Taught by law school faculty and local experts, the Professional Development Workshops give students additional instruction on skills they need to enter the legal profession and succeed in law school.

Future lawyers and those who plan to use their legal education in other fields must develop the traits of professionals. From day one, SIU SOL helps prepare students to become those professionals. Through a series of workshops and other activities, students learn about the legal profession and their responsibilities.

The highlight of the professional development program is the induction of first year law students as lawyers-in-training. Prior to the ceremony, students study the core values of the legal profession and draft an oath committing themselves to those values. During the ceremony, a Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court leads the students in taking that oath. The ceremony, a “dress up” event, is scheduled during homecoming weekend and family and friends of the law students are invited to attend.

IL Supreme Court Justice Karmeier administering the oath to the Class of 2011 at the Induction Ceremony held at October 10, 2008.

Additionally, first year students learn about the profession from judges, lawyers and others and discuss ethical challenges with first year medical students. During the second semester, they also learn practical tips for career planning, including obtaining the first job.

The SIU SOL Professional Development program was awarded the coveted E. Smythe Gambrell Award from the American Bar Association.  The law school was recognized for its design and implementation of a model professionalism program for law students.

Past workshops can be viewed here.