Niya Kelly (JD ’13), director of state legislative policy, equity, and transformation, Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness; adjunct professor at the School of Law

“The Legislation and Policy Clinic taught me how to empower some of the most vulnerable people and how to lead systemic change. And one way you can do that is by changing the law.”

THEN: Under Anita Weinberg’s tutelage, Kelly worked on a bill that helps youth in foster care maintain relationships with their siblings, even if they’re not placed in the same home. Kelly conducted a national survey, met with youth in foster care, drafted legislation, and ultimately saw the governor sign the bill into law.

NOW: Kelly draws a direct line between her experiences in the clinic and the work she does today to prevent and end homelessness in Illinois, including budget advocacy and legislative efforts. For a 2022 bill that resolves disparities in how fee waivers are applied for charter schools, particularly for housing-insecure families, Kelly partnered with the clinic directly, incorporating student research and draft language into the proposed legislation. 

Charles Crane (JD ’23), senior assistant counsel to the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives

“[Instead of detention], these children need programs and services that address the root causes of the behavior, whether that’s mental health treatment, family counseling, or other rehabilitative services.”

THEN: As a law student, Crane worked on a proposed bill to raise the minimum age of secure juvenile detention; at the time, youth as young as age 10 could be held in a restrictive facility while awaiting legal proceedings. Crane researched alternatives, gathered data on which offenses led to detention, conducted statewide surveys, and presented to detention center staff.

NOW: Although the bill didn’t pass while Crane was in law school, he reencountered it last year in his role as lead attorney staffing the House Judiciary Criminal Committee. He helped package the bill with two related initiatives and advised the chair to call the bill for a hearing. HB 3492 increases the state’s minimum age for secure juvenile detention to 13 years, limits detention for younger children to serious offenses, and promotes community-based options; it was signed into law in December 2025.

Kelsey Wilson (MEd ’21, JD ’21), associate legal counsel, Illinois State Senate Democratic Caucus

“The Legislation and Policy Clinic gave me the confidence to conduct research, write legislation, and negotiate draft language. These skills are core to my current role.”

THEN: Wilson decided to attend Loyola because of the clinic, where she knew she’d have opportunities to shape policies that affect youth. In tandem with the Statewide Youth Advisory Board, Wilson helped raise awareness about the harmful effects of restraint and seclusion on children and adolescents. She coauthored fact sheets and public comments to “holistically shift, in climate and policy, the way the State of Illinois approaches youth in crisis,” which resulted in House Resolution 88.

NOW: In her current position, Wilson continues to engage with the clinic and Statewide Youth Advisory Board members. “When advising members on legislation, I seek out perspectives from those who will be impacted by the policy, and I help to center those voices,” Wilson says, adding that law school accelerated her evolution from an observer to a doer. –Kelsey Schagemann (July 2026)