About Our Office

Jacqueline Russell

Interim Assistant Dean for Career Development and Professionalism; Director of Recruitment Programs, Career Development and Professionalism; Co-Director of the Solo and Small Practice Incubator

Jackie (she/her/hers) has been with Chicago-Kent since 2019. She graduated from University of Detroit Mercy College of Law in 2014 and practiced family law and civil rights litigation. She also volunteered with Wayne County CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates) as an advocate for children in the foster care system. As a law student, she was an SBA representative, the Justice of the school’s Phi Alpha Delta chapter, and a member of the Irish-American Law Students Association. She worked in the school’s Veterans Law Clinic helping low-income veterans with their cases before the Department of Veterans Affairs. Jackie is a Michigan native and has lived in many different places throughout the state. She attended Albion College where she studied English and political science and was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta.

Ask me about

General career planning, family law, solo and small firm practice, on-campus interviews, networking, opportunities with the military JAG corps, and getting the most out of law school.

In my free time, I enjoy
Spending time with my son and husband, playing video and tabletop games, watching TV shows and movies, baking, reading, and anything that involves getting to play with a dog.

Connect with Jackie on LinkedIn

Michelle Vodenik

Director, Public Interest Center; and Senior Director, Career Development and Professionalism

Michelle (she/her/hers) has been with Chicago-Kent since 2005. She serves as director of the Public Interest Center; and senior director in the Office of Career Development and Professionalism. During her long tenure, she has steadily worked to build resources for students interested in building a career in public interest law and to educate students on the wide range of satisfying career opportunities in the public sector. Michelle has a background being part of and leading in non-profit circles, including human rights concerns for women, the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, and the incarcerated. Through this she gained skills in organizing, event planning, and communication that she uses every day to support Chicago-Kent students in their career journeys and pro bono projects. Michelle attended Loyola University Chicago College of Law and received a degree in political science and women’s studies from The Ohio State University.

Ask me about

Public interest and government careers; diversity and inclusion in the legal profession; alternative non-profit and government careers—such as legislative advocacy and non-profit management; pro bono incorporated into the life of every law student and lawyer; and building community among law students and lawyers through student group and bar association involvement,

In my free time, I enjoy
Attending school activities my children are involved with, such as cross country meets, soccer games, basketball games, marching and concert band; traveling—I have been to 46 of the 50 states; and I would like to visit every country in Central and South America; reading and following national and international politics and news, as well as happenings in the Chicago legal, non-profit, and activist communities.

Follow Michelle on LinkedIn

Carla Rubalcava

Administrative Associate of Career Development and Professionalism

Carla (she/her/hers) joined the Chicago-Kent staff in 2022. Having served in various administrative capacities in both academic and corporate settings, Carla possesses the skills and knowledge necessary to ensure the smooth operation of our Career Development and Professionalism initiatives. Carla’s responsibilities include but are not limited to essential student support, assists with event coordination, manages databases, and handles office communication. Carla is committed to helping our students succeed in becoming the next generation of legal professionals.

In my free time, I enjoy
Visiting new libraries, road trips (trying to visit all 50 states), live concerts, painting, and collecting record albums.

Connect with our CDP Office Account on LinkedIn