Part-Time Student Combines Legal Education with HR Expertise to Champion Employment Law
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After nearly a decade in human resources, service in the Army National Guard, and earning an MBA, Jesus Meraz is now adding another title to his name: Juris Doctor. As a Director of Talent Acquisition, he is utilizing his legal training and education from UIC Law to navigate hiring practices, employment laws, and strengthen collaboration across HR, legal teams, and more.
Since enrolling in UIC Law’s Part-Time Evening Program in 2020, Meraz has balanced his role as Director of Talent Acquisition with coursework and co-curricular leadership. He credits the program’s flexibility and the support of classmates for helping him succeed.
Meraz says UIC Law gave him a strong foundation to enter the legal field. Taking courses in international law, employment law, and business law helped him identify his areas of interest. UIC Law’s legal clinics provided him with real-world experience that helped build his confidence and accelerated his growth.
Along the way, he held leadership roles including Vice President of OUTLaw and Student Bar Association representative to LAGBAC (The LGBTQ+ Bar Association of Greater Chicago). He also earned scholarships from the Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois and the Hispanic Lawyers Scholarship Fund. His legal education was further enriched through an internship with the Army JAG Corps, hands-on work in the International Human Rights Clinic, and participation in moot court and trial advocacy.
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Earning a JD has strengthened my critical thinking, writing, and communication skills, all of which are directly transferable to my current work in talent acquisition.
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While Meraz plans to join the Army Reserves as a JAG officer with a focus on employment law, he also sees his JD as a powerful tool to elevate his civilian career.
“Understanding business and employment law helps me mitigate risk in hiring practices, ensure compliance in an evolving regulatory environment, and collaborate more effectively with legal, HR, and executive teams. It positions me for broader leadership roles,” Meraz stated.
For those who want to juggle a full-time career and law school, Meraz says to remember, “There’s no shortcut to success—plan, prioritize, and protect your time and mental bandwidth. Say no when you need to and lean on your classmates. Having a strong support system makes all the difference.”