Julie Lepri (JD '81)

Julie Lepri (JD ’81) works for JP Morgan Chase Bank where she is a Managing Director/Associate General Counsel.  Specifically, Julie leads the Consumer and Community Banking (“CCB”) Regulatory, Operations, Controls & Marketing team - a 150-person team of lawyers, paralegals, and project managers who provide legal advice and support to all of Chase’s consumer and community businesses. This legal team focuses on the key consumer protection laws that apply to all of the CCB businesses and providing legal support to the Marketing, Operations, Compliance, Risk and Audit teams supporting CCB. Julie is also a member of the Loyola School of Law Board of Governors and remains actively involved in the law school.

Hometown: Galewood, Chicago. Currently lives in Lakeview, Chicago.
Undergraduate Institution: Loyola University Chicago (BA in Communication Arts).
Current Employer: JP Morgan Chase Bank.

Tell us about your time at Loyola.
Completing my undergrad at Loyola definitely influenced my decision to go to Loyola’s law school. I am a big believer in the Jesuit philosophy of educating the whole person. I thoroughly enjoyed my undergrad years at Loyola and when they offered me the opportunity to attend law school, it was an easy decision. Loyola prepared me well for the practice of law – and I credit that to both the core classes and the practical courses. Through the Socratic method of teaching in the core classes, my professors taught me how to think like a lawyer. In the practical classes, I learned trial practice, advanced motion practice and I had the opportunity to participate in an externship for the State’s Attorney’s Office. I felt very prepared to start my career as a litigator. My professors were wonderful teachers because they didn’t just teach the course material – they instilled a love and respect for the law.

Why did you decide to get involved in the Board of Governors?
I believe that people should give back to their communities, because communities are stronger if everyone is engaged and contributes their talents. In many ways, I know that I wouldn’t be sitting where I am today were it not for the faith that Loyola had in me. Working with Dean Yellen and the board is an exciting way to feel connected to the law school. I loved my years at Loyola and I’m deeply grateful for the education that I received – that’s why I want to give back by dedicating my time and talent.

What do you envision for your career in the next few years?
My practice is a mix of managing a legal team and working on the cutting edge of legal issues at a major financial institution. Working in-house at Chase is like working at a law firm inside a corporation.  I work with talented legal experts across the firm and with smart, dedicated clients. I love this combination because it is intellectually stimulating and I work with a great team of people. At this point, I am very engaged and committed to helping develop my team to be tomorrow’s legal leaders at the firm.

What would be one piece of advice for young lawyers?
Be patient – nobody accomplishes mastery at any profession overnight.  Never stop learning and be willing to take risks outside of your comfort zone.