University of Illinois College of Law

About

Rebecca Myhr Szajna is the director of the Externship Program and a lecturer in law. She joined the College in 2011 as Director of Career Planning and Professional Development. In that role, she counseled students and alumni, with a particular focus on students interested in public interest and government careers. Professor Szajna also served as an adjunct professor, teaching The American Jury and Fundamentals of Legal Practice.

Professor Szajna earned her JD from Stanford Law School, MA in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, and her BS summa cum laude from Arizona State University. While at Stanford, Professor Szajna served as the Lead Articles Editor of the Stanford Law and Policy Review.

Professor Szajna is licensed to practice law in Illinois and is admitted to the Northern District of Illinois. Prior to joining the College of Law, Professor Szajna worked as a trial consultant, an Assistant Appellate Defender for the State of Illinois, and a litigator with two major Chicago law firms. Professor Szajna currently serves as a member of the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court Pro Bono Committee, advocating for increased recognition of pro bono in Illinois.

In addition to her legal practice, Professor Szajna has counseled lawyers in matters related to professional well-being and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Illinois. She also is a MBTI^® Certified Practitioner and facilitates Myers-Briggs Self-Assessments.

Education

JD Stanford Law School
MA Illinois School of Professional Psychology
BS Arizona State University

Areas of Expertise

Experiential Learning
The Legal Profession
Lawyer Well-being
Juries