Twenty-four members of the Pre-Law Student Association traveled to Chicago from Oct. 3-6, to explore the legal field beyond the classroom. Accompanied by Professor Kevin Hinkley and Dr. Christopher Lee, associate professor of political science, students visited a global law firm, attended a national forum and toured a top-tier law school.
Day One: Friday, Oct. 3
After arriving in the city, the group visited the Jones Day law firm. Students participated in a panel discussion and Q&A session with Frank Deese, a real estate attorney; Angela Pruitt, a bankruptcy attorney; and Shyla Muralidharan, a Niagara University alumna and real estate attorney. The panelists shared insights regarding their career paths, law school experiences and specific areas of practice.
The evening was spent exploring Chicago highlights, including Millennium Park and the city’s riverfront.
Day Two: Saturday, Oct. 4
The group attended the Chicago LSAC Law School Forum, which featured representatives from more than 100 law schools from across the country. Students met with admissions staff, deans and current law students to find programs aligned with their career goals.
In the evening, the group gathered for an alumni dinner at Lou Malnati’s. They connected with three Niagara University graduates:
- Casey Brown, ’23, a 2L at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law.
- Gabby Moran, ’23, a 1L at the University of Illinois College of Law at Urbana-Champaign.
- Emily Wilbur, ’20, a litigation associate at Benesch Law.
The alumni offered honest reflections on their journeys after Niagara and provided advice on navigating the legal profession.
Day Three: Sunday, Oct. 5
The group toured the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, led by Brown. The visit concluded with a Q&A session covering academics and law school life at one of the nation’s top-ranked programs. Students spent the remainder of the day visiting local landmarks, including the Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Navy Pier, before returning to campus Monday, Oct. 6.
