Fox Cities News

Adnan Sarancic, a senior international relations major from Gurnee, Illinois, has distinguished himself in both academics and athletics at Lawrence University. He intends to apply his experiences at Lawrence to the paralegal field following graduation.

Sarancic's interest in international relations was inspired by his family's history. His parents escaped their home in the former Yugoslavia (now Bosnia and Herzegovina) in 1993 due to 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 explained. "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."

The struggles of his parents motivated Sarancic to seek a career where he could assist others, particularly within the legal sector. The complexity of immigration paperwork piqued his interest, which was further fuelled by an academic fascination with war history. Through an alumni connection via his older brother, Sarancic identified Lawrence as a suitable choice early 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," said Sarancic. "I was recruited to play basketball, and I knew Lawrence had gone well for my brother."

As a forward on the men's basketball team, Sarancic values team camaraderie highly. He enjoys being part of a team environment and experiencing shared triumphs and challenges with his peers.

Sarancic received Academic All-District honors and was initiated into Chi Alpha Sigma, the national college athlete honor society. He also had the opportunity to study abroad in London for one term, which he describes as the “most influential and enjoyable 10 weeks” of his undergraduate career.

“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 noted. “I had to keep myself accountable, which I think is an incredibly beneficial skill.”

Sarancic was able to balance studying abroad in London with his basketball season. His experiences on the team and overseas have provided him with a perspective he hopes to apply in the legal field.

The past two summers have also been filled with opportunities for Sarancic. He worked as a legal intern in Chicago for a private criminal law firm, Nishay K. Sanan, Esq., where he took notes on cases, met clients, and attended meetings.

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

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 allow him to build upon his previous experiences while working with approximately 20 team members.

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