Meet the class of 2027
Marcelle Dupuy, Kamal Baker, Jack McNabb, Betsy Poehlman, and Travis Pham are proud first-year JD students.
Meet the class of 2027
Discover why they’re here and what they’re learning
Marcelle Dupuy
Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana
Why Loyola? I chose Loyola law for its renowned Civitas Child Law Clinic and the opportunity to be a Child Law Fellow.
Before law school: I taught reading and language arts in elementary schools in New Orleans and Houston for seven years.
Area of study: I am committed to practicing education law to help ensure all students, especially those in diverse communities, have access to a fair and equitable education. Coming from a family of educators, I witnessed firsthand how deeply schools support their communities beyond the classroom. Teaching before, during, and after the pandemic reinforced this understanding and exposed me to the consequences of education policies made without educator input. I want to change that by advocating for laws, policies, and practices that center the expertise of educators and the needs of students.
Marcelle Dupuy taught elementary school before enrolling in law school.
My superpower: I am a true people person. I love talking and getting to know people.
One thing I would tell future law students: Your journey is your own. There is not one singular path or right way to becoming a lawyer, and it looks different for everyone.
One more thing: I love how supportive Loyola is. There is almost always someone asking if they can help. It was something that I didn’t expect from a law school, but I am so glad I found it at Loyola.
“I love how supportive Loyola is. There is almost always someone asking if they can help.”
Jack McNabb
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Why Loyola? Loyola is a great school that is well connected to the Chicago legal community. I also recognized when visiting other schools that Loyola offered a greater sense of community and support [than] other schools.
Before law school: I took a gap year. After undergrad, I worked as a court volunteer with the Illinois JusticeCorps, an AmeriCorps program that places volunteers in courthouse resource centers to assist self-represented litigants with their cases. I assisted in starting or responding to civil complaints [and] in connecting litigants [who had] more serious legal matters with free and inexpensive legal aid resources throughout Cook County.
Area of study: Criminal law, specifically prosecution. In undergrad, I interned at the local prosecutor’s office and loved watching my supervising attorney in court. I could really see myself presenting arguments in court and working in some level of prosecution.
Jack McNabb is interested in studying criminal law, specifically prosecution.
My superpower: The ability to stay calm and collected during cold calls in class.
Best thing about law school so far: The faculty at Loyola teach doctrinal courses in interesting and enjoyable ways. It’s hard for me to imagine learning civil procedure in a different way than Professor Ho’s click-and-learn slides.
One thing I would tell future law students: There’s no one way or best way to get here. Don’t let people tell you, “If you want to go to law school, you have to do X or you can’t do Y.” Many students at Loyola had [other] careers before deciding that they wanted to get a law degree.
“The faculty at Loyola teach doctrinal courses in interesting and enjoyable ways.”
Kamal Baker
Hometown: Hopkins, Minnesota
Why Loyola? Chicago is such a fun city and an amazing place to launch a legal career. Loyola has an incredible alumni network here. It’s filled with talented attorneys working in all areas of the profession, and they’re more than happy to provide mentorship for students like me.
Before law school: I worked in government and politics, including on the re-election campaign for Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar. I also had the privilege of working with then Governor-elect Tim Walz as he transitioned into office. During my senior year at the University of Minnesota, I advised Congressman Dean Phillips on communications for his 2020 re-election campaign, then managed the re-election of Minnesota’s capital city mayor, Melvin Carter, [and] joined the Carter Administration as press secretary.
A first-generation law student, Kamal Baker has worked in government and politics, including on the re-election campaign for Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar.
My superpower: Childlike wonder!
Best thing about law school so far: My classmates. They are brilliant and some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. I’m excited to see all the cool things they’ll end up doing with their degree.
One thing I would tell future law students: Even as a first year, I can tell that these three years are going to fly by. Be present!
One more thing: The best thing I’ve done for myself as a first-generation law student is ask a panel of legal processionals if there’s a difference between a lawyer and an attorney, which is maybe a silly question. But I was curious. And now I’m not afraid of asking anything.
