Mentoring Program
The Lawyer-to-Lawyer Mentoring Program allows a mentor and a new-lawyer mentee to earn up to 6 hours of CLE professional responsibility credit free upon successful completion of the program. In late 2011, the Law School, in collaboration with the Illinois Supreme Court Professionalism Commission, launched the Illinois Supreme Court-approved Lawyer-to-Lawyer Mentoring Program through the Office of Professionalism & Career Strategy.
Job Placement Initiative
In April 2011, the Office of Professionalism & Career Strategy began placing students and graduates in jobs in the legal profession. Associate Dean Margaret O’Mara Frossard, a former Illinois Appellate Justice and director of the program, meets regularly with leading Chicago professionals to explore and secure job opportunities for students and graduates of UIC Law.
Professionalism & Career Strategy Presentation
The innovative professionalism and engagement presentation invites experienced members of the legal community—including judges, practitioners, alumni, and other professionals—to visit a wide spectrum of classes during each academic semester. After briefly discussing their own legal careers, the professionals then explain to students what professionalism means in the workplace, how to resolve ethical challenges, how to achieve the skills valued by employers, and how to market those skills.
Law School Survey of Student Engagement
UIC Law participates in a nationally recognized survey that examines trends related to professionalism and engagement. Data collected from law students is benchmarked against data from other law schools. Our goal is to improve the delivery of services to UIC Law students while encouraging professionalism and engagement in students preparing to enter the competitive legal market.
Professionalism & Career Strategy Luncheon
Beginning with the 2011–2012 academic year, UIC Law holds professionalism and engagement appreciation luncheons in an effort to allow judges, practitioners, students, and alumni to make new connections, solidify existing relationships, and thank members of the legal community who have supported the Law School.