Every student’s journey towards earning their Juris Doctor degree looks different. While some come directly from the legal field, others follow their passion later in life, deciding to pivot professions and pursue their career goals in law.

Sarah Waller is one of these students, and after deciding to shift careers, is now leading initiatives alongside the Legal and Compliance departments at her company, having recently been awarded the prestigious Mark of Distinction award. Learn more about Sarah’s journey, and how CSU has helped make her goals achievable.

Can you tell us a little about your background and what inspired you to apply to the Online J.D. program?

Growing up, I always wanted to be a lawyer or work in the financial services/banking industry. By the time I finished my undergraduate degree, I was married with my two oldest children and already settled down in life. I thought law school was out of the question, so I started my career after undergrad at Capital One in 2020. After starting my first role, I loved working at the company and became increasingly fascinated by the 'why' behind the regulations and the strategic role law plays in business operations.

In 2022, I discovered that there were ABA-accredited online J.D. programs available. This was amazing because these programs were the only way I could realistically pursue this goal, as I already had a career and ties to this area. The Online J.D. program gave me the flexibility to maintain my career and manage my responsibilities as a parent and working professional while completing my law degree.

Tell us a little about the Sworn Docs Reimaged initiative

Sworn Docs Reimagined was an initiative by our company's Compliance, Legal, Process and Risk departments. I was selected to help with it in April 2024, and the goal was to overhaul and improve the process on how we handle affidavits and sworn documents for vehicle titles post-repossession. The initiative focused on improving business process efficiency while reducing risk and maintaining compliance.

It was challenging because we had to balance business needs and compliance with third-party forms and documents (such as DMV documents). There were countless variables and scenarios for how these documents are used, which required us to partner with numerous cross-functional teams. It was an incredibly rewarding project that allowed me to apply a legal mindset to drive real improvements in business operations.

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How has your time with the Online J.D. program influenced you?

The program has influenced me both professionally and personally. Professionally, it has given me a new lens through which to view my work. Before starting law school, an attorney colleague told me, "The biggest learning curve in law school is that it teaches you how to 'think like a lawyer.'" I wasn't sure what that meant before starting the program, but now, as a 3L, I understand. It changes the way you deconstruct problems, analyze issues and apply solutions. I can now identify issues, analyze risks and contribute to strategic discussions at a level I could not before. This skill is invaluable in a highly regulated line of business, such as a bank. At Capital One, I'm a Process Manager in the auto finance line of business and work closely with our Risk, Legal and Compliance business partners.

Personally, the program has taught me a new level of discipline, resilience and critical thinking. Juggling a career with the rigors of law school is challenging, but it has proven what I'm capable of. Of course, I have to give credit to my husband, parents and three children for cheering me on, as well as my incredibly supportive managers at Capital One. The program here at Cleveland State has fundamentally changed how I approach problems, write and advocate for ideas, even before I graduate.

What does earning the Mark of Distinction mean to you?

Earning the Mark of Distinction was an incredible honor. It’s one of the highest awards in Financial Services at Capital One, given to individuals who drive significant innovation and impact. For me, it serves as a powerful validation that the 'Sworn Docs Reimagined' initiative truly made a difference. It also validates that I was able to contribute meaningfully alongside senior leaders and directors in Compliance, Legal and Operations to solve a complex business challenge.

What do you hope to accomplish in the future? Any major goals or new initiatives you would like to complete?

My immediate goal, of course, is to graduate and pass the bar.

Long-term, my ambition is to work as an in-house counsel or to continue advancing my career in JD-advantage roles within Risk, Compliance or Process Management. I want to be in a role where I can serve as a strategic partner to a business, helping to navigate complex legal problems and scenarios while finding solutions that drive growth and mitigate risk.

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Do you have any advice for future students entering the Online J.D. program?

First, don’t let imposter syndrome win. As a first-generation and non-traditional student, I definitely felt a lot of imposter syndrome when I first started. It's a new world, but one thing that helped me was CSU's supportive environment. The faculty, cohort, peer mentors, alumni mentors and upper-level students have all been truly there for me and my classmates. While it's a new experience, don’t think that you don’t belong or that you're in it alone. You CAN do it!

Second, be intentional about time management from day one and don’t be afraid to ask for help early. Create a detailed schedule and stick to it, but also build in flexibility for the unexpected. There are amazing people in our academic success department who understand the unique challenges faced by students who work full-time or have families. There are so many people and resources here at CSU to help you succeed!

Do you have any advice for students who are unsure if they want to pursue an Online J.D. degree?

My advice is always to talk to people. Reach out to students from the program, especially those with a similar background, whether as working professionals, parents or those with the same career goals you hope to pursue. Ask them candid questions about the realities of the program and its impact on their lives and careers.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I just want to express my sincere gratitude to the faculty and J.D. program leadership, as well as to Dean DeSantis and the Student Academic Success department. I am incredibly grateful for their expertise, guidance and support throughout this program. They have truly invested in our success both academically and professionally! I wouldn't be here without them, or without the support of my family, my managers and my cohort.

Cleveland State University’s Online J.D. program allows you to achieve your goal of earning an online J.D. degree in as little as three years and one semester, while maintaining your professional and personal life.

The program is designed with both asynchronous and synchronous work each week, with live classes scheduled Monday-Thursday evenings. Get started today.