Shannon B.
5.0
(4)
Former T14 Recruiting and Student Affairs Dean | First-Gen Advocate
Studied at DePaul University
Hiring Manager at National Geographic Society
Successful clients at
Available Friday at 12:30 AM UTC
Usually responds within 4 hours
I also can make some additional weekend and evening times as well as earlier morning times work with advance notice. Please feel free to contact me to inquire about additional availability beyond what is visible here.
Questions? Start chatting with this coach before you get started.
Shannon's Coaching Offerings
Write a Powerful Personal Statement
Brainstorm, draft, and polish a standout personal statement
Starting at $9005h+ of coaching
Complete Law School Application Package — Land Your Dream School
Expert help on your personal statement, resume, essays, and more
Starting at $4,50020h+ of coaching
Nail Your Law School Interviews
Practice realistic mock law school interviews with a trained expert
Starting at $5703h+ of coaching
Custom hourly · $200/hr
Get help with Financial Aid & Scholarships, Recommendations, and .
Shannon’s Leland+ Resources
Access expert resources from Shannon and hundreds of other coaches on Leland+
Compelling Law School Perspective Statements
4 views
Demystifying Law School Admissions: Insider Strategies to Strengthen Your Application
6 views
Compelling Law School Personal Statements
1 views
Early Action, Early Decision, or Just Apply "Early"? Navigating the Law School Admissions Process
0 views
Shannon’s Law School Qualifications
Welcome to my profile! With over a decade of experience at top law schools like the University of Chicago and Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, I bring a wealth of knowledge in law school admissions and student affairs. As a former Associate Dean and Director of Diversity Education & Outreach, I have reviewed countless applications and led recruitment initiatives, particularly for first-generation and historically underrepresented students. My background as a first-generation professional allows me to understand the challenges applicants face and guide them through the process with tailored strategies, and students I have worked with have gone on to U of C, Pritzker, Georgetown, Cornell, Wash U, USC and other great law schools. Whether you're navigating the complexities of law school admissions, seeking to enhance your personal statement, wanting to strategize about a character and fitness issue, or deciding which law school would best allow you to thrive, I'm here to help you succeed. Let's connect and make your law school dreams a reality! **Please don't let the rates deter you. I encourage you to contact me if you have concerns about the affordability of coaching, as I am always happy to offer discounts or design custom packages for those with less financial resources.
Shannon can help with:
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Recommendations
Interviews
School Selection
Application Strategy
Essays
Resume
About Shannon
I’ve built a career that spans law, higher education, and the nonprofit world, all while working in elite institutions and on scrappy, under-resourced teams with enormous impact. Along the way, I’ve launched new offices and functions, forged collaborations across cultures, and stepped away from paths that no longer aligned with my values. I know firsthand what it means to be the first in your family to graduate from college, apply to and attend professional school, and navigate the corporate world. I know what it is like to be “the only” woman or person of color in the room, to navigate impostor feelings, and to face bias head-on. I’ve mentored and coached others through law school admissions, interview processes, career transitions, salary negotiations, conflict on teams, and the challenges of being a first-generation professional. What has sustained me through each chapter of my journey has been the wisdom, encouragement, and honest counsel of those who chose to share their knowledge. My own success has been shaped by those conversations, and now I am committed to paying that forward. As your coach, I offer a sounding board, a strategic partner, and a trusted guide. Together, we’ll clarify your goals, align your career with your values and strengths, and build the confidence and strategies you need to thrive. My mission is simple: to help you honor your worth and create a path that feels authentic, purposeful, and sustainable.
Work Experience
Chief Community Engagement & Social Impact Officer
National Geographic Society
March 2025 - June 2025
Hiring Manager
Design global strategy to ethically engage with Indigenous and local communities, expand social impact initiatives, and advance innovation and collaboration. Leadership, Strategic Planning and +3 skills
Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer
National Geographic Society
August 2021 - February 2025
Hiring Manager
Built and led the Society’s inaugural diversity, equity and inclusion team and strategy, embedding inclusion and equity across the philanthropic and grant-making organization's operations, programs, and culture while championing inclusion and accessibility.
Lecturer
Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
August 2019 - June 2021
Developed and taught seminar on free speech in higher education
Associate Dean
Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
October 2018 - June 2021
Admissions Committee
Led transformational initiatives to advance diversity and engagement across the institution, developed impactful programming and initiatives for students, staff, faculty and alumni, and shaped institutional priorities at the intersection of legal education and inclusion. Reviewed applications for admission, hosted recruiting events for prospective students, and advised about admissions process. Leadership, Strategy and +2 skills
Dean of Students
University of Chicago Law School
August 2016 - September 2018
Hiring Manager
Managed student life operations, spearheaded initiatives to enhance well-being, belonging, and inclusion, and served as a senior leadership voice for student-centered change. Student Services, Communication and +2 skills
Director of Diversity Education & Outreach
Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
November 2013 - June 2016
Interviewer
Led diversity education and student experience initiatives, advised leadership, faculty and administrators on inclusion strategies,. Reviewed applications for admissions, met with prospective students, and led recruitment initiatives focused on historically underrepresented students, including first generation professional students. Diversity & Inclusion, Coaching and +2 skills
Associate Director of Student Affairs
University of Chicago Law School
December 2010 - October 2013
Supported student success and inclusion, advised affinity groups, and directed, designed and executed signature student programming. Spoke with prospective students. Student Affairs, Event Planning and +3 skills
Adjunct Faculty
Loyola Law School
August 2009 - May 2011
Served as a first year legal writing faculty member
Attorney
Valorem Law Group
September 2009 - December 2010
Associate
Jenner & Block
September 2005 - April 2008
Interviewer
Litigation Fellow
ACLU of Illinois
January 2004 - August 2005
Education
DePaul University
JD, summa cum laude
Order of the Coif CALI Awards in: Trial Advocacy, Legal Profession, Constitutional Process II, and Race, Racism & U.S.History 2002 Women's Bar Foundation Scholarship Recipient
UC Berkeley School of Law
M.A., Jurisprudence & Social Policy
Washington University in St. Louis
Bachelor’s Degree
4 Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
Shannon has helped Leland clients get into Georgetown University Law Center