Events
The pre-law program hosts regular events.
Pre-Law Trip to Chicago
Calvin's pre-law program sponsors a biennial Pre-Law Program Trip to Chicago, generally in years that are alternating with Pre-Law Day at Calvin. The next trip is tentatively scheduled for the fall semester of 2026.
The Pre-Law Program's biennial two-day trip to Chicago accepts approximately ten students to participate. While nearly all expenses are covered by the Pre-Law Program, students are asked to contribute a small amount to the cost of the trip (financial assistance may be available if the cost sharing is an economic hardship for the student). Since this trip is scheduled every other year, preference is given to junior and senior students who have not previously participated.
What happens on the trip?
Generally, plans can include visits to several law firms in Chicago (major global law firms and a smaller 'boutique' firm); a visit to one of the prominent law schools in Chicago; a look at the role of in-house counsel at a Chicago company; observing a District Court hearing (if time allows), and attending the Law School Admissions Council Law Forum. The Forum includes both admissions counselors from hundreds of law schools who are available to answer questions, as well as information sessions on financial aid, LSAT testing, LLM and JD criteria, and more.
The trip (via Amtrak train) leaves very early in the morning from the Grand Rapids train station and returns late the following night. Overnight accommodations are made at a downtown hotel (students share a room with one to three other individuals). Most of the meals during the outing are covered by the Pre-Law Program.
What about missing classes?
We provide a letter from pre-law advisor Professor Hessler that participants can give to professors for any classes missed on as a result of the program, certifying that this is an academic trip. Students are responsible for making up any coursework that is missed.
How do I sign up?
The deadline to sign-up for the trip will be publicized in advance to pre-law students, who RSVP with Professor Hessler, including their year at Calvin, major, and cell phone number.
Pre-Law Day
Calvin's Pre-Law Day is designed to help college students explore a future in law. At this free event, you hear advice from legal experts and learn how to make yourself stand out to law schools. Panels of attorneys talk about what their workdays are like and choosing a law career. The next Pre Law Day is tentatively scheduled for the fall semester of 2025.
Admissions representatives offer tips on crafting your law school application and talk about what law schools are looking for when they make their selections. The event includes lunch and breaks, which are provided free of charge to participating college students.