Katelyn Docherty, a California native, received her undergraduate degree from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. She chose to attend DePaul University because of the stature of the health law program and the legal market in Chicago, which is a hub for healthcare in the United States. Although she never envisioned herself moving outside of California to attend law school, she is exceptionally pleased with her time at DePaul.
Throughout her studies, Katelyn shined in courses such as Health Policy, Administrative Law, and Trial Advocacy. Katelyn is grateful for professors such as Professor Wendy Epstein, who answered any questions she had, including those beyond the pale of law school, and strengthened her interest in pursuing a career in health law. Beyond the classroom, Katelyn was remarkably involved in the DePaul community. She was a staff writer for the E-Pulse newsletter, Authorities Editor for the DePaul Journal of Health Care Law, and an integral member of the Jaharis Health Law Institute, serving as the Director of Marketing. These courses and experiences derived from involvement have allowed Katelyn to flourish in the academic and professional setting.
For Katelyn, DePaul and the Jahari Health Law Institute prepared her to practice health law by enabling her to foster connections with professionals and granting her unique exposure in the field. One opportunity afforded to her by the Jaharis Health Law Institute was the ability to work as a 7-11 licensed Law Clerk at Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation in the Health Prosecutions Unit. Her role as a law clerk was a remarkable job because it granted her the opportunity to develop practical skills, apply the materials learned from her courses and taught her how to serve as an attorney.
As she leaves DePaul, Katelyn recommends to students to get involved, be open to new opportunities, and step outside their comfort zone. Most importantly, Katelyn advises all students to develop proper work ethic now since the impressions made in the legal field during law school will accompany professionals for the remainder of their career.
Following graduation, Katelyn will return home to sit for the California Bar. In addition, she has accepted a position with the California Attorney General’s Honors Program, where she will be working for the California Attorney General’s Office in the Civil Bureau.
Everyone at the Jaharis Health Law Institute and E-Pulse wish Katelyn the best of luck and we cannot wait to see what she accomplishes in the future.
Author's Bio:
Nicholas Ramirez is a rising second-year student at DePaul University College of Law. Mr. Ramirez graduated from The University of Arizona with a degree in Physiology. He is an active member of the Jaharis Health Law Institute and will complete his J.D. in 2020.