My Journey to Law

My path to law began during my time as an undergraduate at the University of Virginia, where I worked with the Virginia Black Leadership Organizing Collaborative (VA-BLOC). Through that experience, I became involved in civic engagement efforts advocating for Medicaid expansion across Virginia. My role included researching policy and helping educate community members about how the proposal could impact healthcare access in their communities.

That work brought me frequently to the Virginia State Capitol, where I witnessed the legislative process firsthand. Advocates, community members, and policymakers gathered to debate the future of healthcare access in the state. Many individuals shared deeply personal stories about their experiences navigating the healthcare system, describing the difficulty of affording routine checkups or accessing care for themselves and their families. Listening to these stories made clear how closely law, policy, and lived experience are connected.

Through this work, I saw how advocacy operates on multiple levels—from policy research to community organizing to legislative engagement. It also showed me how legal frameworks shape access to essential resources in ways that affect people’s everyday lives.

After graduating, I continued exploring these intersections through my work in regulatory compliance and financial crime investigations at Goldman Sachs. In that role, I saw another side of how legal and regulatory structures operate, guiding institutions and influencing global systems. Together, these experiences strengthened my interest in pursuing law school and ultimately building a career that uses legal and regulatory tools to address inequities and strengthen the systems that shape public life.

What I Wish I Knew Before Law School

One of the most surprising aspects of law school was how early students are expected to begin defining their professional paths. Very quickly, conversations begin to focus on choosing between litigation, regulatory practice, or transactional work. Yet at that stage, many students are still learning what those roles truly look like in practice.

The legal profession offers an incredible range of possibilities, but understanding the differences between those paths often requires guidance from those who have already navigated them. Looking back, earlier access to conversations with attorneys across sectors would have helped me better understand how careers evolve and how different areas of practice connect to the issues that originally inspired me to pursue law.

Mentorship and cross-generational dialogue can play an important role in that process. Hearing how others have navigated similar decisions—what influenced their choices, how their careers unfolded, and what lessons they learned along the way—can provide valuable perspective for students still exploring their place within the profession.

Why NExT Is Important at This Stage

At this stage in my journey, I am looking for opportunities to deepen my understanding of the legal profession while learning from individuals who have built careers across different sectors. As a law student interested in work at the intersection of policy, regulation, and public impact, I am eager to gain exposure to the many ways attorneys influence institutions, industries, and communities.

Organizations like NExT are especially meaningful because they create spaces where mentorship, access, and community come together. Connecting with professionals who are willing to share their experiences helps demystify the profession and provides emerging leaders with the guidance needed to navigate complex career decisions.

Equally important is the opportunity to build relationships across generations. A community that values mentorship and collaboration strengthens the entire pipeline, allowing those who are learning today to become the mentors and leaders of tomorrow.

Being part of NExT offers the opportunity not only to grow personally and professionally, but also to contribute to a broader network committed to supporting the next generation of legal and technology leaders.