Fascinated with human psychology and the law, incoming 1L Jadyn Lovelady ’26 planned to pursue a career as a forensic psychologist. She thoroughly enjoyed her work counseling youth in the juvenile justice system. But even as she was building trust with clients and helping them get on a better path in life, she realized she could make a bigger impact as a lawyer.  

Lovelady’s time working in the criminal justice system honed her ability to build rapport with people and channel her empathy to champion the needs of others. She also comes to Minnesota Law as a first-generation college and law student who is blazing her own trail to achieve her career goals. When Lovelady was named the first recipient of the Jones Day Diversity Fellowship, she was beyond thrilled to have the extra support and guidance.  

This charitable contribution to the University of Minnesota Foundation provides a full tuition scholarship for three years of law school, plus mentorship from Jones Day attorneys throughout a student’s time at Minnesota Law. A global law firm, Jones Day partnered with Minnesota Law on its scholarship and fellowship to expand the pipeline of diverse lawyers. 

“It’s a dream come true,” Lovelady says. “I will be able to learn a lot from the people at Jones Day. Having them have my back is such an asset.” She notes that the firm created the fellowship after the murder of George Floyd, aiming to increase diversity in the legal profession. “I’m happy to have people acknowledge that there is little racial diversity, especially for black women, in the legal realm. To have people say, ‘We want you here. You belong in this space’—I’m extra appreciative of that.”

Lovelady grew up in the Des Moines area and earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Creighton University. During college, she did internships in corrections and treatment programs for adult sex offenders. She engaged in research with a psychology professor studying substance abuse treatment for people participating in pretrial services or probation. Lovelady also was active in mock trial and the student senate and graduated summa cum laude. 

An internship with the Fourth Judicial District of Iowa that focused on rehabilitating adult sex offenders led to similar full-time work with juveniles in Des Moines. As a certified sex offender treatment professional, Lovelady worked as a problematic sexual behavior counselor for juveniles. Through weekly therapy sessions, she helped clients address the root causes of their actions and learn healthier decision-making skills, with the overall goal to prevent recidivism. She also developed curricula for group sessions and therapy for female juveniles. 

She found the work rewarding, especially as she saw clients gain a deeper understanding of themselves and greater self-confidence. “I loved it,” she says “Changing lives is wonderful. Learning something new and challenging my current perspective to help people get their desired lifestyle was extremely fulfilling.” 

Lovelady knows that this work changed her in ways that will enhance her capabilities as a lawyer. “I have learned to empathize with people I never thought I could initially,” she says. “There is a stigma attached to people who have committed sexual offenses. Being able to empathize with perhaps one of the most ostracized groups can help me empathize with pretty much anyone. I can take the perspective of anybody and provide the best legal representation possible.”

As she was considering where to attend law school, Lovelady initially planned to leave the Midwest. But the opportunities afforded by the Jones Day Diversity Fellowship, paired with a stand-out faculty and a supportive community at Minnesota Law, were too good to pass up, she says. 

Lovelady is open to numerous career avenues for channeling her skills. She wants to learn the most effective ways to help people and apply her critical-thinking and problem-solving abilities, whether that’s in the field of corporate law or advocating for individuals experiencing mental health challenges. 

“I believe that everybody deserves an ardent attorney who can fight their case on whatever side they are on,” Lovelady says. “Regardless of what you do as an attorney, you are helping move the needle in some way. And then I want to use pro bono time to help people who have the least or nothing to contribute to their defense.”

Lovelady looks forward to taking on new challenges and diving into learning. “This is a privilege I am not going to take lightly,” she says. “I will continue to put my best foot forward to succeed in law school and represent Jones Day and Minnesota Law to the best of my ability.”