Graduating this May from DePaul University College of Law with a Certificate in Health Law, Haley Guion is well on her way to success in the health law field. Haley shared with the E-Pulse her interest in health law, experiences during law school, and advice for current law students.
Haley graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Certificates in Religious Studies and European Studies. While earning her undergraduate degree, Haley worked with the Gastrointestinal Oncology Research Unit at the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center. As a Research Assistant, Haley became familiarized with health records of patients engaged in clinical drug therapy.
After beginning at DePaul College of Law, Haley participated in a number of different internships where she gathered invaluable experience. After 1L year, Haley pursued her interest in the health field, and worked at the personal injury firm, Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates. There, she worked on cases involving nursing home abuse and neglect. The following year, Haley had the opportunity to clerk for the Honorable James McGing in the Cook County Circuit Court, to which she credits her utmost confidence in the courtroom. So much so, that she now feels the courthouse is like any other building. In addition, Haley was a Research Assistant for Professor Wendy Epstein. Most recently, Haley began a legal internship with the Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace.
During her 3L year, Haley became the Executive Text and Peer Review Editor for the DePaul Journal of Health Care Law. She reflects on this experience as one of the most rewarding over the past three years. Being an English major, she enjoyed helping others write passionately about a legal issue. Furthermore, Haley says it was a dream come true to have her own article published. She found it exciting to see her arguments evolve from start to finish and especially enjoyed researching something outside of class. When asked about her favorite course at the College of Law, Haley recommended “Healthcare Delivery Systems” with Professor Lewis. She liked that the discussion-based class was particularly relevant to understanding the Affordable Care Act and the connection between insurance and access to healthcare.
After sitting down with Haley, she has several pieces of advice for health law students. Again, she emphasizes the importance of being comfortable and confident in the courtroom. She also suggests that health law students read literature, outside of textbooks, on health law issues and expand their boundaries by taking classes they are not sure they will like. The biggest piece of advice Haley has for current students is to “not be so hard on yourself” and “take risks despite the lawyer’s tendency to play it safe, because you might be pleasantly surprised by what those risks will bring.”
Haley will be sitting for the Illinois Bar this summer and continues her job search following law school. Haley’s dream job is to work in Congress and aid in drafting healthcare legislation.
We here at the E-Pulse wish Haley good luck on the upcoming bar exam and all the best in her future endeavors!