Meet first-year law students 2026
Creighton Foulkes, Michelle C. Smith, Danielle Shadid, and Liam Bower are first-year JD students.
Meet first-year law students
Discover why they’re here and what they’re learning
Students choose Loyola University Chicago for law school for many reasons. “I knew about the great community and connections that the school provides,” says first-year student Liam Bower. “Not only do my fellow 1Ls always support each other, but 2Ls and 3Ls are also always willing to lend a hand in support.” Get to know some of our first-year JD students.
Michelle C. Smith is interested in toxic torts, stemming from her upbringing in a Louisiana town known for its high cancer rates and abundance of chemical plants and refineries.
Michelle C. Smith
Hometown: St. Rose, Louisiana
Why Loyola? I wanted a big change and always wanted to live in a big city. From what I’d heard, Loyola was a well-respected Chicago school. I had actually never been to Chicago before I committed to going, so it was a bit of a gamble. I don’t regret a thing.
Area of interest: I am interested in toxic torts, which stems from my upbringing in St. Rose, part of the region called “Cancer Alley,” known for its high cancer rates and abundance of chemical plants and refineries. I, along with members of my community, have faced the repercussions of corporate negligence. I know what it is like to feel powerless, and I want to help communities like my own to not lose hope and be compensated for the harm they have endured.
My superpower: I research well. I can learn something quickly through research and implement it into what I am doing right away. This assists me in my writing and argumentation.
“I want to help communities like my own to not lose hope.”
Best thing about law school so far: My classmates. We truly are all going through the same motions together. Shout out to Section 3!
One thing I would tell future law students: Take breaks. I am guilty of forcing myself to sit and read despite my brain and body begging me to stop. If you don’t give yourself proper breaks, you’re not going to retain any information, wreck your body, or burn out.
One more thing: The first year is passing by so quickly, but I’ve already learned so much.
Liam Bower’s work in the state capital of Springfield with K-12 education legislation and budgets inspired him to enroll in law school.
Liam Bower
Hometown: Oak Park, Illinois
Why Loyola? I knew I wanted to attend law school in my home state and start my career in Chicago. Having parents who attended and met at Loyola law school, I knew about the great community and connections that the school provides. I was also drawn to the incredible clinical programs, such as the Legislation and Policy Clinic in the ChildLaw Center.
Before law school: I served as the lead K-12 Education staffer for the Illinois Senate President’s Office. In this role, I worked at the state capitol in Springfield with K-12 education legislation and budgets. I wore many hats, but some of my duties included assisting with drafting legislation, analyzing bills and updating senators on their status, reviewing and analyzing agency budgets, and helping senators defend legislation in committee and on the floor. I really loved the work and was inspired to pursue a career working with policy and legislation.
“Having parents who attended and met at Loyola law school, I knew about the great community and connections that the school provides.”
My superpower: Committing numbers to memory. My days memorizing lines as a theater kid in middle and high school helped me with this skill.
Best thing about law school so far: The community. My classmates are very sharp, motivated, and collaborative. I understand there is a slightly competitive and “cutthroat” culture at certain other law schools, and I am happy to say that I have not experienced that at Loyola. Everyone understands that we are all in this together and we all strive to help each other succeed.
One thing I would tell future law students: Be organized. It is essential to plan and be disciplined. I try to plan out weeks to see when I will complete readings, writing assignments, and outline to stay on top of everything.
One more thing: Not only do my fellow 1Ls always support each other, but 2Ls and 3Ls are also always willing to lend a hand in support. This also extends to the great network of Loyola alumni across Chicago and beyond when we head into the legal field after graduation.
As a Loyola undergrad, Danielle Shadid studied political science and psychology and worked with the School of Law’s Dan K. Webb Center for Advocacy.
Danielle Shadid
Hometown: Peoria, Illinois
Why Loyola? I went here for undergrad, and I loved how my professors and peers were always willing to tackle big questions, challenge each other, and still maintain a welcoming environment. The culture at Loyola made me confident that studying law here would be a great experience. Plus, I love Chicago!
Before law school: I came to law school straight from undergrad, where I studied political science and psychology. I began working with Loyola’s Advocacy Center in undergrad and am still involved with them, which has been an amazing experience.
My superpower: An infectious laugh. I think being quick to laugh is a compliment because it brings positivity and lightness.
“The culture at Loyola made me confident that studying law here would be a great experience.”
Best thing about law school so far: The people! I have met so many lovely people here who make it easier to study and go to class when it’s hard.
One thing I would tell future law students: Know yourself and be selective with the advice you apply. You will be inundated with advice from everyone around you, and it can be very overwhelming, so understanding yourself and your study habits will make it easier to know what works for you.
One more thing: 1L has been so challenging but also incredibly rewarding. The format and environment of law school is inherently stressful and chaotic, but I have found that the energy and determination I see in my peers have kept me motivated.
Before law school, Creighton Foulkes worked for startup companies in education- and health-tech spaces.
Creighton Foulkes
Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts
Why Loyola: I was living in Chicago and was excited about the idea of staying and building my career here. I had the chance to tour Loyola, and it seemed like a great fit.
Before law school: I worked for about seven years prior to law school. In San Francisco, I worked for a couple of early-stage startup companies. The first company I worked at was in the education-tech space, and I subsequently worked at an early-stage health tech company.
“The classes are challenging, but the professors have been great, and the material is engaging.”
My superpower: I enjoy picking up new hobbies: fishing, cooking, snowboarding, camping. I also really like to play squash and played on my college squash team.
