Black History Month Spotlight Series: Edith Amoafoa-Smart

As part of our Black History Month celebration, we’ve asked our colleagues to reflect on the significance of this month.

Cleary Gottlieb law clerk Edith Amoafoa-Smart shares some of her thoughts below.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your role at Cleary.

I am a first-year associate/law clerk in the corporate practice, working primarily on private funds and debt finance matters.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

I think it is extremely important to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of Black people in this country, both across history and contemporarily. It is especially imperative to celebrate Black History Month as lawyers, given that so much legal progress been critically shaped by Black people—expanding rights and challenging systemic injustice—even as Black lawyers continue to be underrepresented in the profession.

Are there any leaders, activists, writers/artists, professionals, or family members who have inspired you?

I am inspired by Black people of all walks of life. Artists like Seydou Keïta, James Barnor, and Joseph Wilfred Abruquah teach me to celebrate the beauty of everyday Black living and keep me tethered to the place I call home. I admire the work that writers like Krystal Marquis, Morgan Jerkins, Ayesha Harruna Attah, and Ashton Lattimore are doing to make Black history accessible and to help us understand that the past is indeed prologue.

When you’re underrepresented in your chosen field, why is it important to have mentors and sponsors who are invested in you and your career?

Being a Black first-generation lawyer can feel a lot of times like stumbling your way through the dark. Mentors and sponsors help illuminate the path ahead and point you in the direction of resources you did not even know you needed in advance of what it is you need them for. I am grateful for the senior lawyers who are already playing mentoring roles to me in my short time here.

What is your favorite thing about working in the legal industry, and why did you choose to work at Cleary?

My favorite thing about working in the legal industry is that I get to wield a rather impactful skillset to help change outcomes for communities and individuals that need it most. I chose to work at Cleary because the people are warm and the firm’s culture is conducive for my learning and growth as a new lawyer.

The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of their employer/firm. This article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal advice.