Charla Blanchard
Education:
- J.D., University of Notre Dame Law School, ‘05
- B.A., Spelman College, ‘02
Extracurricular Activities While at NDLS
- Notre Dame Black Law Student Association
- National Black Law Student Association – Midwest Region
- Notre Dame Moot Court Appellate Team
- Student Bar Association
- Teaching Assistant for the Political Science Department
Work Experience While at NDLS
- Intern, Cook County Office of the Public Guardian (Chicago, IL), 2003
- Intern, Bank of America Legal Department (Charlotte, NC), 2004
Employment
Assistant Public Guardian
Cook County Office of the Public Guardian
Chicago, IL
2005 to Present
Insights Regarding My Area of Practice
An Assistant Public Guardian represents abused and neglected children in juvenile court proceedings. I am excited about the work I do. An Assistant Public Guardian has two roles. I am both Guardian ad Litem and Attorney for all my clients. As Guardian ad Litem, I represent to the Court what I, as an advocate, believe is in my client’s best interest. As Attorney, I represent my clients wishes and desires. My clients are some of the most resilient and amazing people I have ever met, and I am honored to serve them. My area of practice has me in court every other day for different hearings, trials and other court proceedings. My position allows for flexibility as well because I have to interview my clients all over the state of Illinois and sometimes all over the United States.
Volunteer/Pro Bono Work
I am an active member of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Metropolitan Chicago Area.
On the NDLS Education
I never really gave much thought to the phrase “a different kind of lawyer,” until I got to NDLS. Now that I have started my career, I use the NDLS education to be that “different kind of lawyer.” I was taught to not only be a competent attorney, but to be an attorney with integrity and a knowledge that service through our profession is a requirement and not just an ideal.
On the NDLS Family
I attended Spelman College, a small Historically Black College for women. As I was choosing law schools, I visited Notre Dame. I was not expecting to find the wonderful community and support that is at Notre Dame Law School. I was welcomed in homes of several professors whom not only challenged me academically, but made me feel welcome. My classmates and fellow alumni are some of the greatest people I have ever met. I have several life long friends I met at Notre Dame. Through every minute of my law school career I was supported by professors, classmates, alumni, and even members of the administration. The NDLS family is something that I cherished in law school, and I that I still cherish today. I look forward to my return to Notre Dame every year for the Black Law Student Reunion Weekend where I visit with not only the Black Alumni but the NDLS Family that continues to support me in my life and endeavors.