“Loyola has an incredible alumni network … filled with talented attorneys working in all areas of the profession.”
Betsy Poehlman
Hometown: Columbia, Missouri
Why Loyola? It is located right in the middle of downtown Chicago, which offers great networking opportunities. I also could picture myself at all of the coffee shops, cafes, stores, and the lake between classes for study breaks. What sealed the deal for me were the IP opportunities, specifically the IP legal writing course, [which] allowed me to dive into IP during my first week of law school.
Before law school: With an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering … my first job was at a shipyard for a defense contractor, where I did acoustic engineering work. After a few years, I grew bored of the repetitive projects. I found a law firm in Chicago that hired me as a patent engineer, where I was introduced to law and intellectual property. I assisted in drafting patent applications, and my passion for the work inspired me to pursue law school and become a lawyer.
An interest in patents and intellectual property led Betsy Poehlman to pursue law school.
My superpower: Event planning. I enjoy coming up with unique event themes and planning all the little details to make the event perfect. In fact, I have the themes for my next three birthdays already figured out.
Best thing about law school so far: The supportive community. Initially, I was worried that my section would be competitive and cutthroat, based on what I heard about other law schools. However, my experience has been the opposite. Everyone in my section is eager to help in any way they can.
One thing I would tell future law students: Take a deep breath and don’t let others stress you out.
“What sealed the deal for me were the IP opportunities.”
Travis Pham
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Why Loyola? Chicago offers a thriving legal market with ample opportunities for professional growth. When choosing between schools, I was drawn to Loyola for its strong alumni network and esteemed reputation. After taking a tour, I knew this was where I wanted to be.
Before law school: I worked as a tax accountant in both public accounting and in-house roles, handling a variety of tasks, including advising, preparation, and compliance.
Travis Pham’s experience as a tax accountant sparked his interest in law school.
“After taking a tour, I knew this was where I wanted to be.”
Best thing about law school so far: Being surrounded by brilliant professors and classmates who challenge me to think more deeply every day.
One thing I would tell future law students: Prioritize self-care, even when busy with schoolwork. You’ll be able to put your best foot forward when you’re healthy and happy. –Kristi Turnbaugh (February 2025)
“Chicago is such a fun city and an amazing place to launch a legal career,” says Kamal Baker, one of the driven and diverse individuals who make up our full-time JD class of 2027. Get to know some of our first-year students.
Marcelle Dupuy
Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana
Why Loyola? I chose Loyola law for its renowned Civitas Child Law Clinic and the opportunity to be a Child Law Fellow.
Before law school: I taught reading and language arts in elementary schools in New Orleans and Houston for seven years.
Area of study: I am committed to practicing education law to help ensure all students, especially those in diverse communities, have access to a fair and equitable education. Coming from a family of educators, I witnessed firsthand how deeply schools support their communities beyond the classroom. Teaching before, during, and after the pandemic reinforced this understanding and exposed me to the consequences of education policies made without educator input. I want to change that by advocating for laws, policies, and practices that center the expertise of educators and the needs of students.
My superpower: I am a true people person. I love talking and getting to know people.
One thing I would tell future law students: Your journey is your own. There is not one singular path or right way to becoming a lawyer, and it looks different for everyone.
One more thing: I love how supportive Loyola is. There is almost always someone asking if they can help. It was something that I didn’t expect from a law school, but I am so glad I found it at Loyola.
Jack McNabb
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Why Loyola? Loyola is a great school that is well connected to the Chicago legal community. I also recognized when visiting other schools that Loyola offered a greater sense of community and support [than] other schools.
Before law school: I took a gap year. After undergrad, I worked as a court volunteer with the Illinois JusticeCorps, an AmeriCorps program that places volunteers in courthouse resource centers to assist self-represented litigants with their cases. I assisted in starting or responding to civil complaints [and] in connecting litigants [who had] more serious legal matters with free and inexpensive legal aid resources throughout Cook County.
