Co-Chair, Black Allied Law Students Association
How did you get interested in studying the law? And if you hadn’t decided to attend law school, what other type of career do you think you’d be pursuing?
As a first-generation Haitian American, I was encouraged by my parents to envision a career in law because of the opportunities that this profession provides. During undergrad, I knew that I wanted to forge my own path, so I surveyed various courses across different programs and eventually fell in love with the Sport Management program at Syracuse University. Through this program, I encountered sports lawyers and became captivated by the dynamic intersection of sports and law. I was especially drawn to the complex interplay among race, educational inequities, socioeconomic status, and athletics.
After the emergence of the policies around name, image, and likeness (NIL) for college athletes in 2021, I quickly identified the need for fair representation for Black student athletes in the sports industry which has made billions of dollars in profit off of the image and reputation of these players without paying them adequate compensation. It was this issue that solidified my decision to pursue a legal career, where I hope to make a meaningful impact in both the sports and entertainment industries. Thus, my decision to chase my passion in sports law allowed me to also fulfill my parents’ dream of me attending law school.
If I did not attend law school, I most likely would have pursued my MBA and a career in the sports industry—ideally, working for a league like the National Football League (NFL) or National Basketball Association (NBA). I find the evolution of these two organizations extremely fascinating, and as they continue to grow, there are so many exciting opportunities that I would love to explore.
You’ve been an active member of the NYU Law student community, in particular serving as the co-chair of the NYU Black Allied Law Student Association (BALSA). What inspired you to get involved with BALSA, and what has it taught you about service and leadership?
At Syracuse University, I was able to revive our pre-law chapter of the Black Law Student Association (BLSA), and I served as chapter president for three years. For me as a pre-law student, BLSA gave me a community of peers that supported me throughout my undergraduate experience. It also provided me with the resources and support to succeed academically and professionally. Based on my undergraduate experience, I was excited to join the NYU BALSA community. I found here, as I did at Syracuse, a community that has provided me with lifelong friends and support while I navigate law school and my legal career.
Serving as co-chair has been a rewarding experience. It has allowed me to give back to my peers by fostering a community for us while providing resources for academic and professional success. Leading a group with such diverse backgrounds and perspectives has strengthened my leadership skills and enhanced my ability to meaningfully engage with varied viewpoints within our organization in order to adequately represent the collective interests of Black law students at NYU.
What classes and professors have had the most profound effect on you at NYU Law so far?
Constitutional Law with Melissa Murray [Frederick I. and Grace Stokes Professor of Law] and Fashion Law with Douglas Hand! I appreciated Professor Murray’s approach to teaching and her perspective on the material, which ultimately made the course deeply engaging. Professor Hand invited leaders within the fashion industry to speak to us in every class, which created an insightful experience in the classroom. I learned about the legal and business issues within the fashion industry, whether that’s navigating a legal career while starting your fashion brand or being a legal expert in gemology.
What do you most like to do outside of class? What’s your favorite way to spend a day in New York City?
I grew up 30 minutes away from New York City, so I am not new to the city. Since moving to NYC, I’ve enjoyed walking and exploring parts of the city I never had the chance to visit. Additionally, I love trying new restaurants and cafes, touring museums, shopping, and ending my night in Dumbo sitting by the water and looking at the Manhattan skyline.
Posted November 15, 2024