Rachel K
- Research Program Mentor
JD candidate at University of Chicago
Expertise
Government, Politics, Law, Legal Theory, U.S. Legal History, Social Sciences
Bio
I was born and raised in Boca Raton, FL and completed my undergraduate degree at Washington University in St. Louis, where I majored in Political Science with minors in Psychological & Brain Sciences and American Culture Studies, as well as a certificate in Applied (PRAXIS) Communications. I am currently a rising second-year student at The University of Chicago Law School and am interning this summer at the Aviation, Space, and Admiralty Litigation Section within the Civil Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. My past internship experience includes the U.S. House of Representatives, the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, and a Washington, D.C. political strategy consulting firm. I have also volunteered on political campaigns including County Commission, State Senate, and U.S. Congressional races. I am particularly passionate about constitutional and administrative law (as well as every facet of U.S. politics). I love reading and discussing Supreme Court cases, and I truly believe that understanding our legal and political systems is not only attainable for any student, but also fun and important! I have put this passion into practice as a Staff Member of the Chicago Journal of International Law, the #2 ranked International Law journal in the country. I would love to work with you on research and writing projects, which can range from formal academic research, to blog posts, to podcasts! Fun fact: I love water sports and spent the summer before law school as a sailing instructor in Sebago, Maine!Project ideas
Oral Argument
One of the most challenging and rewarding tasks I encountered in law school has been the oral argument. The student and I would work together to choose a topic they are interested in. Preparing for an oral argument includes research, public speaking, and persuasive skills. I encourage students to, if they are willing, argue a side they do not necessarily agree with! This is great practice in finding nuance in situations, as well as a fun introduction to preemptively considering counterarguments.
Research Paper
A research paper can take two forms: a Memo (objective, neutral, presenting both sides) or a Brief (persuasive, arguing one side). Both Memos and Briefs are commonly used documents in both the political and legal fields. I'd work with you to choose a topic you're interested in and apply that topic while developing your research and writing skills.
Teaching experience
1) I have tutored elementary school-aged children on a weekly basis in the core subjects. 2) I have worked at an overnight camp in which I lived with, ate with, mentored, and taught numerous children of ages ranging from ten to sixteen.Credentials
Work experience
Education
Reviews
"Rachel was wonderful. She had great ideas, was incredibly knowledgeable, and very encouraging/supportive. I definitely would not have been able to complete this project without her, or even with a different mentor. I loved discussing beyond "the facts" and talking about my personal thoughts on controversial topics. I am very pleased and impressed with what we got done in approximately 10 weeks! I wish her the best!"
