Student and Alumni Profiles

What I Did Before Law School:

Before coming to Penn Law, I was a financial analyst, a community organizer and human rights advocate, a syndicated op-ed columnist and a producer for a radio news program.

What I Am Hoping to Do With My Law Degree:

After I complete my two federal clerkships (one in New York, the other in Philadelphia), I plan to pursue work in civil rights, human rights and criminal defense litigation. Ultimately, I want to become a judge.

My Best Experience at Penn Law:

My best experience at Penn Law was working with other student organizations on the Diversity Initiative. This endeavor included dialogue with the Dean’s Office and the Admissions Office on ways to attract and recruit students of color to the law school, and to maintain an environment in which students of all backgrounds can maximize their ability to contribute to and benefit from Penn Law.

My Favorite Course:

My favorite course was Trial Advocacy with Professor Jules Epstein because of its usefulness for the world after law school. Every week, students stand up and practice the ins and outs of courtroom conduct, including direct and cross examination of witnesses, opening and closing statements, and the admission of evidence. At the end of the term, students conduct a simulated trial in a local area courthouse, complete with judge and jury.

My Favorite Philadelphia Moment:

My favorite Philadelphia moment was addressing the annual Dr. Sadie T.M. Alexander commemorative banquet. The purpose of the event—which honors Penn Law’s first black woman graduate and Pennsylvania’s first black woman attorney-- is to raise funds for a civil rights chair at the law school.

What I'm Most Proud Of:

I am most proud of BLSA’s role in securing a portrait of the late Judge A. Leon Higginbotham for the law school. Judge Higginbotham was a Penn Law professor and a great defender of civil rights, and the first African American man to have his portrait hang in the law school.

My Extracurricular Activities at Penn Law:

• President, Black Law Students Association (BLSA)
• Chair, Moot Court Board
• Journal of Law and Social Change
• Class Treasurer
• Inn of Court

What I Did For Public Service:

I worked with Community Legal Services, a non-for-profit organization in Center City Philadelphia, on a documentary for their 35th anniversary. In addition, I performed legal research for Professor David Rudovsky, whose firm, Kairys, Rudovsky, Epstein & Messing, specializes in criminal defense, death penalty and police misconduct litigation. My work with Professor Rudovsky, which took place during my 1L summer and my 2L year, was one of the most important experiences of my law school career. I wrote legal briefs and memoranda, interviewed clients, analyzed evidence and helped prepare clients for trial testimony.

My Favorite Place or Activity on the University Campus:

Houston Hall is a great place for lunch, and the Rotunda is a great place to see a concert or to plan a student activity.

Is it Important to Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities in Law School:

Yes. Given that law school is a one-time experience, you want to maximize your time here. A person with substantial activity outside the classroom will be well-rounded, better prepared for the real world and not as stressed out about classes. Penn Law provides a relatively low-key competitive environment, and many opportunities to express yourself through student organizations and journals.

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