Bryant Hitchings, J.D. Legal Studies Bachelor’s Degree – 2006

Mr. Bryant Hitchings is currently an Assistant State’s Attorney of Coles County Illinois. Mr. Hitchings is a former graduate of the University of Illinois Springfield’s Legal Studies Bachelor’s Degree Program and has received his J.D. from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Michigan. Prior to working as an Assistant State’s Attorney, Mr. Hitchings was a legal clerk at the Strong Law Offices in Peoria, Illinois. Similar to many other Legal Studies alumni, Mr. Hitchings cited the numerous “opportunities for internships in government and other public affairs positions” as a main reason why he chose to attend UIS. The Legal Studies Bachelor’s Degree Program in particular appealed to him because he “wanted to be introduced to the legal field and get a basic understanding before attending law school.”

As a student in the Legal Studies program, Mr. Hitchings was able to pursue his main interest, criminal law. According to Mr. Hitchings, “the down to earth professors with real legal experience” made up the best parts of his UIS Legal Studies experience. He stated, “the friends I made and the overall community feeling the campus has helped create some of my fondest memories on campus.” For Mr. Hitchings, the Legal Studies program made a difference in his professional life by making him better prepared for a career in the law.