Meet Natalie Ficek, a Double Demon and the newest member of the College of Law’s accomplished alumni in the Chicago area. After receiving her bachelor’s in Political Science, Natalie has completed her juris doctor with a certificate in health law and numerous laudable achievements. As both a first generation Polish American and first-generation college graduate, she is celebrated by her family, whom she thanks for being a great source of inspiration in her life.
During Natalie’s time at DePaul, she served as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Health Care Law, where she took pride in seeing her work and the works of her fellow classmates published. Natalie also served as the Director of Recruitment and Outreach for the Jaharis Health Law Institute, a health law program which is frequently ranked amongst the nation’s best. As part of the institute, Natalie participated in the Summer Scholars Program, which provides qualified students a paid placement at distinguished law firms and health organizations in Chicago. Some of her best advice for 1Ls and 2Ls is to take advantage of offerings such as the program, making sure to cultivate their DePaul education with hands-on work experience. Natalie’s other accomplishments include completing a federal judicial externship and marrying her husband, Boris, during her 2L year.
In the coming year, Natalie will take a position at Malecki & Brooks Law Group, serving healthcare professionals and physician networks in corporate and transactional matters. Her new boss was a teacher in her health law practicum class, one of Natalie’s favorite courses at DePaul because it covered relevant practical methods and helped her expand her network. Down the line, Natalie’s long-term career goals include becoming in-house counsel at a Chicago hospital. She looks forward to her future as a “lifelong Chicagoan”—she loves the city’s unique and diverse neighborhoods, and particularly its strong Polish culture (for great Polish cuisine, visit Natalie’s favorite restaurant, Bohemian House).
In her free time, Natalie enjoys digital photography and playing fetch with her cat Chanel (yes, cats can fetch too). Currently, however, most of her free time is consumed by Bar Exam preparation. Attending BARBRI classes, she feels she has come full circle as she fondly remembers spending time with her peers and the daily routine commiseration after 1L classes. She also remembers the relief upon receiving grades that most of it was unwarranted—everyone made it through 3L year in the end!
Author's Bio:
Hannah Sullivan is a rising 2L at DePaul University College of Law in Chicago. Ms. Sullivan graduated from Indiana University Bloomington with a degree in Psychology and a certificate in Legal Studies. She is an active member of the Jaharis Health Law Institute and will complete her degree with a certificate in Health Law in 2020.