Trial by Fire
“I took advantage of every opportunity I could, but none of it would have been possible without the support of faculty, classmates, and of course, my family,” says Serena Napolitano (LAW ’26)
As a first-generation law student, Napolitano knew that access to resources and support inside and outside the classroom would be key to her success.
She built her foundation in law as part of Chicago-Kent College of Law’s Trial Advocacy team.
“The trial advocacy program has taught me how to walk into a courtroom with confidence, argue a case from beginning to end, and present compelling arguments before a judge while thinking strategically under pressure,” she says. “These skills will stay with me forever and have truly put me ahead of the pack.”
It took work to hone those skills.
Napolitano practiced with the trial team seven days a week, and it paid off. She and her co-counsel were champions of the 2025 Regional Competition, with Napolitano winning Best Advocate. She went on to compete in the National Trial Competition, considered one of the most intricate and skill-based in the country, as it requires teams to argue for both the plaintiff and the defense, effectively doubling the preparation. She concluded her trial team career as a finalist in the 2026 Regional Competition.
“During job interviews, employers were consistently most interested in my involvement with the trial advocacy team,” says Napolitano. “The public-speaking, problem-solving, and real-world advocacy skills translate directly into practice. In fact, during competitions, both my teammates and I have received job offers on the spot from attorneys who watched us compete.”
After flying around the country competing for the last two years, Napolitano is more confident than ever in her decision to study in Chicago. She has established herself in the city’s legal market, the third largest in the country.
“Studying law in Chicago has opened countless opportunities. From internships to competitions to networking with practicing attorneys and judges, being in a major legal market has allowed me to gain hands-on experience that simply wouldn’t be possible elsewhere,” she says. “Working at a law firm in [Chicago’s downtown] Loop [district], just steps from the Richard J. Daley Center [home of the Cook County Circuit Court], has allowed me to observe countless proceedings and trials.”
Napolitano’s hands-on opportunities in Chicago have flourished into a career opportunity.
She has worked at civil defense firm Wiedner & McAuliffe throughout her time in law school and will be joining the firm as an associate after she passes the bar.
“If you want real courtroom experience, strong legal writing skills, and want to learn how to be a true advocate, go to Chicago-Kent,” she says. “The trial advocacy program is key. It gives you practical skills, national exposure, and confidence that you simply cannot get from a textbook.”