Best thing about law school so far: It is intellectually stimulating. The classes are challenging, but the professors have been great, and the material is engaging.
One thing I would tell future law students: Buy in to the experience. Try to engage with the professors and take advantage of office and tutor hours.
One more thing: Everyone I’ve met has been super nice. I’ve been able to connect with a couple of 2Ls and graduates who’ve been able to provide some mentorship and guidance that has been super helpful as well, both in thinking about classes but also figuring out career next steps. –Kristi Turnbaugh (February 2026)
Students choose Loyola University Chicago for law school for many reasons. “I knew about the great community and connections that the school provides,” says first-year student Liam Bower. “Not only do my fellow 1Ls always support each other, but 2Ls and 3Ls are also always willing to lend a hand in support.” Get to know some of our first-year JD students.
Michelle C. Smith
Hometown: St. Rose, Louisiana
Why Loyola? I wanted a big change and always wanted to live in a big city. From what I’d heard, Loyola was a well-respected Chicago school. I had actually never been to Chicago before I committed to going, so it was a bit of a gamble. I don’t regret a thing.
Area of interest: I am interested in toxic torts, which stems from my upbringing in St. Rose, part of the region called “Cancer Alley,” known for its high cancer rates and abundance of chemical plants and refineries. I, along with members of my community, have faced the repercussions of corporate negligence. I know what it is like to feel powerless, and I want to help communities like my own to not lose hope and be compensated for the harm they have endured.
My superpower: I research well. I can learn something quickly through research and implement it into what I am doing right away. This assists me in my writing and argumentation.
Best thing about law school so far: My classmates. We truly are all going through the same motions together. Shout out to Section 3!
One thing I would tell future law students: Take breaks. I am guilty of forcing myself to sit and read despite my brain and body begging me to stop. If you don’t give yourself proper breaks, you’re not going to retain any information, wreck your body, or burn out.
One more thing: The first year is passing by so quickly, but I’ve already learned so much.
Liam Bower
Hometown: Oak Park, Illinois
Why Loyola? I knew I wanted to attend law school in my home state and start my career in Chicago. Having parents who attended and met at Loyola law school, I knew about the great community and connections that the school provides. I was also drawn to the incredible clinical programs, such as the Legislation and Policy Clinic in the ChildLaw Center.
Before law school: I served as the lead K-12 Education staffer for the Illinois Senate President’s Office. In this role, I worked at the state capitol in Springfield with K-12 education legislation and budgets. I wore many hats, but some of my duties included assisting with drafting legislation, analyzing bills and updating senators on their status, reviewing and analyzing agency budgets, and helping senators defend legislation in committee and on the floor. I really loved the work and was inspired to pursue a career working with policy and legislation.
My superpower: Committing numbers to memory. My days memorizing lines as a theater kid in middle and high school helped me with this skill.
Best thing about law school so far: The community. My classmates are very sharp, motivated, and collaborative. I understand there is a slightly competitive and “cutthroat” culture at certain other law schools, and I am happy to say that I have not experienced that at Loyola. Everyone understands that we are all in this together and we all strive to help each other succeed.
One thing I would tell future law students: Be organized. It is essential to plan and be disciplined. I try to plan out weeks to see when I will complete readings, writing assignments, and outline to stay on top of everything.
One more thing: Not only do my fellow 1Ls always support each other, but 2Ls and 3Ls are also always willing to lend a hand in support. This also extends to the great network of Loyola alumni across Chicago and beyond when we head into the legal field after graduation.
Danielle Shadid
Hometown: Peoria, Illinois
Why Loyola? I went here for undergrad, and I loved how my professors and peers were always willing to tackle big questions, challenge each other, and still maintain a welcoming environment. The culture at Loyola made me confident that studying law here would be a great experience. Plus, I love Chicago!
Before law school: I came to law school straight from undergrad, where I studied political science and psychology. I began working with Loyola’s Advocacy Center in undergrad and am still involved with them, which has been an amazing experience.
My superpower: An infectious laugh. I think being quick to laugh is a compliment because it brings positivity and lightness.
Best thing about law school so far: The people! I have met so many lovely people here who make it easier to study and go to class when it’s hard.
One thing I would tell future law students: Know yourself and be selective with the advice you apply. You will be inundated with advice from everyone around you, and it can be very overwhelming, so understanding yourself and your study habits will make it easier to know what works for you.
One more thing: 1L has been so challenging but also incredibly rewarding. The format and environment of law school is inherently stressful and chaotic, but I have found that the energy and determination I see in my peers have kept me motivated.
Creighton Foulkes
Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts
Why Loyola: I was living in Chicago and was excited about the idea of staying and building my career here. I had the chance to tour Loyola, and it seemed like a great fit.
Before law school: I worked for about seven years prior to law school. In San Francisco, I worked for a couple of early-stage startup companies. The first company I worked at was in the education-tech space, and I subsequently worked at an early-stage health tech company.
My superpower: I enjoy picking up new hobbies: fishing, cooking, snowboarding, camping. I also really like to play squash and played on my college squash team.
Best thing about law school so far: It is intellectually stimulating. The classes are challenging, but the professors have been great, and the material is engaging.
One thing I would tell future law students: Buy in to the experience. Try to engage with the professors and take advantage of office and tutor hours.
One more thing: Everyone I’ve met has been super nice. I’ve been able to connect with a couple of 2Ls and graduates who’ve been able to provide some mentorship and guidance that has been super helpful as well, both in thinking about classes but also figuring out career next steps. –Kristi Turnbaugh (February 2026)