Erica Nichols Cook, J.D. Legal Studies Bachelor’s Degree – 2005

Erica Nichols Cook is a staff attorney at the Illinois Innocence Project at the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) and a Legal Studies graduate! Ms. Nichols Cook enrolled in the Legal Studies Bachelor’s Degree Program at UIS because she was able to work towards her degree and retain her full-time job as a paralegal by attending evening classes. The convenience of the Legal Studies Program accommodated her schedule and she was able to receive the education she needed to progress professionally.

After graduating with her Legal Studies Bachelor’s Degree, Ms. Nichols Cook went on to attend law school at Drake University Law School. The knowledge and experience she gained through the Legal Studies Bachelor’s Degree Program provided her with a strong foundation for success in law school. After graduating law school, Ms. Nichols Cook was an assistant public defender with the Cook County Public Defender’s Office. She has now returned to UIS as a staff attorney with the Illinois Innocence Project.

The knowledge and experience Ms. Nichols Cook gained through the Legal Studies Bachelor’s Degree Program helped her pursue her educational and professional goals. During her time spent in the Legal Studies Bachelor’s Degree Program she valued the camaraderie of the Legal Studies students and the opportunity for students to work with the Illinois Innocence Project. Ms. Cook encourages prospective and current Legal Studies students to get involved in activities on campus and to gain experience in the field.