From Classroom to Courtroom: Alicia’s Path to Practicing Law
Alicia never imagined she would become a medical malpractice attorney, but today, she thrives at a prestigious law firm. She credits ICC with helping her discover her strengths, build confidence, and connect with mentors who shaped her path.
ICC made me more well-rounded, brought me out of my comfort zone, and helped me empathize with more people. It also provided a smooth transition into law enforcement, so it wasn’t such a culture shock. Most importantly, ICC built a solid foundation for my future.
Alicia, ICC Alumni
From a young age, Alicia was passionate about criminal justice and enrolled in the Law Enforcement program at ICC, planning to become a police officer. But after becoming a mother, she realized the demands and risks of the job didn’t align with her new priorities. Still, she wasn’t ready to leave the field behind.
She shifted gears, completing the 911 Telecommunications program and working as a dispatcher for two years. However, something was missing.
Conversations with ICC professors Tom Higgins and Anthony White encouraged her to explore other legal avenues, starting her on a new course.
With support from her criminal justice advisor, Michelle Weghorst, Alicia returned to ICC and enrolled in the Legal Studies program, hoping it would be the right fit. Halfway through, an internship opened her eyes to something bigger.
“I knew I could do what the lawyers were doing,” she said.
While balancing work and motherhood, Alicia transferred to a four-year institution, earned her Political Science degree online, and began law school. When COVID-19 shut down in-person classes, the skills she learned at ICC helped her adapt and complete her Juris Doctor degree in just two and a half years.
Even now, her journey with ICC isn’t over. She sees additional medical education as a way to better serve her medical malpractice clients and is considering the LPN program at ICC—possibly leading to a BSN degree.
“ICC is worth it. There are so many opportunities, and they have everything you need,” Alicia says. “I went from here to a law firm. I recommend ICC a thousand percent.”