In an inspiring and monumental accomplishment, Alice Adu Gyamfi, a young Ghanaian woman, has passed the New York bar exams with outstanding grades, making history as the first graduate in her family of 17 generations. This achievement not only highlights her exceptional academic prowess but also signifies a transformative milestone for her family’s legacy.
A Journey Rooted in Resilience
Alice Adu Gyamfi’s journey to becoming a lawyer in the United States is a testament to resilience and determination. Born in Ghana, Alice migrated to the United States with her family at a young age. Her story is one of overcoming significant odds and breaking generational barriers. On sharing her joy on LinkedIn, Alice dedicated her success to her grandmother, who played a pivotal role in her journey. Recalling her grandmother’s unwavering support, Alice wrote, “When I told my grandma I was going to law school, she started calling me her ‘granddoctah’. She sent me off to law school with $100 and an anointing. This degree belongs to her.”
Academic and Professional Excellence
Alice’s academic journey began in Europe, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Rights and Migrant Studies from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) in the Netherlands. She then proceeded to Penn State Law, where she earned a Doctor of Law degree (JD) with a specialization in International Arbitrations. Her dedication to excellence continued at Columbia Law School, where she earned her Masters in Law (LL.M) with honors as a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar and a Salzburg Cutler Global Fellow.
During her time at law school, Alice’s talent and hard work were evident. She won first place in the prestigious Willem C. Vis Commercial Arbitration Moot Court Competition in Vienna, Austria, and received the distinguished Martin Domke Award for Best Oralist. Her academic accolades are a reflection of her commitment to her studies and her field.
Breaking Generational Barriers
Alice’s achievement is not just personal but historic for her family. She proudly states that tracing her family’s lineage back 17 generations reveals that each generation of women fought as everything from mothers to warriors, yet none were taught to read. Alice is the first woman in her family to receive an education and to learn to read and write. She views her degree as a form of warfare, a battle fought with faith and perseverance, ensuring that the generations after her will no longer know illiteracy.
Professional Impact and Advocacy
Alice Adu Gyamfi’s professional career is marked by significant contributions to international law and justice. She focuses on international commercial and investment arbitration and investigations. As an associate at DLA Piper in New York City, she has represented sovereign states, individuals, and multinational companies in arbitrations under leading institutional and ad hoc rules such as the ICC, ICSID, AAA/ICDR, and UNCITRAL.
Her commitment to pro bono work is equally impressive. Notable among her representations is advising the South Sudan Ministry of Justice on implementing transitional justice processes and drafting legislation for its Commission on Truth, Reconciliation, and Healing. Her work underscores her dedication to using her legal expertise to advocate for justice and human rights on a global scale.
Advice for Aspiring Attorneys
Alice’s journey offers valuable lessons for new attorneys. She advises them to be creative about where they practice, suggesting roles such as tribunal secretaries or positions at arbitral institutions to gain invaluable insights. She also emphasizes the importance of finding a sponsor who is deeply invested in their development, offering not just mentorship but active support in career advancement.
A Legacy of Hope and Literacy
Alice Adu Gyamfi’s story is one of triumph over adversity and a beacon of hope for future generations. Her accomplishments stand as a powerful testament to the impact of education and perseverance. As she eloquently expressed, “I thank God that the generations after me will never know illiteracy again.” Her legacy is a promise of empowerment and inspiration for countless others.
Alice’s remarkable journey from Ghana to becoming a distinguished lawyer in the United States embodies the spirit of determination and the transformative power of education. Her achievements resonate far beyond her personal success, marking a historic milestone for her family and serving as an inspiring narrative for young women everywhere.
Daphne Davis, a 52-year-old mother, and her 26-year-old daughter, Edriuna Davis, from Birmingham, Alabama, have made history by graduating together from the Birmingham School of Law. They are believed to be the first mother-daughter duo to achieve this milestone since the institution was founded in 1915.
Daphne’s journey to law school began in 2009, during her divorce. Her meticulous preparation and research for her case were so impressive that her attorney suggested she consider law school. Though she didn’t act immediately on this advice, the seed was planted.
Edriuna, inspired by her mother’s dedication, developed an interest in law at a young age, particularly family law. She initially dreamed of attending Harvard Law School, but her path took a different turn.
In 2017, Daphne decided to pursue her law degree, encouraged by her 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren. She applied to the Birmingham School of Law just before the admissions deadline and was thrilled to be accepted. The same year, Edriuna graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Tuskegee University and chose to join her mother at the Birmingham School of Law, despite receiving acceptances from multiple law schools.
The path through law school was challenging for both women. Daphne found it difficult to adjust initially, struggling with interactions with professors and classmates. Over time, she became more comfortable, forming bonds with her peers and professors. Click here to continue reading about the amazing mom and daughter.
