Transfer Student Perspectives

Though transfer students are as diverse as the goals that brought them here, the verdict among them is unanimous: the College of Law at the University of Illinois offers a superior educational experience, quality faculty, challenging coursework and endless opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Var Lordahl, Class of 2009

Transferring law schools is a daunting proposition for anyone – uprooting at a time when you finally are comfortable after finishing your first year.  My worries were dispelled the first time I set foot in the Illinois Law building.  I received a warm, friendly reception from not only the other transfer students, but also from current students who invited me to join them in student organizations and social functions.  The faculty members here are approachable and amazing – you'll often interact directly with professors who published the text book you are using, or who helped develop the concepts of law you are studying.  The administration takes great pains to know every student by name, and to ensure that office doors are always open.  By the end of my first week here, I felt like part of the school.

I grew up in Long Grove, Illinois, and I completed my undergraduate studies here at the University of Illinois with a degree in finance.  Returning to campus for a second time was like coming home again to a welcoming group of impressive students.  With an interest in finance, I decided to focus my studies on corporate law and taxation law – two of the many areas where Illinois Law shines.
My favorite courses have been Business Associations with Professor Hurt, Decedents' Wills and Trusts with Professor Miranda Fleischer, and Corporate Taxation with Professor Victor Fleischer.  The small class sizes and direct interaction with professors make each class a unique experience of learning through discussion.   I have also participated in moot court, and I am presently a teaching assistant for Legal Writing and Research.  For fun, I participate in the law school softball league.

The best part of this law school is the warm and intellectually stimulating atmosphere.  You will make friends fast, and you will learn to study and appreciate the law on a new level.

Beth Leatherman, Class of 2009

I appreciate the feeling of community that I have at the College of Law.  Just by seeking out my niche in a few activities, I quickly met a lot of people, and it was easy to make new friends.  Everyone was approachable—students and faculty alike—and made me feel welcome.  Although part of me still felt sad to leave my old school, and the friends that I made there, I couldn’t have wished for a warmer reception to my new community.

I grew up in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and I graduated from Grove City College—a small liberal arts school in Western PA—with degrees in English and French.  I’ve had an interest in litigation ever since I participated in a high school mock trial program.  I’ve developed a specific interest in employment litigation during my time at law school, but I’d still like to explore a variety of fields.

My favorite class so far has been Trademark and Unfair Competition with Professor (now Dean) Smith.  Some of the classes I’m currently taking—like Family Law with Professor Meyer and Remedies in Employment Law seminar with Professor Morriss—might turn out to be new favorites, though!  Aside from classes, I’m involved with Law Review, Women’s Law Society, and Phi Alpha Delta.  I was also a student tutor during the spring semester of my 2L year.

When I need a break from schoolwork, I like to work out, and the new Activities and Recreation Center is an amazing gym—and it’s practically next door to the Law Building!  I enjoy movies and theatre as well, so I’ve been to Boardman’s Art Theatre many times, and I also check out events at Krannert Center when I get the chance.  Also, to anyone who enjoys cooking, I recommend checking out World Harvest Foods, on University Avenue in Champaign—it’s the area’s best international food store!

 

Manuel Quinto-Pozos, Class of 2007

"Though it may be hard to leave your law school community and friends behind, it is very easy to make new friends here through classes, student groups and other activities. The faculty, staff and administration are very approachable, and everyone is always friendly."

I grew up in Mexico City until I was 15 and then moved to South Texas. I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1998 with a major in biochemistry. I am interested in criminal procedure and constitutional law, but am especially drawn to international law and human and civil rights issues. Someday, I hope to work for the Foreign Service or another organization, in the U.S. or abroad, to further the cause of human and civil rights.

My favorite class has been Critical Race Theory seminar with Professor Roithmayr because it was intellectually challenging and allowed the students to share their points of view on a variety of subjects. It was a very enriching experience.

At the law school, I am involved with the Sexual Orientation & Legal Issues Society, the Latino/Latina Law Students Association and the Loan Repayment Assistance Program Exploratory Committee. The best thing about the law school is its diverse population and its many different backgrounds, interests and beliefs.

To relieve the stress of being a law student, I like to watch movies and keep in touch with friends. I also like to visit several coffee shops in the area and enjoy the cultural events offered at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.

Shaz Kaiseruddin, Class of 2006

"At first, it may seem daunting [after transferring] to find your niche seeing as how everyone else found theirs the first year, and you left yours behind. But get involved and make sure you form memories that will make you look back on your law school experience and smile. At first, this may seem impossible with all the stresses of transferring coupled with the general stress of law school, but do not allow the obstacles to overcome you. Be proactive, and make experiences worth remembering and stories worth telling."

From my first day at the law school, the collegial atmosphere has made me feel welcome. I grew up in Wilmette, Illinois north of Chicago and graduated from the University of Illinois in 2002 with a degree in Sociology. I came to the law school with an interest in human and civil rights, but a variety of fields interest me.

My favorite classes at the College of Law have been Federal Income Tax with Professor Kaplan; Business Associations with Professor Ribstein; Criminal Procedure with Professor Jacqueline Ross and Death Penalty with Professors Conti and Adamski. I was recently elected Secretary to the Student Bar Association for the next academic year and am involved with the Muslim Law Students Association. I am also helping to organize a series of events to promote awareness of the genocide occurring in Darfur (in western Sudan).

To relieve the stress of school, it is important to have an outlet that doesn't involve law or law school. Crystal Lake Park is a beautiful, quiet park with a small lake, and IMPE (the Intramural Physical Education Building) is a must!