Courtney Cocciemiglio
About Courtney: I love spending time admiring architecture and coming up with new ideas. I have spent time studying architecture in Rome. That experience was enlightening because it gave me perspective and an appreciation for our country. I enjoy being creative and solving problems, but what I truly find rewarding is working and solving problems for people. During undergrad, I went on a mission to Alaska to work with Eskimos. Because of that experience, I realized that I wanted to go to law school in search of an opportunity to reach out to people.
Previous Legal and/or Professional Experience: Prior to law school, I worked for an architectural company. In that field, I was not able to build relationships, because I did drawings and development, which required me to work behind a desk most days. I also worked for a construction company, where I interacted with clients and co-workers. This was an experience that I enjoyed very much, because it was hands-on. While in the law program, I am also working on my MBA.
What do you do in your spare time? I am very involved with my family and spend a lot of time outdoors. I make sure to ski every winter. I also ride horses for equestrian training. I have worked in horse training and horse therapy for disabilities. I am also involved with my church and a group named Focus in the Planning, and I participate on the building committee and in adult education through the church.
What do you like most about being at NIU Law? I love how much NIU is connected with the community and with alumni. I am amazed at how available professors and upper-class students are to help the first-year students. Everyone in the NIU Law community is extremely helpful and devoted to making each other better students and professionals.
This interview was conducted in Fall 2011.