Administrator Spotlight: Katie Shirley

Director, Student Affairs

Tell us the story of how you came to work at NYU Law. Were you always in your current position?

I started my role at NYU Law in November 2023. I have career experience as both a lawyer and a student affairs professional so when I saw this role, I truly felt like it was tailor-made for me. I am still new, but I feel so blessed to be working at the intersection of my professional passions. 

What’s a typical day for you like? 

Every day is different, and that is one of the things I like most about my role. I advise our approximately 90 student groups and provide support to individual students as they navigate the challenges of law school. My biggest goals for this academic year are to foster community amongst our students and build a better rapport between students and administrators. I plan student-facing events for the Law School, so one of the ways I am working towards achieving these goals is through developing intentional programming. 

What’s the most challenging thing about what you do? And what’s the most rewarding?

Thus far the most challenging part about my role has been getting to know all of the offerings here at the Law School. Our community is so diverse in terms of interests and academic pursuits, and I am impressed by all of the options that exist for students. I am definitely still learning all of the acronyms and working to speak the language here.

The most rewarding part of my job is getting to see the brilliant work of our students. It never ceases to amaze me how smart, creative, and passionate they are, and I am so proud to be a part of their journey to becoming attorneys. 

What do you wish you’d known about the Law School on your first day of working here?

I have been so pleasantly surprised by how supportive and welcoming my colleagues are. Everyone is very busy, yet they consistently make the time to offer their support to our Office of Student Affairs initiatives. As a new member of the Law School team, I was immediately made to feel like a member of the community here.

What is your favorite spot on campus, and why?

My favorite spot on campus is the Law Library. It has such a warm and inviting atmosphere, and I love to see our students working so hard when I pass through. It also makes me feel nostalgic for my own law school days. I am still exploring campus and am looking forward to finding more favorite spots.

 

Posted February 14, 2024