How did you learn about and what is your experience volunteering with JTB?
I learned about JTB as a law student at the University of Texas. I learned that JTB had a clerkship program to place new lawyers of color with federal judges. While I did not participate in the program, I went on to utilize JTB when my co-clerks and I were assisting our Judge, the late Damon J. Keith, with filling clerkship positions for the next year. Once I started practicing again, I decided to volunteer with JTB by applying for its Associate Board. That opportunity gave me the chance to further understand the organization and its many contributions to students of color interested in the legal profession.
What sparked your interest in the law?
When I was seven years old, my mother went to law school after her first career as a nurse. On occasions that she was unable to secure childcare, she would take me to school with her. Her professors and student-colleagues were all very kind to me, and some even babysat me. They all inspired me, and I wanted to be like them. So, from then on, I always knew I would be a lawyer.
What has been a highlight of working on JTB’s Associate Board and now Board of Directors?
The absolute highlight has been spending time with students. I have had the opportunity to judge the moot court competition during SLI and participate in the closing ceremonies. Now that I am on the Board of Directors, another highlight has been meeting like-minded lawyers who care deeply about the true meaning of diversity and what it brings to our profession.
Why are you passionate about JTB’s mission?
I believe deeply in client service, and I believe that our clients benefit from diverse perspectives. Diverse perspectives can often be shaped by people of color or people from underrepresented groups. Those diverse perspectives allow us to do even better work for our clients because we can see issues more broadly. If we do not support organizations like JTB that help to encourage students of color and those from underrepresented groups to pursue jobs in the legal field, we are doing our profession, and our clients, a disservice by lessening the opportunities to benefit from those with unique viewpoints.
What advice do you have for our scholars?
Know your value and give yourself grace. Your value comes from simply being yourself. The legal profession needs people like you in it to uphold excellence. It’s not always easy to be confident, and you won’t know everything right away. But you must believe in yourself and know that you will eventually figure it out.
