AnBryce Scholar
Co-chair, Black Law Students Association
How did you get interested in studying the law?
I always joke that I was destined to become a lawyer. From an early age, I knew I enjoyed public speaking, and the countless hours I spent watching legal television dramas clued me in on the fact that I found the law to be interesting.
It wasn’t until college, however, that I was able to explore my interests. My first legal internship working alongside attorneys in an immigration unit solidified my interest in the law. As the daughter of Haitian immigrants, I enjoyed being able to serve my community. I also loved the fast-paced nature of the work, how collaborative it was, and how I was constantly learning about a new subject matter or issue. More importantly, I appreciated the ways in which the law could be used to advocate on behalf of marginalized communities.
I continued to explore my interests, interning at a firm and working as a litigation assistant alongside attorneys. A lot of my time was spent watching attorneys argue motions, counsel clients, and negotiate with outside counsel. Eventually, I knew that I wanted to be the one in the driver’s seat, fighting on behalf of my clients, so naturally, applying to law school was the logical next step.
You currently serve as the co-chair of the NYU Black Law Students Association (BLSA). What inspired you to get involved with BLSA, and what has it taught you about service and leadership?
Part of the reason I was drawn to NYU was because of BLSA’s strong presence on campus. I recognized BLSA to be a place where I could both show up as my authentic self and get the tools and resources I would need to succeed. From academic and professional resources like the final exam study halls and mock interview prep sessions to social gatherings like the boat cruise, the Harlem Food Crawl, and Black Trivia with peer schools, I have felt welcomed and supported by NYU’s BLSA community.
As co-chair of BLSA, I’ve learned so much about what it means to lead and serve, and my experience has only deepened my appreciation for this community. This year, I really strived to be intentional about enriching the Black student experience in both BLSA and the Law School at large. This has meant remaining laser focused in the face of unexpected challenges and thinking creatively about how to empower our community through various academic, professional, and social opportunities.
You’re also an active member of the NYU Law Trial Advocacy Society (TAS). Tell us about that experience. How has it informed what you are learning in the classroom?
If you’re like me and you’re passionate about litigation and oral advocacy, then TAS is the place to be. TAS is a mock trial program dedicated to the development and practice of trial advocacy and courtroom litigation skills. Every semester, TAS members compete at trial advocacy competitions across the country, representing NYU against other law schools at both regional and national level competitions. Just last semester, my team advanced to the semi-finals at the Tournament of Champions national tournament, an invitation-only competition that showcases some of the nation’s top law students from 16 of the top trial advocacy programs in the country. We got to travel to LA and pretend to be attorneys for a weekend. I had a blast!
My involvement in TAS has taught me so much about how to develop compelling case theories, make persuasive arguments, and adapt to the unpredictable nature of litigation. Additionally, the practical experience I’ve gained has made understanding complex legal theories more tangible and memorable. Being able to connect theory to practice through my involvement in TAS has made my law school experience more meaningful.
What classes and professors have had the most influence on you at NYU Law so far?
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my experience in the Racial Justice and Abolition Clinic, which is co-taught by Jason Williamson and Justine Olderman. Jason and Justine both do an incredible job of creating a classroom environment where we can have candid and difficult conversations about important systemic issues. Through the clinic, I’ve been able to work with Envision Freedom Fund, an organization that does work at the intersection of the immigration and criminal legal systems. Immigrant communities are under attack now more than ever, and it is so important to think critically about how we can dismantle the systems that only serve to oppress and disenfranchise these communities. They do this work every day at Envision, and I’m grateful to be able to contribute to their mission.
Other classes I’ve really enjoyed are Criminal Procedure with Randy Hertz [Fiorello LaGuardia Professor of Clinical Law] and my year-long Leadership, Diversity, and Inclusion seminar with Kenji Yoshino [Chief Justice Earl Warren Professor of Constitutional Law]. These two professors are not only knowledgeable and respected in their fields, but they are kind and thoughtful in their approaches to teaching. I’ve really enjoyed learning from them.
What do you most like to do outside of class? What’s your favorite way to spend a day in New York City?
I recently joined a boxing studio in the city and spend a lot of my free time trying to perfect my jab and uppercut! When I’m not at the studio, I enjoy exploring New York. I grew up in Georgia, so there’s a lot I haven’t seen. So far, I’ve enjoyed exploring the art in Bushwick, trying new restaurants in Chinatown, and taking long, scenic walks through the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
Posted February 11, 2025. This interview has been condensed and edited.