Black History Month Spotlight Series: Edna Turay

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

Cleary Gottlieb associate Edna Turay shares some of her thoughts below.

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

I am an M&A associate in Cleary’s corporate practice, focusing on mergers and acquisitions and other corporate and financial transactions. I grew up in Virginia and earned my undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia before attending the University of Michigan Law School. 

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month is a time to reflect, learn, and celebrate—an opportunity to honor the contributions, resilience, and achievements of Black individuals who have shaped our country, our institutions, and the legal profession. For me, it is also a reminder of the progress that has been made as well as the work that remains to ensure equity, representation, and opportunity for all. Black History month is important to me because it creates space for conversations about history that may otherwise go untold, highlights voices and accomplishments that deserve recognition, and reinforces the value of inclusion in building stronger organizations and communities.

Has your identity impacted how you approach your work and career?

My identity has shaped the way I approach my career by reinforcing the importance of preparation, perspective, and relationship-building. Being mindful of representation in the legal profession has motivated me to work with intention, to seek out opportunities to learn and grow, and to be thoughtful about how I show up for colleagues and clients. It has also made me especially appreciative of collaborative environments where people are encouraged to bring their full selves to their work.

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

I have long been inspired by figures such as Maya Angelou, Martin Luther King, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, and Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson—individuals whose leadership, courage, and commitment to justice have left an indelible mark on our society and the legal profession. Their work serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance, integrity, and advocacy in creating lasting change. I am also deeply inspired by my mother, who immigrated to the United States in search of opportunity and a better future for her family. Her resilience, determination, and belief in the power of education and hard work continue to shape the way I approach my career and the goals I set for myself. She is my ultimate hero.

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?

Mentors and sponsors play a critical role in providing guidance, advocacy, and perspective, especially in fields where representation is limited. Having people who are invested in your development can help demystify unwritten rules, open doors to meaningful opportunities, and offer honest feedback that supports growth. Just as importantly, those relationships reinforce that success is not something you have to pursue alone.

What are the benefits of joining an affinity group at Cleary?

Affinity groups offer a valuable way to engage with colleagues across offices and seniority levels, share experiences, and build relationships that extend beyond day-to-day work. Affinity groups contribute to a more inclusive firm culture by promoting dialogue, support, and engagement around important issues.

Are there any programs at Cleary that you have been part of that have contributed to your professional journey and feeling included at the firm?

Cleary’s Black Affinity Group has been especially valuable to me. Through programming, networking opportunities, and candid conversations, the group has helped me feel at home at the firm (particularly as a lateral associate) and offered perspectives that have supported both my professional development and my overall experience.

Cleary also has a sponsorship program, a structured initiative pairing mid-level associates with partner sponsors to accelerate professional development through advocacy, coaching, and tailored training. Being part of this program has been incredibly valuable in gaining strategic insight into my practice, sharpening my professional judgment, and thinking intentionally about my long-term career at the firm.

I have also participated in the SEO Law program. SEO Law provides comprehensive educational and career support for aspiring lawyers—including structured training, mentorship, and opportunities to engage with practicing attorneys—that helps underrepresented students thrive in law school and the broader legal profession. My involvement gave me early exposure to corporate legal practice and expanded my network in ways that have been both professionally enriching and personally meaningful.

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

One of my favorite aspects of the legal industry is the intellectual challenge and the opportunity to work on matters that have real-world impact for clients and markets. I was drawn to Cleary because of its reputation for excellence, the chance to work on complex and varied matters, and the firm’s genuine commitment to diversity and inclusion. The firm’s collaborative culture and global platform make it an exciting place to build a career.

Is there anything I haven’t asked you about that you would want to share with the Cleary community?

I’m grateful to be part of a firm that values excellence while also genuinely investing in its people and community. I appreciate the opportunities to learn from colleagues across practices and offices, and I look forward to continuing to contribute, both through my client work and through engagement in initiatives that strengthen inclusion and mentorship within the firm.

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.