Monica V. Pechous
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Monica Pechous uses her robust research and writing skills to assist clients with their intellectual property needs.
Monica has a wealth of experience in researching and drafting documents for both transactional and litigation purposes, including contracts, motions for summary judgment, and motions to dismiss. With a keen ability to compile and analyze data, she identifies specific needs and implements solutions.
While in law school, Monica worked as a research assistant for Professor Lori Andrews at the Chicago-Kent Institute for Science, Law, and Technology and as a judicial extern to the Honorable Franklin U. Valderrama of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Chancery Division. These experiences contributed to Monica’s precise attention to detail and innovative approach to solving legal problems. Monica also developed strong interpersonal communication skills through her work as an intern in the Chicago-Kent Criminal Defense Clinic and as a manager of the Chicago-Kent self-represented litigant help desk.
During her college career, Monica studied abroad in both Italy and Singapore, inspiring her love for traveling and learning about other cultures. Outside of work, she also enjoys gardening, listening to true crime podcasts, and sampling local coffee shops.
- Education
- Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology (J.D., 2020); CALI Award in Legal Writing II; Samuel W. Witwer Award for Excellence in the Study of the Illinois Constitution; Fleischman Family Award for Excellence in Criminal Clinic; Chicago-Kent Law Review; Moot Court Honor Society
- Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (M.B.A. (Specialization in Management), 2021)
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas (B.S.B.A. in Marketing and B.A. in Communications Studies, with University Honors, 2018); Rebel Hall of Fame Award; Outstanding Undergraduate Writing Award
- State Admissions
- Missouri, 2021
- Illinois, 2021
- Federal Admissions
- United States District Court, Eastern District of Missouri
- United States District Court, Western District of Missouri
speaking engagements
- “10 Great Law Student Strategies You May Not Know,” Chicago-Kent College of Law (November 2021)
- “Pathways to a Career in Intellectual Property Law for Business Students,” University of Nevada, Las Vegas (October 2021)
publications
- “Beverages and Balance: Lessons in Alcohol Policy as Applied to the COVID-19 Pandemic,” Center for Alcohol Policy, 13th Annual Writing Competition (2020)
- “Giving Chicago’s Existing Fine and Seizure System the Boot: The Constitutional Case for Income-Based Fines,” 2020 Franklin W. Klein Law Student Writing Competition
- “The Impact of Technology on Home Rule Power in Illinois,” Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, 2020 Willis R. Tribler Law Student Writing Competition
- “Do Illinois Municipalities Have Their Heads in the ‘Cloud?’: Home Rule as Applied to Online Platforms,” Illinois Local Government Lawyers Association, 2020 Franklin W. Klein Law Student Writing Competition
- “A Leash Too Tight: A Case for a ‘Pet-Integrative’ Society,” American Kennel Club, 2019 Companion Animal law Writing Contest
- 2021 Fleischman Family Award for Excellence in Criminal Clinic, Chicago-Kent College of Law
- “35 Under 35” Honoree, Sigma Kappa Sorority (2021)
- Center for Alcohol Policy, 13th Annual Writing Competition, First Place (2020)
- Illinois Local Government Lawyers Association, 2020 Franklin W. Klein Law Student Writing Competition, First Place
- Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, 2020 Willis R. Tribler Law Student Writing Competition, First Place
- Illinois Local Government Lawyers Association, 2019 Franklin W. Klein Law Student Writing Competition, First Place
- American Kennel Club, 2019 Companion Animal Law Writing Contest, First Place
- Bohemian Lawyers Association of Chicago
- Sigma Kappa Sorority Alumnae Chapter, Vice President of Philanthropy and Finance Advisor
- Ascend Justice, Volunteer
