University Park, IL,
08
February
2023
|
17:23 PM
America/Chicago

The Journey to Becoming a Lawyer: Perspectives from Black Legal Professionals

Kim Foxx 2

Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx, the first African American woman to lead the second-largest prosecutor’s office in the country, is scheduled to speak at Governors State University’s (GSU) Black History Month event, “The Journey to Becoming a Lawyer: Perspectives from Black Legal Professionals.” 

A distinguished roster of legal professionals is slated to attend, including: 

  • Kimberly M. Foxx, State's Attorney
  • Ivory Djahouri, Extern at IL. Supreme Court
  • Keenan Saulter, Principal of Saulter Law P.C.
  • Lori Roper, Cook County Public Defender's Office
  • Lynn J. Watkins, Partner at ArentFox Schiff LLP

The discussion will be moderated by Justice Carl A. Walker, IL Appellate Court.

“This event will show students the wide variety of careers available across the justice field, and illustrate the ways their own life experiences have prepared them to embark on the journey to become a lawyer. A journey that will be made swifter through GSU’s 3+3 program with SIUC,” said Dr. Jason Zingsheim, Dean of GSU’s College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). 
 

In June of 2022, GSU entered an agreement with Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) that will allow students to earn both bachelor’s and juris doctor (JD) degrees in six years. Under the unique 3 + 3 partnership, a mapped curriculum will be provided for students in Criminal Justice, Psychology,  Anthropology & Sociology, English, and Political Science majors. The partnership will shave up to a year off the traditional seven-year juris doctor timeline and also allow both schools to explore other concurrent degrees such as JD/MBA, JD/MSW or JD/MPA.

This event is the result of a partnership with GSU and the Cook County Bar Association (CCBA) and is in support of the CCBA’s theme for this year, “Lifting as We Climb, Together We Rise.” It is a mission to provide mentorship, stewardship, and guidance to the next generation of Black attorneys.

The CCBA is an enthusiastic partner dedicated to supporting, guiding, and mentoring GSU students who are interested in pursuing a career in the justice field. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with them as we work together to serve the Chicago Southland region," said Zingsheim.  He along with Dr. Phyllis West, Director of the Social Justice Institute, and Dr. David Rhea, Director of GSU’s Honors Program, worked in collaboration with the leadership of the CCBA to develop this event. 

GSU invites the community to come out and network to gain valuable insight from experienced legal professionals about pursuing a legal career. This panel will address the vast opportunities, strategies, and career paths of legal professionals. 

The event is scheduled for Thursday, February 9, 2023, from 6 - 7:30 p.m. (CST), at Governors State University, Engbretson Hall, 1 University Pkwy, University Park, IL 60484.

This event will also be livestreamed via Youtube: https://youtu.be/prXObzKYHNs