Jamie Freveletti, Class of 1985

Award-winning novelist and trial attorney

Jamie Freveletti is a trial attorney and author whose debut novel, RUNNING FROM THE DEVIL, was chosen as a “Notable Book” by the Independent Booksellers of America, awarded “Best First Novel” by the International Thriller Writers and nominated for a Macavity Award for “Best First Mystery” by the Mystery Readers International. It has been translated into three languages and was an international bestseller. Her second novel, RUNNING DARK, was a bestseller in the Chicagoland and South Florida areas and her third novel, THE NINTH DAY, was selected as one of the “Best Thrillers of 2011” by Suspense Magazine. In 2011, Freveletti was tapped by the Estate of Robert Ludlum to write the next in the COVERT ONE series and that novel, Robert Ludlum’s THE JANUS REPRISAL, was released in September 2012. The fourth book in her own series, DEAD ASLEEP, came out later that year and hit number one on Amazon’s Kindle bestseller list.

What were you like as a law student?

As a law student, I was always very curious. I was writing even then. I was definitely a little outside of the norm at the time I was here. Kent had just opened their computer lab and it was very cutting edge. You had to be picked to get in there, but I would sneak in at night anyway to write all of my briefs.

What was your favorite class?

Probably Criminal Law - it was the most interesting. Some sad cases, but a very interesting view. I was very interested in how Criminal Law can affect our rights- our private rights, the Bill of Rights. It’s still a theme today that I’m very concerned about.

What has been your greatest professional achievement?

As a lawyer, getting the Quaker Oats petition filed with the FDA that allowed us to put that oats lower cholesterol on the box. As a writer, it’s surviving in a very tough industry at a very high level and being able to do it full time. It’s just a joy.

What does your future hold?

I have hopes. I would like to have a screenplay sold. I would like to have a couple more books out and be on the New York Times list a couple of more times. I would like to see one of my screenplays or books turned into a movie. I have a lot in store for the future. I would also like to write and produce a film from my own work.

What advice would you give to a young attorney just starting out today?

Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. You’ll hear a lot of people telling you no. You can’t listen to it- take it into consideration, think about it, and be polite when they give you the advice. Then go home and ask yourself what you really want, put it aside, and do it.