Charity Seaborn

UIC Law alumna Charity Seaborn (JD ’22) strives to continue the law school’s legacy of access and opportunity by exposing UIC Law students to externships available through her firm’s new pipeline program.

Now a third-year associate at Barnes & Thornburg LLP, Seaborn not only works one-on-one with law students through various stages of their careers but is also assisting her firm develop the new program.

The pipeline initiative, set to launch in spring 2026, is designed to give students valuable exposure to big law practice while building relationships with firm attorneys. Seaborn, along with fellow UIC Law alumni Chris Burton and Kyle Prillaman, will oversee the externs directly. The initiative will begin with one placement and expand over time, creating a pathway for UIC Law students to gain meaningful experience inside a large firm. Seaborn sees the new program as a way to demonstrate that UIC Law students can succeed in competitive legal environments.

“UIC Law’s JD candidates are highly qualified,” Seaborn said. “If we can get them in the door, I know they will be able to excel.”

Before law school, Seaborn built a career in higher education and student affairs, working in residence life, Title IX, and student conduct. That background gave her a people-centered perspective that continues to shape her work today. Using her experience handling employee relations at Roosevelt University, Seaborn works in the Labor and Employment sector where she advises employers on compliance with evolving labor laws, defends discrimination claims, and works on class action wage-and-hour disputes.

Beyond her legal work, Seaborn is committed to giving back. She regularly mentors UIC Law students, sharing outlines, reviewing resumes, and coaching students through the challenges of law school. Her journey transforming early struggles into academic success has made her a sought-after guide for students facing similar obstacles.

Looking ahead, Seaborn hopes to deepen her involvement with UIC Law, whether through teaching, expanding the pipeline program, or continuing to support students individually.

“I try to stay involved because I think our students deserve opportunities to show their skills in the big law space,” she said. “If I can open the door for them in any way, I want to do that.”