Alumni Spotlight: Nicole Fagin

I am currently in my third year of law school and will be graduating this coming May. This summer I will be studying for the Illinois bar exam, which I will take in July 2025, and then will be entering the field of Family Law as a first-year Associate. While my days are filled with studying, externing with a judge in the Domestic Relations Division for Cook County, and networking with individuals in the Chicago area, I have worked to create a work-life balance that keeps me motivated yet grounded on a daily basis. I always schedule in time with family and friends in the city and prioritize working out to keep me in a positive mental position. 

 

I always knew I wanted to be an attorney after graduating from college, but never knew exactly what sector of law I wanted to go into. I had an interest in Family Law and Personal Injury, which are the two areas I have been able to explore during law school. I also knew that I always wanted to major in business as it goes hand in hand in the field of law and provided me with a strong backup option in case I did not always want to practice. Business Management was the perfect option for me because it related to the field of law, in which I was able to take a Business Law course from a licensed attorney and professor at Eller, and it dove into interpersonal skills and client management opportunities. 

 

The thing I enjoy the most about law school has to be the connections I have made in the city of Chicago and the opportunities I have been provided both as an Extern and for summer employment. My first summer I clerked at a Personal Injury law firm in which I was able to connect with many attorneys, view court, and assist in drafting legal documents. During my second year, I was an Extern for a judge in the Law Division - Motion Calendar sector in which I viewed court appearances and assisted the judge in organizing documents, researching relevant statutes and case law, and writing opinions upon request. Once I determined that Personal Injury wasn't for me, I took a deeper look into Family Law and clerked at one of the top firms in Chicago for my second summer. Family Law truly showed me how my major and time at Eller could be integrated into my future career and I fell in love. During my second summer I worked in a team setting in which I similarly assisted attorneys with writing documents and was able to observe court, but I also was given the opportunity to participate in client phone calls and meetings, and my opinion was truly valued at the firm. Currently, I am an Extern for a judge in the Domestic Relations Division in which I am once again able to observe court, but I am also able to connect with attorneys in the Chicago area, write Orders upon request of my judge, and speak with him regarding his thought process when making decisions. 

 

Every position I applied for and held while in law school and now my upcoming Associate position required me to go through an extensive interview process. I truly believe that Eller prepared me to interview and helped me become the strong candidate I am today. I ask the hard hitting questions and always conduct research on the firm and individuals interviewing me as well. I also believe that Eller taught me how to put myself out in the open and network. I highly recommend attending networking events while you are a student because it prepares you for the real world and you never know what could come of one conversation you have. 

 

If you are interested in the field of law I highly recommend looking for opportunities to work at a firm while in undergrad. During summer and winter breaks I would work as a Clerk for a large firm in my hometown of Saint Louis, Missouri, and it truly showed me that I loved working in the fast-paced environment and in the field of law as a whole. I also think that you should reach out to attorney's and explain that you are an undergraduate student interested in the field of law and may want to attend law school. Any attorney would be happy to Zoom or have coffee and discuss your potential path and share any insight they may have. Gaining access to the field of law is important prior to going in so you know what to expect. Law is not for everyone and it is a big time commitment once you enter. My last piece of advice would be to set yourself up to be a strong candidate for when you apply to law school. Get involved in clubs, social sororities or fraternities, hold executive board positions, be a preceptor for one of your favorite professors, and work hard in school. These are all things that I did while I was in Eller and allowed me to be where I am today. If you have any questions or are interested in the field of law or even interested in moving to Chicago I am always available! 

 

My favorite Eller memory leads me to where I am today. I was in front of Ike's waiting for class with my two best friends and found out I was accepted into law school and began to hysterically cry. This moment will stick with me forever as it shows hard work and determination truly paid off. It has also come full circle as I was notified of my job offer right before class began a few weeks ago and I immediately called my two friends. Eller has given me everything and more and I am truly so thankful for it.