Student Profile: Brandon Davis
Brandon Davis’ mother gave him two options as a child.“In first grade she said, ‘be a lawyer or a preacher,’” joked Davis. “From that point on I knew I was going to law school.”
Now, the 22-year-old Wayne Law student looks back on his mother’s advice and smiles – knowing that she, indeed, knows best.
After receiving his bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University in interpersonal and public communications, Davis took many things into consideration when choosing where to further his education. Growing up in Detroit, Davis knew that Wayne Law would provide him with the support system that he needed to survive – not only as a student, but as a single father. It was Wayne Law’s reputation, however, that sealed the deal.
“Wayne Law was my first choice,” he said. “This Law School has an outstanding reputation in the legal community and, when I started to consider law schools, the majority of attorneys that I talked to recommended Wayne Law.”
David applied in 2007 and has since shown an interest in criminal law. An aspiring judge, he hopes to use his education to better the community and encourage change.
“I thought that practicing law would give me the opportunity to pursue my passion in helping others,” he said. “I want to make an impact on the criminal justice system and I want to do more than just represent clients and make money. I want to impact the lives of the people I interact with so that when they go back into the community they become an asset to the environment in which they live.”
Davis’ impact on his community and his peers is already extensive. He serves as the academic chair and national representative of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA), governor-at-large with the Student Board of Governors (SBG) and professional development chair for the International Law Student Association. Although all these organizations require dedication and hard work, Davis’ involvement has already provided him with many rewarding opportunities.
“I am most proud of serving as the SBG chairperson of the 23rd annual Ambulance Chase,” he said. “As chairperson, I was responsible for organizing and executing the event in order to raise money for Cass Community Social Services, an organization dedicated to serving local communities by providing affordable housing, promoting self reliance and encouraging community improvement.”
It is Davis’ work with BLSA, however, for which he is most fond.
“I decided to participate in BLSA because I could relate to the individual members and the mission,” he said. “Many BLSA members’ upbringing was similar to mine so our approach to education and socialization are similar. This factor alone created an instant bond that allowed for an easier transition into law school.”
He added, “BLSA also helped me develop as a professional by offering mock interviews, career panels, academic workshops and outsider professional development opportunities. Being a member is similar to being a member of a family in that the organization serves as a source of encouragement when you are succeeding and correction when you need guidance.”
As the national representative for BLSA, Davis is responsible for maintaining communication between Wayne Law’s chapter and the national organization, as well as representing Wayne Law at all national BLSA events. As the academic chair, Davis strives to ensure that the organization’s membership achieves academic success by coordinating workshops on several subjects, including briefing, outlining, taking exams, starting a new semester and oral arguments.
Involvement, whether with BLSA or another organization, is something that Davis sees as imperative as a law student.
“It is important to experience more than just the academic part of law school,” Davis said. “Being involved makes law school more than an exercise in reading, it makes it an experience!”