Lia is a second-year student at Loyola Law School with a strong passion for civil litigation.
Choosing my second and third year electives felt like one of the first moments in law school where I had real control over shaping my legal education. After completing the foundational first year curriculum, I wanted my upper-level courses to reflect both my interests and the direction I hope to take in my legal career.
Since my summer at Kabateck LLP, my interest in litigation has grown significantly. That experience gave me firsthand exposure to the strategic and advocacy-focused nature of litigation, which ultimately led me to pursue the Civil Litigation and Advocacy concentration. With that goal in mind, I have been intentional about enrolling in the required elective courses that fulfill the concentration requirements. Courses centered on trial practice, motion writing, and litigation strategy felt like natural extensions of what initially drew me to law school and have helped bridge the gap between doctrine and real-world advocacy.
At the same time, I have been deliberate about balancing my concentration requirements with bar-related courses. While developing depth in litigation is important to me, I am also mindful that bar preparation requires a strong grasp of foundational subjects. As a result, I have prioritized electives that overlap with tested bar topics so that I can reinforce those core areas now rather than relying solely on post-graduation bar preparation. This approach has helped me feel more confident and prepared moving forward.
In deciding which electives to take and whether to pursue a concentration, I relied on several key resources. I spoke with current 3Ls and alumni about specific classes and professors, which gave me valuable insight into course workload, teaching styles, and the practical value of different electives. I also reviewed past syllabi to better understand course structure and expectations, and sought guidance from academic advisors and professors whose perspectives helped shape my course plan. Ultimately, my elective choices reflect a balance between pursuing my interest in litigation and ensuring I am well prepared for the bar and for practice after law school.