“From the moment I stepped on campus for my tour, it became evident that Loyola is invested in individual success of each of their students,” says 1L Laura Padilla, one of the 239 driven and diverse individuals who make up our full-time JD class of 2026. Get to know some of our first-year students.
Once pre-med, Neha Alety decided to pursue health law to drive change in the health care space.
Hometown: Mesa, Arizona
Why Loyola? Loyola offers a strong health law program. I’ve always been interested in health care. Before coming to law school, I was pre-med, and for a long time I wanted to become a doctor. However, I realized that policy is such a huge driver of change within the health care space and decided to pursue health law so that I could be part of that change.
Before law school: While I was getting my master’s in public health in health policy, I had the chance to work with the Department of Health and Human Services to increase contraceptive access for low-income, vulnerable populations across the country. Also, I worked as a health policy assistant in a law firm in D.C. helping the lawyers identify policy alternatives and business solutions based on the changing health policy landscape.
My superpower: Good hair
Best thing about law school so far: The friends I’ve made. They challenge me to be a better person and student, and definitely make law school much more fun.
One thing I would tell future law students: To not pay attention to what other people are doing and just focus on yourself!
Emily Drevdahl comes to the School of Law after a stint working for Amnesty International Ireland.
Hometown: Yamhill, Oregon
Why Loyola? Its location in Chicago and its renown as an exceptional institution with a strong emphasis on social justice. Loyola supports students with public interest goals and provides unique opportunities for those interested in pursuing public interest law.
Before law school: I graduated from [college] with a degree in international affairs and political science … moved to Ireland and worked at Amnesty International Ireland. I began as a fundraiser, moved up to the campaigns team, and eventually led the recruitment and training of all fundraisers while also getting my master’s degree.
My superpower: Making people laugh and not taking myself too seriously.
Best thing about law school so far: Going to class every day with my section. I feel genuinely lucky to have such a nice, open, encouraging, and brilliant group of peers to go to class with.
One thing I would tell future law students: You can do this! Law school is not as scary as people say.
Laura Padilla’s advice to future law students is to stay focused: “Don’t lose sight of why you’re in law school.”
Hometown: Chicago
Why Loyola? Its Jesuit values and commitment to producing lawyers that are dedicated to public service. There are many opportunities to get involved with the greater Chicago community. Additionally, from the moment I stepped on campus for my tour, it became evident that Loyola is invested in individual success of each of their students.
Before law school: I worked for the Office of the Mayor at the City of Chicago as a community engagement manager, serving as the mayor’s liaison to the Latinx community and leading engagement efforts for a number of different projects including COVID-19, public safety, environment, budget, and developments across the city. I also co-led the city’s response to asylum seekers bussed to Chicago from the southern border.
My superpower: Resilience. I grew up in an underinvested working-class neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago. Although I dreamed of becoming an attorney, I didn’t think that dream could be possible.
One thing I would tell future law students: To remain rooted in your “why.” Law school is very challenging, and our tendency as humans is to compare ourselves to others. You will be surrounded by incredible and intelligent peers who all have different goals; don’t lose sight of why you’re in law school.
Timothy Roberts has a passion for service. He says his visit to the School of Law cemented his choice to enroll.
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
Why Loyola? Chicago has historically proven to be one of the best places to study the law. I visited each law school in the city, and my visit to Loyola spoke to me in the most profound way. The students displayed a rare combination of vigor, brilliance and personability, mixed with a passion to serve.
Why study the law? I have always had a passion for service, and I do not come from what most would consider a great community—I love where I’m from. The people seem to be forgotten and left behind when it comes to the accumulation of the resources necessary for a community to thrive, and I came to Loyola to become a resource for those who need help.
Before law school: I wrote a children’s book series, which was purchased by the Cleveland Public School district and is now being used as a resource for elementary school children throughout the entire city.
My superpower: Adaptability. There are not many situations where I will not know how to find community, make friends, and create spaces where others can feel seen and heard.
Best thing about law school so far: Having a chance to meet new people and make friends with brilliant people who come from completely different experiences and walks of life.
One thing I would tell future law students: Even though some may say that law school is completely competitive, I would argue that law school is just full of people who are looking for help to learn more and do more so that they can become the best lawyers that they can be.
With a degree in biomedical engineering, Katelyn Sears worked as a technical writer before law school.
Hometown: Panama City Beach, Florida
Why Loyola? I’m very interested in intellectual property law. I came to tour the school and attended the Loyola IP Alumni reception, where I met Professor Ho, many current IP students, and many alumni as well. Professor Ho made many connections on my behalf and all of the students that I met were eager to get to know me and help me any way that they could.
Before law school: I obtained a B.S. in biomedical engineering and worked as a technical writer for a government contractor. After a few months of working, I realized that I wanted to help people instead of synthesizing data; I wanted to solve problems with human interactions rather than formulas.
My superpower: Helping others! I’ve always been super passionate about giving back to my community and have held various volunteer roles throughout my life.
Best thing about law school so far: The people and the opportunities. I have felt incredibly supported and empowered by my fellow classmates.
One thing I would tell future law students: Find a support system. Having relationships with peers you can confide in during your struggles is invaluable.
“Law school is one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life,” says Arete Tsoukalas.
Hometowns: West Lafayette, Indiana, and Athens, Greece
Why Loyola? After extensive research, I found that Loyola Law had the most amazing reputation with regards to the quality of legal education it provides as well as an extensive, supportive alumni network. The support and encouragement you feel as a student here is simply unparalleled.
Area of study: As a 1L, I am keeping an open mind, learning as much as I can about the various practice areas. That being said, I am incredibly passionate about intellectual property law and international transactional law.
Before law school: I worked on the editing staff of Foreign Affairs as well as a committee member at the Foreign Affairs Institute in Athens, Greece. Also, I worked at refugee camps and centers, primarily for refugee children.
My superpower: I can be funny in two different languages!
Best thing about law school so far: Section 3! You will not find a group of more professional, passionate, and respectful law students. My peers motivate me to show up and do my best.
One more thing: Law school is one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. It changes the way you think, helps you understand the world better, and challenges you to be the best version of yourself!
A former teacher, Naomi Zweig is interested in education law and litigation work.
Hometown: South Bend, Indiana
Why Loyola? I specifically wanted to be in education law and saw the abundance of resources the ChildLaw Center provides in this area. Additionally, I am interested in litigation work and appreciate the opportunity to specialize in this area. Loyola has a reputation for preparing their students with the skills to practice law as opposed to keeping legal studies confined in the theoretical realm.
Before law school: I taught middle school math for about two years in Phoenix, Arizona. I also interned at a patent law firm and the Maricopa Country Attorney’s office (prosecution).
Best thing about law school so far: Class discussions. Torts with Professor Gonzalez was my favorite class because of the class discussions revolving around legal argumentation. I also enjoyed getting to be involved in student organizations and connecting with upperclassmen. I am a member of SUFEO [Stand Up for Each Other] and had the opportunity to shadow a cliental intake meeting and conversation, and it was a really incredible experience to see that our work helps other people in need.
One thing I would tell future law students: You’re not a 1L alone; everything is new for everyone. You absolutely need to put in the work and effort, but don’t forget to trust yourself and believe in your capabilities. You can do it. –Kristi Turnbaugh (January 2024)
Loyola University Chicago School of Law is a student-focused law center inspired by the Jesuit tradition of academic excellence, intellectual openness, and service to others.
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