Jameil Brown
Hometown: Leander, Texas
Education: A.B. in public and international affairs, Princeton University
Student organizations/extracurricular activities: Virginia Law Review, Black Law Students Association, Lambda Law Alliance, Community Fellows, Law Library student staff
What does diversity mean to you? To quote my favorite album, it means a seat at the table. But sheer inclusion only begins the work of diversity. We also have to empower marginalized voices and push them forward to truly be heard and received. It is important that our communities and institutions build a culture where everyone contributes and those contributions are valued. Only then can we build equity in our society.
My voice at UVA Law was heard when… As a 1L representative for Lambda Law Alliance, I co-sponsored and helped facilitate a discussion panel with Toccara Nelson ’19, Professor Dayna Matthew ’87, and Professor Kevin Gaines from Main Grounds on black queerness and related legal perspectives with BLSA. I firmly believe in the importance of intersectionality on legal analysis, and I was pleased to bring an event focusing on these issues to the Law School. We spoke about disparities, resilience in the community and the impact black queer thinkers have on legal scholarship. UVA Law offers copious opportunities for students to hold events on the issues that matter to them, and I did not waste time taking advantage of that.
Advice for those considering applying to, or attending, UVA Law: Consider the career opportunities your law school affords you. UVA Law students are highly sought after at all of the top law firms and litigation boutiques in the country. Additionally, our Career Development Office is the best in the game. When speaking to friends at peer schools, I am always proud to gloat about the fantastic support we have. The numbers do tell the story of an experienced office that is committed to getting you to your dream employment.
The community spirit: The various affinity groups in the Law School are tight communities- with each other and among themselves. We regularly collaborate with each other on social and educational events and show solidarities when justice is not served in the broader nation and world. I feel most affirmed and most proud of being a “Law Hoo” when any affinity group shines, and this unified strength was a significant factor in my decision to attend UVA Law.