Though transfer students are as diverse as the goals that brought them here,
the verdict among them is unanimous: the College of Law at the University of Illinois
offers a superior educational experience, quality faculty, challenging coursework
and endless opportunities for personal and professional growth.
"Though
it may be hard to leave your law school community and friends behind,
it is very easy to make new friends here through classes, student groups and
other activities. The faculty, staff and administration are very approachable,
and everyone is always friendly."
I grew up in Mexico City until I was 15 and then moved to South Texas. I
graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1998 with a major in
biochemistry. I am interested in criminal procedure and constitutional law,
but am especially drawn to international law and human and civil rights issues.
Someday, I hope to work for the Foreign Service or another organization,
in the U.S. or abroad, to further the cause of human and civil rights.
My favorite class has been Critical Race Theory seminar with Professor Roithmayr
because it was intellectually challenging and allowed the students to share their
points of view on a variety of subjects. It was a very enriching experience.
At the law school, I am involved with the Sexual Orientation & Legal Issues
Society, the Latino/Latina Law Students Association and the Loan Repayment
Assistance Program Exploratory Committee. The best thing about the law school
is its diverse population and its many different backgrounds, interests and beliefs.
To relieve the stress of being a law student, I like to watch movies and keep
in touch with friends. I also like to visit several coffee shops in the area and
enjoy the cultural events offered at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.
"At first,
it may seem daunting [after transferring] to find your niche seeing
as how everyone else found theirs the first year, and you left yours behind. But
get involved and make sure you form memories that will make you look back on your
law school experience and smile. At first, this may seem impossible with all
the stresses of transferring coupled with the general stress of law school,
but do not allow the obstacles to overcome you. Be proactive, and make experiences
worth remembering and stories worth telling."
From my first day at the law school, the collegial atmosphere has made
me feel welcome. I grew up in Wilmette, Illinois north of Chicago and
graduated from the University of Illinois in 2002 with a degree in Sociology.
I came to the law school with an interest in human and civil rights, but a
variety of fields interest me.
My favorite classes at the College of Law have been Federal Income Tax
with Professor Kaplan; Business Associations with Professor Ribstein;
Criminal Procedure with Professor Jacqueline Ross and Death Penalty with
Professors Conti and Adamski. I was recently elected Secretary to the
Student Bar Association for the next academic year and am involved with the
Muslim Law Students Association. I am also helping to organize a series of
events to promote awareness of the genocide occurring in Darfur (in western Sudan).
To relieve the stress of school, it is important to have an outlet that
doesn't involve law or law school. Crystal Lake Park is a beautiful, quiet park
with a small lake, and IMPE (the Intramural Physical Education Building) is a must!
"Don't worry that transferring is going to be a big adjustment. I have
attended four other universities over the years, and the College of Law has
the most effective teachers. Also, so many of the faculty are very accessible
outside of class."
I received bachelor's and master's degrees in electrical engineering in
1990 and 1992, respectively. I am interested in intellectual property law,
specifically patent law, and have taken a position with a patent law firm in Chicago.
At school, I am in the Intellectual Property Legal Society and
the Law Review show.
My favorite class so far has been Personal Income Tax with Professor Kaplan.
One of my favorite places to be outside of school is Crystal Lake Park in Urbana.
Get involved as soon as possible.
I grew up on a family farm outside of Monticello, Illinois. I received my
undergraduate degree in agricultural and consumer economics in 2002. I have
concentrated my studies on litigation and land issues relating to my background
such as real estate, tax and environmental law and have accepted a position
in my hometown with Miller, Tracy, Braun, Funk & Guenther, Ltd.
My favorite classes have been Trial Advocacy/Trial Team with Professor Beckett;
Tax with Professor Colombo and Real Estate with Professor McDonald. The best thing
about law school for me has been the hands-on experiences through the Trial Advocacy
program and Trial Team. It focuses on real-world applications and not strictly
on law in the academic sense.
I attend many of the social activities hosted by various law school groups,
and I also enjoy running, lifting and following Illinois athletics. With basketball,
wrestling and men's tennis all nationally ranked right now, it's a great time to be an Illini!
"When
I was considering whether to transfer, I wondered what I would be giving
up if I did. You meet a lot of friends and participate in a lot of activities
that first year. My message to transfer students is not to worry! If you did
great at your transfer school, you're going to do great at Illinois."
I grew up in Shelbyville, Illinois, a small town about 75 miles southwest of
Champaign. I earned my undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois in
2002 with a major in finance and a concentration in real estate. I am especially
interested in civil defense litigation and have accepted a position with the
civil defense firm of O'Hagan, Smith and Amundsen in Chicago.
I have enjoyed almost all of my course work at the University of Illinois,
especially the Trial Advocacy program taught by Professor Beckett. I have also
enjoyed participating in the Moot Court program and am a member of the Hispanic
National Bar Association Moot Court team and board. The best thing about law school
is the learning environment and the interaction between professors and students.
Class discussions here really promote an atmosphere conducive to learning.
For stress relief, I love to run, play racquetball and go out with my friends.
A favorite restaurant of mine is Miko, which has great sake!
