UIC Law Student Jacob Rotolo Awarded $5K Illinois Judges Foundation Scholarship
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UIC Law student Jacob Rotolo was selected as a 2023 recipient of the Illinois Judges Foundation $5,000 Harold Sullivan Scholarship. This scholarship honors Judge Harold W. Sullivan, one of the founders and a long-time supporter of the Illinois Judges Association and was established as a permanent way of transmitting ethical values to new generations of law students. It is awarded once per year to one or more students attending an Illinois law school.
Attending UIC Law has had a positive impact on Jacob’s legal career in many ways. First, the quality of the professors he has had classes with thus far, specifically citing Professors William Ford, Joanne Hodge, and Steven Schwinn. Jacob states they have been amazing for both learning and personal growth as a student, which has given him the confidence to engage in in-depth conversations with peers on legal topics. Jacob also states that UIC Law’s alumni network has been invaluable during his time thus far.
We got a chance to connect with Jacob about some of his experiences and here is what he had to say:
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I have had the privilege of meeting many incredible, kind, and generous people who have shared their experiences at UIC and are willing to discuss all things related to law.
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Q: Can you tell us a little bit about the scholarship you received and how it came to be?
A: I received a scholarship in honor of the late Judge Harold W. Sullivan, which was awarded to support my continuing legal education. I learned about this scholarship through a posting on the UIC Law Ecommons board.
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Q: In what ways has attending UIC Law had a positive impact on your legal career?
A: Two ways, among many, truly stand out to me. First, the quality of professors I have had – Professors Schwinn, Hodge, and Ford – has been amazing for my learning and personal growth as a student. This has given me the confidence to engage in in-depth conversations with peers on legal topics. Second, the alumni network has been invaluable. I have had the privilege of meeting many incredible, kind, and generous people who have shared their experiences at UIC and are willing to discuss all things related to law.
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Q: Are there any next steps affiliated with your scholarship? (Ie: a job offer, networking opportunities, or opportunities to work in the field, etc.)?
A: I had the honor of receiving the scholarship at the Illinois Judges Foundation Association Annual Reception on September 28th. I had the opportunity to meet numerous judges and justices and engage in in-depth conversations with many of them. I consider myself fortunate to have attended this event with my mother, and I wish to convey my appreciation to Professor Wojick for his kindness in introducing me to many new people.
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Q: Any additional plans for your legal journey (internships, jobs, etc) in the near future?
A: I am looking forward to an incredibly exciting summer ahead as I have secured a summer associate position at Lavelle Law! I am absolutely thrilled to be joining this esteemed firm, working alongside kind and hardworking professionals next summer.
My plan for the future is to get an Externship for spring of 2024. This past summer I was able to experience the privilege of working with the Honorable Judge Thomas Kelley, and I want to obtain another position in the court system!