Celebrating Olivia Riley and Welcoming 2026 Will County Legal Opportunities Scholarship Applicants

By Rachel Barks

Diversity is about the unique perspectives, lived experiences, and authentic voices that attorneys bring into the courtroom every day. In Will County, the legal community is actively working to ensure those voices are heard through the Will County Legal Opportunity Scholarship Program.

Olivia Riley, the 2025 Legal Opportunity Scholarship’s recipient is a 2L at Northern Illinois University College of Law. Originally from Peoria, Riley’s journey into the legal field is fueled by a desire to be a “zealous advocate” within the criminal justice system, specifically for underserved communities.

The Power of Representation

For Riley, the scholarship was more than just a financial boost; it was a validation of her mission.

“Diversity is not just about numbers; it is about bringing your background, experiences, and perspective into the spaces you enter and contribute to,” Riley shared. “Being in a diverse legal community allows for stronger connections, broader understanding, and more thoughtful advocacy for the people we serve.”

Riley’s commitment to increasing the representation of African American women in law is a cornerstone of her career goals. By alleviating the financial pressures of law school, this scholarship allows her to focus on her long-term goal of working in criminal litigation within the public sector.

Riley’s decision to apply for the Legal Opportunity Scholarship was sparked by her involvement with the Black Law Students Association (BLSA). After the BSLA president and a prior recipient, Ayanna Squires, shared the opportunity with the NIU BLSA chapter, Riley recognized that the scholarship’s mission mirrored her own.

“People from all backgrounds come into contact with the legal system every day,” Riley noted. “It is important that the attorneys serving them reflect that diversity.”

For Riley, this isn’t just a professional goal, it’s a personal mission to increase the representation of African American women in the legal profession. She views her role not only as a future attorney but as an inspiration for the diverse attorneys who will follow in her footsteps.

A Legacy of Support and Mentorship

The impact of this program stretches far beyond a one-time check. It builds a bridge between aspiring students and the established legal network in Will County. The very first recipient of this scholarship, Adrian Guzman, echoed this sentiment, noting how the award shaped his professional trajectory:

“Winning the scholarship has greatly affected my career by giving me guidance and meeting the right people,” the inaugural winner stated. “I really felt that my interests were always being considered… I knew I could count on guidance.”

For Riley, that sense of community was immediate. Through local events and gatherings, she has already begun forming genuine connections with practicing attorneys and prior award recipients. “It is important to me to continue that cycle of support and encouragement for future law students,” she said.

More Than Financial Support

While the $46,000 in total support provides critical relief from the financial burdens of law school, Riley emphasizes that the “invisible” benefits are just as vital. The scholarship has acted as a professional “open door,” allowing her to:

• Network with Purpose: Engage with Will County professionals in welcomingenvironments, like the annual holiday gatherings.
• Access Mentorship: Connect with prior winners to learn from their transitions from lawschool to active practice.
• Validate Her Path: Gain the confidence that her aspirations in criminal litigation are bothvalid and supported by the established legal community.

Advice for the Applicants of 2026

Riley knows that the application process can feel daunting, but her advice to prospective 2026 applicants is simple: Stay grounded in your “why” and be yourself.

“There is no single ‘right’ answer or perfect way to present yourself; I would encourage applicants to be authentic and intentional in sharing who they are,” she explains. “Putting yourself forward can feel uncertain, but opportunities like this start with believing that your voice and your story deserve to be heard.”

For more information about the Will County Legal Opportunity Scholarship and to apply, please visit https://willcountybarfoundation.com/scholarships/.

The deadline to apply is June 12, 2026.