Catherine Nowak

After graduating from Purdue a year early in 2022 with a major in philosophy, Catherine decided to explore the legal field without prior pre-law experience. Following her career counselor's suggestion, Catherine opted for Loyola's ABA-certified paralegal certificate program before committing to law school.

"I decided that I was interested in the legal field, but I wasn't entirely sure exactly what that meant. I wasn't sure if I wanted to go straight into law school because I didn't really have any other pre-law experience. I didn't intern at a law firm or anything like that. When I graduated, I was still interested in the legal field, but I didn't have a lot of knowledge of it yet."

Starting the program immediately after graduation in the summer of 2022, Catherine delved into her studies while working part-time at Krauskopf and Kauffman, P.C., a position she secured through Loyola's job board. Throughout her time as a student, Catherine balanced work and studies, gradually transitioning to a full-time paralegal role after graduation. Her experience at the boutique firm specializing in corporate litigation for family-owned businesses in Chicago has been fulfilling, making her consider the possibility of pursuing law school in the future.

As a philosophy major, Catherine found particular enjoyment in courses like legal ethics, where the intersection of law and philosophical thinking captivated her. Through the online format, she appreciated Loyola's unique provision of access to facilities for students, fostering a sense of connection even for online learners. Additionally, the flexibility of studying in the evening allowed her to continue working during the day.

"I was able to see how it intersected with my work because I was also learning how to do my job while learning what it meant to be a paralegal. One helped the other a lot."

Catherine encourages prospective students to consider all options, and she highlights Loyola as an excellent choice, especially for those based in Chicago. She commends the well-aligned scheduling, extensive resources, and the valuable ABA certification offered by Loyola. 

Catherine is passionate about engaging with prospective students, and she values the chance to share her experiences and insights with those interested in Loyola's programs.