Community - Alumni - Keda Clady Profile
Keda Clady (LLM ‘25) works as an immigration attorney for New Frontier Immigration Law.
Alumni Profile Keda Clady (JD ’25)
Facing challenges, being brave
Immigration attorney Keda Clady (LLM ‘25) reflects on law school
Savvy lawyers across the globe understand how the laws of their home country intersect with those of the United States. Outstanding lawyers from more than 60 countries have chosen Loyola University Chicago School of Law to boost their careers with a Master of Laws (LLM) degree.
Keda Clady (LLM ‘25)—who received her first law degree in Albania—works as an immigration attorney for New Frontier Immigration Law. “I have the privilege of working alongside [founder] Hillary Walsh, who has argued on behalf of migrants before the Supreme Court and multiple circuit courts,” Clady says. Here, Clady discusses the challenges and joys of law school and offers advice for prospective students.
Why did you pursue an LLM degree?
I decided to pursue an LLM degree after discovering that I could sit for the U.S. bar exam without first completing a JD program. This pathway offered me the opportunity to practice law in the United States while building on the legal education I had already earned in my home country.
What was the biggest academic challenge, and how did you overcome it?
The language barrier was my biggest challenge, along with the insecurities that came with it. However, the professors and my fellow students were incredibly gracious and encouraging. Their support helped me overcome my fears and speak up, even when I worried my English wasn’t perfect. I learned that doing law school in another language is itself a tremendous achievement, one worth celebrating every step of the way.
Another challenge was not being familiar with the American school system: the exams, the Socratic method—it all felt so intimidating at first. Looking back, I’m glad I had this different experience. You get used to it very quickly, and I learned that law school isn’t about perfection; it’s about trying, facing challenges, and being brave.
“I’m grateful every day for the opportunities I have and the foundation Loyola gave me to pursue this work.”
What did you enjoy most about your academic experience at Loyola?
I loved listening to the professors and witnessing their genuine heart for their students. The faculty created an environment where learning felt personal and meaningful. I also treasured the international student community. It was such a gift to build friendships with students from all over the world.
What advice do you have for students considering Loyola’s LLM Program for International Lawyers?
Don’t hesitate. You are capable of far more than you think. Take the leap and prove to yourself and to others that one day you won’t just be a great attorney but also a powerful advocate for people who need advocacy the most. (February 2026)
Savvy lawyers across the globe understand how the laws of their home country intersect with those of the United States. Outstanding lawyers from more than 60 countries have chosen Loyola University Chicago School of Law to boost their careers with a Master of Laws (LLM) degree.
Keda Clady (LLM ‘25)—who received her first law degree in Albania—works as an immigration attorney for New Frontier Immigration Law. “I have the privilege of working alongside [founder] Hillary Walsh, who has argued on behalf of migrants before the Supreme Court and multiple circuit courts,” Clady says. Here, Clady discusses the challenges and joys of law school and offers advice for prospective students.
Why did you pursue an LLM degree?
I decided to pursue an LLM degree after discovering that I could sit for the U.S. bar exam without first completing a JD program. This pathway offered me the opportunity to practice law in the United States while building on the legal education I had already earned in my home country.
What was the biggest academic challenge, and how did you overcome it?
The language barrier was my biggest challenge, along with the insecurities that came with it. However, the professors and my fellow students were incredibly gracious and encouraging. Their support helped me overcome my fears and speak up, even when I worried my English wasn’t perfect. I learned that doing law school in another language is itself a tremendous achievement, one worth celebrating every step of the way.
Another challenge was not being familiar with the American school system: the exams, the Socratic method—it all felt so intimidating at first. Looking back, I’m glad I had this different experience. You get used to it very quickly, and I learned that law school isn’t about perfection; it’s about trying, facing challenges, and being brave.
What did you enjoy most about your academic experience at Loyola?
I loved listening to the professors and witnessing their genuine heart for their students. The faculty created an environment where learning felt personal and meaningful. I also treasured the international student community. It was such a gift to build friendships with students from all over the world.
What advice do you have for students considering Loyola’s LLM Program for International Lawyers?
Don’t hesitate. You are capable of far more than you think. Take the leap and prove to yourself and to others that one day you won’t just be a great attorney but also a powerful advocate for people who need advocacy the most. (February 2026)