Spotlight on Vadim Shifrin, Esq., TGS Consulting Attorney
Vadim Shifrin, Esq. is the new consulting attorney for The Graduate School (TGS). He is the central point of contact for TGS students seeking legal consultation. In addition to serving TGS students, Vadim is the principal and founder of Shifrin Law Group, a Chicago-based law firm that specializes in a variety of practice areas. He is a respected and entrepreneurial attorney with a history of success representing clients in the personal injury, criminal law, real estate, media, and sports and entertainment fields.
Where are you from? Where did you go to school?
I was born in Minsk, Belarus (the former USSR). My family immigrated to the United States in 1989. I graduated with my bachelor's degree from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and earned my juris doctorate (JD) from DePaul University College of Law.
What is your favorite part about being an attorney?
I usually meet clients when they are going through one of the most traumatic experiences in their entire lives. My favorite part of being an attorney is knowing that once these clients leave my office, they will hopefully be feeling a lot calmer, collected, and educated about this traumatic experience. It is my hope that they leave my office knowing someone is on their team and is fighting for their rights.
What interested you in working with Northwestern graduate students?
Since graduating college in 2004, I have spent my entire career working with college and graduate students. I first started working with law students at DePaul University College of Law at the Center for Intellectual Property and Information Technology, where I oversaw the day-to-day operations of this nationally-ranked program. At the Center, I advised 450 students on job placement, curriculum requirements, and course offerings/degrees requirements. In 2013, I started my own law firm and developed a niche practice helping college students with criminal law and personal injury cases. I worked closely with the legal service departments at many local Chicago universities, helping students with legal issues. Through these connections, I started working with Northwestern students in these specific areas of law. Having the opportunity to work with the students of Northwestern will be one of the greatest privileges of my career.
What are your areas of expertise?
I have a history of success in representing clients in the personal injury, criminal law, and real estate law fields. Throughout my career, I have secured hundreds of courtroom victories in my clients’ favor and have helped countless clients recover millions of dollars in civil negligence claims.
Is there anything you cannot advise on due to conflicts of interest?
Because of my relationship with Northwestern University, I will not be handling any matters which adversely involve the University.
How does confidentiality work with the legal services program?
From the moment you initiate contact with me, whether by phone or in-person, your communications with me are confidential. Client confidentiality is at the core of the attorney-client relationship. This applies even if your relationship with me ends after a phone call or consultation.
What would an appointment look like? What should students expect?
All student clients will be provided with a basic one-hour meeting to review their circumstances. Students will be provided with a basic consultation, and follow-up consultations may be requested on a case-by-case basis.
How should students prepare for an appointment? What should they bring?
The purpose of the consultation is to summarize your situation for the attorney. As such, students should bring all relevant documents and materials to the meeting. Sometimes the best evidence is your memory of what happened. In this case, get your thoughts in order and write out the details of your situation. Remember, all details matter.
What is your dream vacation?
I recently came back from my dream vacation! In May of this year, I got married, and my beautiful wife and I honeymooned in the French Polynesia. We spent 11 days in Bora Bora and Morea. It’s the most exquisite place you will ever see!
Learn more about The Graduate School's legal services program here.