Grace Severson
Commencement 2026
Grace Severson (Paralegal Certificate '26)
Currently working as a legal practice assistant at Mayer Brown in downtown Chicago, Grace Severson, who will earn her paralegal certificate in May, has spent the past five years growing within her organization, first starting in a clerical role before advancing into her current position. Along the way, she began asking an important question: what comes next?
“I was trying to figure out—law school or paralegal?” she said. “And the more I learned, the more I realized the paralegal path aligned with what I wanted, both professionally and personally.”
Through Loyola University Chicago’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS), Grace found the opportunity to turn that realization into a concrete next step.
Enrolling in the paralegal program—and pursuing a dual certificate in both corporate and litigation practice —allowed Grace to explore the breadth of the legal field while continuing to work full-time.
More importantly, the program expanded her understanding of what a paralegal career can look like.
“I didn’t realize how many different paths there are,” she explained. “You don’t just have to work in a traditional law firm. There are opportunities in tech, policy, and so many other areas.”
That perspective is shaping her career, with the goal of transitioning into a paralegal role within her current firm.
Grace is entering the legal profession at a time of rapid transformation, particularly with the rise of AI and evolving workplace demands. While technology continues to reshape the field, Grace emphasizes the importance of maintaining a human-centered approach.
“There are just some things you can’t replace,” she said. “The human connection will always be needed.”
Grace’s commitment to education is deeply rooted in her upbringing. Raised by parents with very different life experiences, she was taught early on that learning can be a powerful tool for growth and opportunity.
“No matter your background, you can always go back to school,” she said.
That belief carried her through moments of uncertainty, particularly after graduating college during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It was a period where I didn’t know what was next,” she said. “But going back to school helped me find direction again.”
As she approaches graduation, Grace is focused on the next step: continuing her professional growth and stepping into a paralegal role.
At the same time, she remains committed to staying connected to the SCPS community and helping guide others who are just beginning their journeys.
“I would recommend this program to anyone,” she said. “If I could shout it from the rooftops, I would.”
“No matter your background, you can always go back to school."
Grace Severson (Paralegal Certificate '26)
Currently working as a legal practice assistant at Mayer Brown in downtown Chicago, Grace Severson, who will earn her paralegal certificate in May, has spent the past five years growing within her organization, first starting in a clerical role before advancing into her current position. Along the way, she began asking an important question: what comes next?
“I was trying to figure out—law school or paralegal?” she said. “And the more I learned, the more I realized the paralegal path aligned with what I wanted, both professionally and personally.”
Through Loyola University Chicago’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS), Grace found the opportunity to turn that realization into a concrete next step.
Enrolling in the paralegal program—and pursuing a dual certificate in both corporate and litigation practice —allowed Grace to explore the breadth of the legal field while continuing to work full-time.
More importantly, the program expanded her understanding of what a paralegal career can look like.
“I didn’t realize how many different paths there are,” she explained. “You don’t just have to work in a traditional law firm. There are opportunities in tech, policy, and so many other areas.”
That perspective is shaping her career, with the goal of transitioning into a paralegal role within her current firm.
Grace is entering the legal profession at a time of rapid transformation, particularly with the rise of AI and evolving workplace demands. While technology continues to reshape the field, Grace emphasizes the importance of maintaining a human-centered approach.
“There are just some things you can’t replace,” she said. “The human connection will always be needed.”
Grace’s commitment to education is deeply rooted in her upbringing. Raised by parents with very different life experiences, she was taught early on that learning can be a powerful tool for growth and opportunity.
“No matter your background, you can always go back to school,” she said.
That belief carried her through moments of uncertainty, particularly after graduating college during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It was a period where I didn’t know what was next,” she said. “But going back to school helped me find direction again.”
As she approaches graduation, Grace is focused on the next step: continuing her professional growth and stepping into a paralegal role.
At the same time, she remains committed to staying connected to the SCPS community and helping guide others who are just beginning their journeys.
“I would recommend this program to anyone,” she said. “If I could shout it from the rooftops, I would.”