Ashley Shannon

Initially, Ashley Shannon had career aspirations that were rooted in journalism. However, as she wrote stories that focused on social justice and politics, she found herself increasingly drawn to the legal aspects of the issues she reported on. Her path took a significant turn when she worked as a counselor at Sheridan Correctional Center, a medium-security state prison in Illinois. Here, she quickly realized that, “institutional impact was due largely to the culture of correctional systems, the budgets that sustain them, and the laws that govern them,” Ashley explained. Inspired by this experience, she chose to study constitutional law and dive into legislative work to address the injustices within correctional systems. 

During her time at UIC Law, Ashley was deeply involved in a variety of student organizations, including the Black Law Students Association (BLSA), where she served as president, the Restorative Justice Committee, the Student Bar Association, and the Moot Court Honors Council. Her advocacy extended to the African American Advisory Committee and the Mental Health Committee on UIC’s main campus, further establishing her as a leader committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Ashley’s commitment to the UIC community and activism did not go unnoticed. She became the first student in UIC Law history to receive both the Social Impact and Spirit of Excellence Awards, recognizing her significant contributions to the school and her outstanding character. In addition, she was honored with the Chancellor’s Service Award, a Top Grade Award, and the Herzog Moot Court Best Petitioner Award, all while maintaining her leadership within BLSA, which earned numerous chapter and regional accolades under her guidance. Ashley was also inducted into the Phi Delta Phi Honors Society and recognized as a UIC CHANCE Honoree, celebrating her academic and community impact. 

Ashley’s work extended beyond UIC Law’s campus, bringing her face-to-face with influential leaders in social justice. Her role as BLSA president gave her the opportunity to organize impactful events, including bringing Reverend Jesse Jackson to UIC Law for a live interview. It also connected her with civil rights attorney Ben Crump, with whom she collaborated on several initiatives. In addition, Ashley launched “The Pretty Law Professor,” a mentorship platform where she offers free consultations, workshops, and guidance for current and prospective law students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.  

Now, as an Honors Attorney with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Ashley is determined to continue her work in legislative reform and institutional impact, particularly within the Bureau’s Legislative and Correctional Issues branch. Her aspirations don’t end there; she envisions a future where she can influence policy directly, whether as a chief of staff for a lawmaker, through her own run for office, or by launching community initiatives that push for reform. 

Advice to Students: “A (LSAT) score doesn’t determine your success; I know this from firsthand experience. I did not perform the best, but I did not let that stop me from pushing forward and pursuing my dreams.”