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Name:
Judy Dever
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Residence:
Chicago, Illinois
Graduation Year:
1990
Major:
History
Minor:
Political Science
Why did you choose SJC?
I wanted to attend a small Catholic college in the
Midwest, and I had an uncle and a friend who both went there. After spending
the night on campus with my friend, I thought everyone was friendly and
the campus was pretty. I also liked the Core Program's ability to combine
different subjects and encourage discussion. As a student, what were you involved in?
I was a Student Representative on the Academic Cabinet,
which allowed me to interact with the professors in a different way and
have a say in academic and faculty matters. I appeared in several musicals
and plays, was a Senior Class Representative, involved in intramural sports,
a member of Phi Alpha Theta International Honor Society in History, tutor,
and recipient of the William L. Downard Prize in History. I graduated from
SJC as the Valedictorian of my class. The summer after graduation, I began a year-long fellowship with the Governor of Indiana called the "Governor's Fellowship," a fellowship that History professor Bill White helped me secure. Out of more than three hundred applicants, I was one of 10 students chosen to work for the Indiana State Government. I worked in the Governor's Office, Attorney General's Office, and with the Criminal Justice Authority.
What are you doing now?
I'm an Assistant General Counsel in the Litigation
Division of the Chicago Board of Education. My job involves litigating Illinois
State Board of Education tenured teacher dismissal hearings and their appeals
in state court, as well as Title VII and Section 1983 federal litigation
when the Board is sued for alleged civil rights violations. How did SJC prepare you for the "real world"?
Saint Joseph's College helps to instill self-confidence
in their students, which is an important asset to have when choosing certain
careers. Students are able to choose from a variety of extracurricular and
social activities in which to participate and excel. Additionally, professors
and fellow students, by being caring, friendly and helpful, create an atmosphere
whereby one's self-esteem can flourish. Having self-confidence is an important
asset for a litigator because your opposing counsel will often try to take
advantage of someone younger, less experienced, or less aggressive. It is
important to stand your ground with your client, opposing counsel, and the
court. A second asset of Saint Joseph's College that helped prepare me for my career as an attorney is the Core Program. I still recognize the usefulness and importance of this program thirteen years after graduating. Core taught me how to think and process information, not just memorize facts. The small discussion groups also taught me to how to problem solve, spot important issues, and think quickly on my feet - all important tools for a litigator.
