Finding Purpose Through Justice: Courtney Rich’s Path to Law

As an intake specialist and paralegal with the medical malpractice team at CohenMalad LLP, Huntington University alumna Courtney Rich traces her passion for justice back to her time in the Criminal Justice Department. She credits the department’s supportive faculty and close-knit learning environment for preparing her to thrive in her legal career.

Courtney was drawn to the Criminal Justice major because of her passion for making a positive difference in people’s lives. She was inspired by her father, a prosecutor for Tipton County, to pursue a career in the legal field, where she knows she can make meaningful change.

“The experiences I saw firsthand influenced me to pick Criminal Justice as my major,” she said. “I hope to make a difference someday, as I have watched my dad do in his work.”

This drive for righting wrongs was bolstered at Huntington through exceptional scholarship and dedicated professors.

One course that stood out to Courtney was Juvenile Justice. She felt that the class gave her a new perspective on the justice system for young people and demonstrated how little people know about it unless they experience it firsthand.

“I learned a lot about how the system is broken, and what changes could be made to better it,” she said.

Courtney credits much of her success to Professor Cochran’s mentorship and dedication to the program. “Having one professor overseeing all the courses allowed me to develop a close relationship with him as a mentor,” she explained. She appreciated the open, unbiased classroom discussions that encouraged critical thinking and personal growth, an environment that helped her thrive both academically and personally.

Reflecting on her journey, Courtney encourages current students to make the most of their time at Huntington.

“Immerse yourself in the environment,” she said. “The professors want you to succeed and are there to support you in every way. Now is the time to learn about yourself, discover what drives you, and grow. Use the resources provided to you!”