Kara Kezios .10

Hometown: Skokie, IL

The Particulars

Undergraduate degree: B.A. in Political Science and English Literature, Spanish Minor

Extracurricular involvement: Women Law Students' Association; Children's Legal Alliance

The Details

Why law school? People ask if I always wanted to go to law school. I always wanted to go, but I wanted to work in the real world first. A part of me has always been interested in the public interest side of things. I started out working in the nonprofit industry in Washington, D.C. My passion has always been in helping others. I like knowing you can affect change in the world. Feeling like you're making a difference means something.

Why did you choose to come to the School of Law? A friend of mine graduated SLU law and loved it. Had it not been for him telling me about it, I would not have discovered it. I never pictured myself in St. Louis for law school, but I really like it. I like the flexibility of being able to take classes in the day and evening. Plus, you get the best of both worlds here – an intimate academic environment on more of a city campus. It's a great fit for me.

What has been your biggest challenge adjusting to law school? Getting used to sitting, reading and taking notes for such long periods of time (and accepting the fact that being in the library on a Friday or Saturday night is a part of law school).

What advice would you give students preparing for their first year? Manage your time effectively, ask lots of questions and get involved in the school and the community.

What’s your passion? I'm still trying to figure that out. Working at Children's Legal Alliance has been a good start. I enjoy advocating for children with special needs in the school system. Right now I'm clerking at a law firm and getting a taste for the litigation side of things.

What are you learning about law that you didn't anticipate? There are so many different fields. You have to find your niche.

Who is your favorite professor? Professor Dobbins is a great. She really knows how to engage the class and get us excited about Contracts! 

Sound Bytes

One cool thing you've done: Prior to going to law school, I worked at Showtime Networks Inc. in NYC.

What do you like about St. Louis? Don't tell this to a New Yorker, but for me St. Louis is like a mini-Manhattan because of its many neighborhoods – each with its own character and personality and some really good restaurants. I grew up just outside Chicago, so I appreciate the Midwest mentality and the people. The cost of living here is more reasonable than the East Coast so you have a better quality of life. And I've come to find out that St. Louis is a great place to practice law!

What does St. Louis have that you didn't expect? Oktoberfest, Mardi Gras, St. Paddy's Day, baseball...people who are crazy about their city and a enjoy a strong sense of community.