Nia Coleman

Motivation in becoming a lawyer  

Law school is a challenge, and challenges build character. I am motivated by opportunities to be a better human and role model. Law school is not only about intellect, but also about perseverance, diligence, and discipline; These traits transcend being a lawyer. My motivation in going to law school was to enhance my intellect and shape myself into a tenacious and formidable leader and role model for women who look like me. 

Experiential learning 

I worked as a full-time social worker for the Defender Association of Philadelphia while going to law school part-time. Working during the day while going to school at night created incredible discipline. It also solidified that being a lawyer was truly something that I wanted to do. The long hours at work during the day and then late nights at school created a work ethic that cannot be taught. It showed me that hard work sets apart those who are good from those who are great. Putting in the time, both at work and for school, made all the difference in my success. Working contributed to my legal education by also teaching me balance. It taught me what it means to be a well-rounded lawyer who can master multiple tasks. 

Participation and leadership  

While working, I supervised a team of 6 administrative staff through my employment with the Defender Association. Leading a team taught me patience, resilience, and the power of learning to adjust. As a leader, it’s important to take into account the varying personalities and needs of staff to find the right balance of support and control in order to meet the organization’s goals. In doing this, I had to learn to adjust to not only suit the company’s needs but to also ensure my team felt supported. Learning to shift was something I did not do well before law school. Learning to adjust at work translated well into the classroom. Standing up a motion in trial ad or presenting research in a serial writing course was not as daunting because of my employment experience. Working also helped me lead in the classroom. Being the first to volunteer for an exercise was less daunting due to the leadership role I had at work. A leader must be willing to do what they ask of their team. That mindset made it easier for me to put myself out there and make mistakes in class to help not only myself, but others learn in the process. 

Advice to current or prospective students  

Speak kindly to yourself. The losses come sometimes more often than the wins. Do not take the losses to heart and do not let the wins go to your head. Don’t linger on the bad as it’s only temporary. Stay the course and stay committed. Commitment is the difference between good and great. 

What challenges does the legal profession face?  

I think the legal profession faces evidentiary challenges today and in the near future. There are so many conspiracy theories and “alternative facts” floating around that it can make proving a case difficult if the jurors can’t/don’t believe basic factual tenets. The introduction of artificial intelligence can also make authenticating evidence a challenge.