Catherine Nowak

BA, Philosophy, Purdue University, 2022

Catherine Nowak is an ESG Paralegal on the Global Legal and Compliance team at McDonald's Corporate headquarters in Chicago, IL. She supports the company’s environmental, social and governance initiatives through corporate compliance, legal research and cross-functional support across global markets. She is also a part-time evening student at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) School of Law, pursuing her J.D.

Catherine’s legal career began in civil litigation. She worked as a paralegal at Krauskopf Kauffman, P.C. while earning a Litigation and Corporate Practice Paralegal Certificate from Loyola University Chicago, where she is an SCPS Ambassador. She then transitioned to McDonald's as a Legal Assistant on the Corporate Securities and Governance team before being promoted to her current role as an ESG Paralegal in the summer of 2025.

Catherine graduated from Purdue University in three years through the Degree in 3 Program. She was drawn to philosophy in high school after mentors noted how its emphasis on writing and logical reasoning offered ideal preparation for law. During her time at Purdue, Catherine served as a Philosophy Department Mentor, conducted research as a Wilke Scholar, was a Dean’s Ambassador, a member of Alpha Chi Omega and volunteered with the Oral English Proficiency Program.

Outside of work and law school, Catherine enjoys exploring Chicago, attending concerts, trying new matcha spots, running and taking yoga classes.