Sage Shavers ('22), the current secretary and former vice president of DePaul Law’s Black Law Students Association (BLSA), recognizes the importance of that organization to her and her desire to dedicate her legal career to public service. Director of Bar Passage Jamie Kleppetsch says of Sage, “She’s the type of person you want to surround yourself with professionally and in life. She advocates tirelessly for what she believes is right. She promotes her peers and pushes them up toward achieving their goals. I have enjoyed working with her in the classroom and watching her be a powerful leader for her organization.”
After graduating from Marshall University with a bachelor's degree in public relations, Sage spent a few years in community development in her home state of West Virginia, including as a public relations practitioner with the Huntington Area Development Council. “I always knew I wanted to be a public servant,” she recalls, “and was drawn to the law because I wanted more intellectually challenging skills and opportunities.” And DePaul Law was the right fit for Sage precisely because of its Vincentian mission and public service focus.
Having moved to Chicago not knowing anyone, Sage credits BLSA as one of the most valuable aspects of her legal education. “The BLSA office was the one place I felt most comfortable. I truly believe I could not have made it through my 1L year without the friends I made in BLSA and the events they held for students.”
That support led Sage to take on key leadership roles within BLSA. As a 2L, she served as vice president, but she decided to run for secretary in her final year, because she knew she'd be busy finishing law school. As secretary she remains part of the decision-making and event planning processes, which where her favorite aspects of the vice president role.
BLSA’s busiest month is February, which is Black History Month. One event Sage is particularly looking forward to is the information session with Professor Jamie Kleppetsch discussing why students of color traditionally have lower passage rates on the bar exam and providing guidance on how to better prepare for the exam.
Outside of her work with BLSA, Sage considers her growth in criminal law and trial advocacy among her greatest accomplishments. “These classes interested and challenged me, and I feel confident in my skills as a future trial attorney.” After graduating, she hopes to find a position as a prosecutor in the State's Attorney’s Office, or as a public defender, or in a private practice.