Meet Recent IU McKinney Graduate Kelsey Shanahan
07/16/2025
Kelsey Shanahan, J.D. ’25, is preparing for the bar exam in her home state, Missouri. The work she did after completing her undergraduate studies led her to law school.
Any lawyers in your family? What made you decide you wanted to go to law school?
My sister is currently a practicing attorney in Kansas City. After graduating from Kansas State University, I worked as a child abuse and neglect investigator for Children's Division in Jackson County, Missouri. I took this position to determine whether I wanted to pursue an advanced degree in psychology or attend law school. My experience at the Children’s Division was invaluable, providing me with opportunities to work with diverse individuals in the community. Through this work, I realized I could help more people by pursuing a legal education.
What brought you to IU McKinney in particular?
I wanted to experience a new city as I believe a lot of personal growth can occur when you step outside of what is comfortable and known. More academic specific, I chose Mckinney because of the vast clinic opportunities. Representing clients under the supervision of a licensed attorney is such an incredible experience and was non-negotiable when choosing a law school.
What’s been the biggest adjustment you’ve had to make in your life since you started law school?
The biggest adjustment since starting law school has been creating a better work-life balance to meet the demands of law school while still maintaining my relationships with friends and family. Law school presents a constant workload that can be overwhelming, but I have developed strategies to compartmentalize my studies while preserving time for family, friends, and self-care. This meant establishing study schedules, learning to identify the most critical aspects of cases rather than obsessing over every detail, and giving myself permission to step away on occasion. These boundaries haven't come easily, but they've been essential, not just for my well-being, but for maintaining the perspective and human connection that initially drove me toward a legal career.
What student groups have you been involved in?
I have been a part of the Feminist Law Society and the Sports and Entertainment Law Society. The Sports and Entertainment Law Society has given me an opportunity to connect with other law students who have a love for sports as much as I do.
Have you taken part in any law school clinics or externships? If so, please tell me about that, if you would.
I participated in the Health and Human Rights Clinic under Professor Fran Quigley's supervision, where I represented tenants facing eviction in Washington Township. This clinical experience provided me the rare opportunity to manage my own client caseload while still in law school. Working alongside my co-counsel Colie Bojab and under Professor Quigley's guidance, I successfully litigated a case on behalf of a tenant facing housing insecurity. This victory reinforced the reason I chose to attend law school by facilitating a tangible impact on a mother and her three children. The clinic experience allowed me to apply classroom knowledge to real-world, legal challenges while mastering essential client counseling and litigation skills.
I also completed an externship with The Center for Victims and Human Rights. Along with my background in domestic violence advocacy at the Children's Division, this opportunity was particularly meaningful. Working with an organization that directly aligns with my initial motivation for attending law school has been extremely useful. The externship allowed me to apply my legal education to support survivors of abuse and violence—precisely the type of impactful work I envisioned when I chose to pursue a legal career. This experience reinforced my commitment to using my legal skills to advocate for vulnerable populations and has provided practical insight into how I can effectively serve these communities as an attorney.
What are your plans for after law school?
Since graduating May, I returned to Kansas City and am preparing to sit for the Missouri Bar. My long-term career plan is open and still unfolding. However, my commitment is to use my legal skills to make a direct and significant difference in the community and lives of others.
