Despite Kellie participating in competition debate all four years of high school, Kellie never really considered going to law school. Kellie originally went to college for fashion design and to play volleyball. After Kellie’s freshman year, Kellie decided she wanted to change paths. Instead, Kellie focused on psychology and philosophy. After graduating, Kellie was incredibly fortunate to get a job actually utilizing her psychology degree. For three years, Kellie worked as a research assistant in the section of geriatrics and palliative medicine at the University of Chicago conducting medical decision-making research. After her boss unexpectedly passed away, Kellie reevaluated her path. Kellie realized she wanted a profession where she could make a more immediate impact on people’s lives.
For as much flack first year classes receive, Kellie really does believe they are absolutely foundational, no matter what area of law you want to practice. Beyond those, she really enjoyed Health Policy and the Law, Trial Advocacy, and the International Human Rights Law Practicum. At first glance, these classes don’t really seem to have a common thread, but one of her main interests in law school is health care as a human right. Those classes taught her the fundamentals of healthcare law, domestic and international mechanisms for ensuring access to healthcare, and the advocacy skills to fight for those rights.
The sheer breadth of opportunities has been her favorite thing about DePaul. Kellie believe that you have the chance to see the issue of health from a medical, human rights, business, ethical, and governmental point of view. Such a well-rounded course selection has allowed Kellie to better understand the topic and come up with creative solutions to complex problems.
Some advice that Kellie would give to 1Ls and rising 2Ls is to get involved, but know your limits. Especially for rising 2Ls, there is immense pressure to do everything. Full class schedule, work, journal, executive board. In the words of Ron Swanson “never half-ass two things, whole-ass one thing.”
First and foremost, Kellie will be focusing on passing the bar. Despite being reminded of the gravity of the exam her entire law school career, the sheer magnitude didn’t really hit Kellie until a few days ago. Beyond that, Kellie is still waiting to hear about a position with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. So, if you have any extra fingers or toes, Kellie says to keep them crossed for her.
If you had a super power what would it be and why?
Her immediate first thought was being able to read people’s minds, but she doesn’t think she would want to really know what everyone is thinking all of the time. So, Kellie says she is going to go with flying or teleporting. Especially in the city, commuting is annoying. She would love to be able to just snap her fingers and arrive where she needed to be.
Author’s Bio:
Elisabeth Volk is currently a rising second-year law student at DePaul University College of Law. Ms. Volk graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in Health Science. She is an active member in the Health Law Institute and will complete her law degree and certificate in health law in 2020.