Kristina Bilowus is an assistant director of career development at Michigan State University College of Law. She joined the staff in November 2020.

I am a connector, educator, writer and lawyer. Prior to my role at MSU Law, I practiced family law and criminal defense in Detroit. I also worked as an adjunct professor at Cooley Law School. When I was a newer lawyer, I became involved with several professional organizations that enabled me to connect with others, serve and develop my writing skills. In late 2020, I joined MSU Law, where I was able to combine many skill sets and amplify my passion for service in the legal profession.

MSU Law has top-notch students and lawyers. They are my motivation. I see their hard work and talent. I also know the path through law school and beyond can be difficult. As a first-generation law student and lawyer in my family and social circles, I struggled to find relevant resources and opportunities while in school. Now, on the other side of law school and legal practice, I can use the lessons I learned while keeping up with changes in the legal landscape.

It is my hope that I provide excellent service to our law students and lawyers, as their goals become my goals. Working together, we create a partnership in pursuing their path forward. This type of energy is the very essence of what I love most about what I do.

I am involved in several professional organizations, both within the legal profession and beyond. I am a member of the State Bar of Michigan and its Representative Assembly for the 30th Circuit. I am a member of the National Association for Law Placement. I am president-elect, a regional representative and a board member of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan. I am a board member of the Ingham County Bar Association and am involved in several diversity and inclusion initiatives throughout the state.

Outside the legal community, I am the current treasurer of the Michigan Center for Civic Education, chair of Girls on the Run Mid-Michigan and new member co-chair for the Junior League of Lansing.

This level of involvement has provided one of the best returns on my investment of time and energy. I am able to connect students with community stakeholders, potential employers and, best of all, a network of amazing people who can provide lifelong opportunities.

Our Career Services Office at MSU Law makes a significant impact on our graduates. We are building relationships for life. The goal is for students to gain meaningful work experience during the summer and secure a job offer upon graduation. However, there is so much more that we do beyond the job search process.

At the Career Services Office, we use a holistic approach — professional identity development, career exploration, individual growth and mentoring — to help students achieve those goals. Our dedication to our students’ careers is a hallmark of the office I am honored to be part of. Relationships and service are the cornerstones of the legal profession, and I want to make sure all our students have a solid foundation for their careers.