Recent Graduate Networked Her Way into a Multi-Billion Dollar Industry Through Connections Made at UIC Law
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“Every job I’ve had [recently] has come through my connections made at UIC Law,” said recent Spring 2025 graduate Victoria Mooncotch.
From fashion law, to intellectual property, to cannabis law, Mooncotch tapped into UIC’s alumni network to learn as much as she could about the field. Such law school entities as the Student-Alumni Mentorship Program and the advisors in the Career Services Office helped strengthen Mooncotch’s networking skills and opened doors that allowed her to explore and make pivots throughout the legal industry.
Mooncotch began her legal journey as a legal assistant at a family law firm after graduating with her bachelor’s from Loyola University Chicago in 2018. Instantly, she knew that law school was something she wanted to pursue, and she began studying for the LSAT and preparing her law school application materials.
Mooncotch was originally interested in fashion law at the start of her law school journey in August of 2022, however after connecting with UIC Law alum and other working professionals, she realized she was interested in the new and emerging practice area associated with the cannabis industry. Having been a medical cannabis patient herself, she knew she had a genuine connection to this industry that would set the foundation for her work.
During her time in law school, Mooncotch used her keen networking skills to obtain an internship with major cannabis organization, Verano. Intersecting her law school experience with her real-world impact, Mooncotch utilized her expertise as a member of the Cannabis Law Society at UIC Law and furthered her legal capacity as a member of the International Cannabis Bar Association.
Mooncotch used the knowledge gained from her legal studies at UIC Law to assist these organizations with keeping up with the fast-paced industry full of changing laws and emerging industry regulations. She made connections at each organization that ultimately set her up for her next role in the industry.
Mooncotch’s hands-on experience, coupled with her time on the UIC Law Review and in the Moot Court Honors Program, allowed for her to round out her law school experience with an internship in Dentons US LLP’s cannabis practice, voted the Cannabis Practice Group of the Year by Law360.
Mooncotch credits UIC Law alumni and career advisor Stacia Goldstein for helping to build a legal resume with keen experiences that will allow her to be successful in the industry.
“It is amazing to have access to people to actually care about you and want to see you grow,” Mooncotch concluded.