Area of study: Criminal law, specifically prosecution. In undergrad, I interned at the local prosecutor’s office and loved watching my supervising attorney in court. I could really see myself presenting arguments in court and working in some level of prosecution.
My superpower: The ability to stay calm and collected during cold calls in class.
Best thing about law school so far: The faculty at Loyola teach doctrinal courses in interesting and enjoyable ways. It’s hard for me to imagine learning civil procedure in a different way than Professor Ho’s click-and-learn slides.
One thing I would tell future law students: There’s no one way or best way to get here. Don’t let people tell you, “If you want to go to law school, you have to do X or you can’t do Y.” Many students at Loyola had [other] careers before deciding that they wanted to get a law degree.
Kamal Baker
Hometown: Hopkins, Minnesota
Why Loyola? Chicago is such a fun city and an amazing place to launch a legal career. Loyola has an incredible alumni network here. It’s filled with talented attorneys working in all areas of the profession, and they’re more than happy to provide mentorship for students like me.
Before law school: I worked in government and politics, including on the re-election campaign for Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar. I also had the privilege of working with then Governor-elect Tim Walz as he transitioned into office. During my senior year at the University of Minnesota, I advised Congressman Dean Phillips on communications for his 2020 re-election campaign, then managed the re-election of Minnesota’s capital city mayor, Melvin Carter, [and] joined the Carter Administration as press secretary.
My superpower: Childlike wonder!
Best thing about law school so far: My classmates. They are brilliant and some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. I’m excited to see all the cool things they’ll end up doing with their degree.
One thing I would tell future law students: Even as a first year, I can tell that these three years are going to fly by. Be present!
One more thing: The best thing I’ve done for myself as a first-generation law student is ask a panel of legal processionals if there’s a difference between a lawyer and an attorney, which is maybe a silly question. But I was curious. And now I’m not afraid of asking anything.
Betsy Poehlman
Hometown: Columbia, Missouri
Why Loyola? It is located right in the middle of downtown Chicago, which offers great networking opportunities. I also could picture myself at all of the coffee shops, cafes, stores, and the lake between classes for study breaks. What sealed the deal for me were the IP opportunities, specifically the IP legal writing course, [which] allowed me to dive into IP during my first week of law school.
Before law school: With an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering … my first job was at a shipyard for a defense contractor, where I did acoustic engineering work. After a few years, I grew bored of the repetitive projects. I found a law firm in Chicago that hired me as a patent engineer, where I was introduced to law and intellectual property. I assisted in drafting patent applications, and my passion for the work inspired me to pursue law school and become a lawyer.
My superpower: Event planning. I enjoy coming up with unique event themes and planning all the little details to make the event perfect. In fact, I have the themes for my next three birthdays already figured out.
Best thing about law school so far: The supportive community. Initially, I was worried that my section would be competitive and cutthroat, based on what I heard about other law schools. However, my experience has been the opposite. Everyone in my section is eager to help in any way they can.
One thing I would tell future law students: Take a deep breath and don’t let others stress you out.
Travis Pham
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Why Loyola? Chicago offers a thriving legal market with ample opportunities for professional growth. When choosing between schools, I was drawn to Loyola for its strong alumni network and esteemed reputation. After taking a tour, I knew this was where I wanted to be.
Before law school: I worked as a tax accountant in both public accounting and in-house roles, handling a variety of tasks, including advising, preparation, and compliance.
Area of study: I plan to stay in the tax field and hope to explore different areas within it, such as trusts and estates, real estate, and tax controversy.
My superpower: Reverse searing a steak
Best thing about law school so far: Being surrounded by brilliant professors and classmates who challenge me to think more deeply every day.
One thing I would tell future law students: Prioritize self-care, even when busy with schoolwork. You’ll be able to put your best foot forward when you’re healthy and happy. –Kristi Turnbaugh (February 2025)