Adnan Sarancic eyes paralegal career with focus on helping others

Senior Adnan Sarancic, an international relations major from Gurnee, Illinois, has left his mark in both academics and athletics at Lawrence University. He plans to use his experiences at Lawrence within the paralegal field after graduation.

Sarancic's interest in international relations stems from his family's story. His parents fled their home in the former Yugoslavia (now Bosnia and Herzegovina) in 1993 as result of the Bosnian genocide.

"They came to America knowing no English with only the clothes on their backs and very little money to their name," Sarancic said. "They truly achieved the American dream and have sacrificed so much for my brother (Jusuf Sarancic '16) and me to set us up for success and allow us to pursue our own dreams."

Witnessing the hardships of his parents inspired Sarancic to pursue a career where he could help others, particularly in the legal field. The difficulty of the paperwork involved in immigration sparked his interest, amplified with an academic interest in war history. With an alumni connection through his older brother, Sarancic knew that Lawrence was a good fit early on in his college search process.

"My growing love for law made it a no-brainer for me to pursue a career in the legal field and try to help others in a way that is both effective and one that I am passionate about," Sarancic said. "I was recruited to play basketball, and I knew Lawrence had gone well for my brother."

A forward on the men's basketball team, Sarancic believes in the importance of team camaraderie. He loves being a part of a team environment and going through shared successes and struggles with his peers.

Sarancic earned Academic All-District honors and was inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma, the national college athlete honor society. He also was able to study abroad in London for a term, which he describes as the "most influential and enjoyable 10 weeks" of his time as an undergraduate.

"I think the ability for student-athletes to study abroad is one of the aspects of Lawrence that makes it so appealing due to our trimester system," Sarancic said. "I had to keep myself accountable, which I think is an incredibly beneficial skill."

Sarancic was able to study abroad in London while still enjoying his basketball season. Sarancic's experiences on the team and abroad have helped him gain perspective he hopes to use in the field of law.

The past two summers have also been filled with opportunity for Sarancic, as he worked as a legal intern in Chicago for a private criminal law firm, Nishay K. Sanan, Esq. Sarancic spent his time under Sanan taking notes on cases, meeting clients, and sitting in on meetings.

"It was an incredible opportunity and I'm incredibly grateful for him," Sarancic said.

After graduation, Sarancic looks forward to being part of a team again, this time in the legal field rather than on the basketball court. He will begin a two-year paralegal position in New York with Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Affiliates. The job will expand on his previous experiences, working with about 20 team members.

"I am super excited for it," Sarancic said. "I'll help out where needed, fill out paperwork, and learn the nuts and bolts of law."