Please enjoy the second post in the “Spring Electives” series. While the curriculums for 1Ls tend to be predetermined, Loyola is unique because it allows us to select an elective in our second semester. It is a great way for us to start exploring fields of interest. Loyola offers dozens of classes to choose from; click here to check out the list of all the courses and here to see post one.
Hear from some of my classmates as they share their experience in the elective classes. Below Kayley talks about her time in Business in the Law and Ibie shares hers on Juvenile Justice.
Kayley Johnson on Business in the Law
What’s your name? Where are you from?
Kayley Johnson. San Francisco, California
Why did you choose to go to law school?
Law school has always been a goal of mine. Upon graduation, I deliberated about continuing my education or entering the work force. My college internship turned into a job offer and I became a full-time real estate agent, practicing both in Washington and California. Working in such an industry exposed me to many legal aspects of the real world — contracts for real estate purchase, alternative disputes and resolutions options, fiduciary relationships with clients, etc. My working experience provided a better understanding for the legal impact on not just the real estate industry, but also every day life. Additionally, prior to graduating college I had spent a summer in Cambodia studying Children’s Rights Law. This experience and my research sparked an interest and passion in international law and human rights. Both of these experiences bolstered my desire to pursue a career in the legal field.
Where’s your favorite place in Chicago and why?
My favorite place to relax is Lincoln Park. It has been a wonderful experience watching the park transform throughout the seasons. There are many paths to walk, bike, run and also an abundance of grassy areas to lay down and read, or soak up some fresh air.
Kingston Mines, a wonderful low-key bar with live music most nights, has been one of my favorite places in Chicago. Loyola students get in with a discount on certain nights. It is a great place to go relax with some friend and classmates after a hard week, and kick back to listen to some great lives blues bands.
What course did you choose for your elective credit and how many students are in it?
I chose Business in the Law with Professor Kwall with approximately 70 students because I was a business major in college and I was interested in understanding how law applied to the business world.
What are some things you like about it?
It has been very interesting to learn about the different tax implications in various business and personal transactions — examples include what type of business forms a company decides to choose or the tax benefits that can potentially come for the purchase and sale of a home.
The class offered a wide range of topics and guest lectures or speakers. Additionally, we are required to read the Wall Street journal for an hour every day, which is a great way to keep up with current events.
Ibie Hart on Juvenile Justice
What’s your name? Where are you from?
Ibienebo (eye-bee) for short! I’m British but grew up in the Western Chicago Suburbs.
Why did you choose to go to law school?
I believe that equal access to high quality education is a child’s right and I wanted to gain every tool of knowledge and skill to fight for that right.
Where’s your favorite place in Chicago and why?
I never thought I’d say this, but Rogers Park. After living there for four years in undergrad, anytime I return it feels like home. I love that the neighborhood is infused with multiple different cultures whether it be African, Indian, Mexican, Thai, etc. and with diverse people comes all their foods! I also love that there is a small beach you can go to there that overlooks the entire city and barely has any people. The sense of community in Rogers Park is very strong and that is unique.
What course did you choose for your elective credit and how many students are in it?
I chose Juvenile Justice and there are about 16 students in it. Overall, we focused on the differences between the adult criminal system and the juvenile justice system. Some of the topics include the history of the juvenile justice system, juvenile rights, culpability and juvenile defenses. I love the recognition that children are developmentally different from adults as well as the focus Juvenile Justice has on rehabilitation.
Why did you choose this class?
I’m a child law fellow and interested in all things that have to do with children. I am in criminal law now, so I figured learning the juvenile perspective of criminal law at the same time would be beneficial!
Questions for Amie? Email law-admissions [at] luc [dot] edu with the subject “Ask Amie” and she will make sure to answer them.