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Legal Experts Give SLU-Madrid Students Career Insights

by Isaiah Voss on 01/30/2025

01/30/2025

Saint Louis University-Madrid Rector William "Bill" Johnson, J.D., and alumnus and federal Judge Edgardo Rodríguez-Quilichini ('83-'84) talked to SLU-Madrid students about pursuing careers in law.

Johnson and Rodríguez-Quilichini shared their journeys into the legal profession.

Rodríguez-Quilichini, a U.S. administrative law judge, visited in person and presented the many non-traditional paths in law such as legal journalism, legal academia and entrepreneurship.

"Legal education is about more than just learning rules," said Rodríguez-Quilichini. "It's about understanding their impact and questioning existing systems."

"Law students engage with ethical and societal issues, exploring topics such as fairness, justice and the balance between individual rights and societal interest," he said.

Two men sit in front of desks in front of the room while presenting to students sitting down in other desks facing them.

Edgardo Rodríguez-Quilichini (left) and William "Bill" Johnson (right) sit in front of students in a San Ignacio Hall classroom.  Photo by Marta Verdejo. 

Johnson discussed his time as an international business lawyer. He also spoke about his nearly eight-year tenure as SLU's School of Law dean before becoming SLU-Madrid rector.

He encouraged students to be flexible when choosing a career.

"It is my hope for each of you that if you make the decision to pursue the law, that you'll find yourself on your own remarkable journey," he said.

In addition to career flexibility, Johnson emphasized how studying at a Jesuit university prepares students to tackle social issues.

"Our Jesuit identity matters, we're an institution with a social justice mission," said Johnson. “As part of that mission, we are called to insert ourselves in the world on behalf of the poor, the marginalized and those who seek justice. That is powerful and it applies to all of us."

After presenting, both received questions from students about the vigor of a law degree.

"Law school is not just preparation for a career, it's a transformative experience," said Rodríguez-Quilichini. He emphasized how it fosters discipline, critical thinking and a commitment to lifelong learning.