Destinee Burrell

When Destinee Burrell decided to pursue law, it wasn’t just to fulfill her childhood dream: it was about proving to herself that she could rise to every obstacle in her path. Her primary challenge was conquering her anxiety and ADHD to become a successful lawyer. UIC Law helped her do just that.  

“I’ve always struggled with anxiety and ADHD,” Burrell shared. “Being an introvert and stepping into a profession where you constantly have to speak up, be assertive, and perform wasn’t easy.” 

Burrell’s journey into the legal field wasn’t linear. After a less-than-ideal LSAT score, she was accepted into UIC Law’s SCALES Program, a conditional admission program designed to support promising students who may not meet traditional admissions criteria. 

“That program changed everything for me,” she says. “It gave me a head start. I dedicated those weeks entirely to studying and adjusting to what law school would be like. That preparation helped me enter 1L year with confidence.” 

Throughout law school, Burrell continued to build her skills and self-confidence with UIC Law’s supportive academic structure and diverse extracurricular opportunities. From serving as Vice President and Secretary of the Black Law Students Association, to competing on the Moot Court team where she won Best Brief two years in a row, Burrell leaned into every opportunity to grow. 

Burrell also completed a judicial externship with Judge Marvin Aspen of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, secured through UIC Law’s Externship Program. “It was eye-opening. I got so much feedback on my writing, and it pushed me to get better.” 

Currently, Burrell works at Husch Blackwell LLP as a commercial litigator, focusing on toxic tort litigation, an area she never expected to enjoy. “It’s funny how things work out. I just fell into this practice area, and I love it,” she says. 

However, even as a practicing attorney, her anxiety hasn’t disappeared. But Burrell has learned how to manage it. “I overprepare and I step away when I need to. I remind myself that I’m good at what I do. I get good feedback and people trust me with responsibility. That tells me everything I need to know.” 

For current and prospective law students facing similar challenges, Burrell’s advice is clear: “Your LSAT score doesn’t define you. Your anxiety doesn’t define you. With support, hard work, and faith, you’ll find your place just like I did.”