Illinois Law welcomes individuals from all walks of life and actively invests in the success of all its students.
Meet Our Team
Kelly Salefski
Interim Dean of Students
Senior Director of Academic Administration and Student Records
Michael Loch
Director of Academic Success and Bar Support
Matt Petruszak
Assistant Director of Academic Administration
Maggie Verklan
Counseling Center Embedded Counselor
Programming
Programming for academic support and bar prep runs parallel to law school itself, starting the summer before 1L Orientation. Our philosophy is that the more you understand about how you learn and how to apply that to law classes, the better off you will be in law school. Accordingly, the more you understand about how you learn and apply that to bar prep, the better your chances of success on the bar exam.
Law School 101
Beyond first-year courses, we offer law students continued support during their first semester. Because the transition to law school requires new academic and professional skills, we cover topics such as academic study and exam strategies, financial planning, stress management and wellbeing, and career planning and professional opportunities to gain legal experience while in law school. It is our goal to contribute to student success in the first year and beyond.
The Whole Person Project
Throughout the semester, our office hosts a variety of programs, including Wellness Week, “Just Breathe” breaks during final exams, and much more. These initiatives serve as a reminder to law students that they are not just students and future lawyers, but whole people who must prioritize self-care to be happy, healthy, and fulfilled.
Countdown to the Bar
A series dedicated to 3Ls and graduate students intending to take the bar exam, these sessions cover everything you will need to know to effectively prepare for and successfully pass the bar.
Michael Loch
Director of Academic Success and Bar Support
Additional Resources
Student Organizations
Public interest, corporate law, environmental issues, and more, at Illinois we offer more than 30 student organizations in order for you to find your community.
Mentoring Programs
First-year students are routinely paired with alumni in one-on-one, student driven relationships to benefit from the experiences and knowledge of graduates.
Student counseling in house
Maggie Verklan, our embedded counselor, offers a range of services, from individual counseling, group sessions, and informal consultations.