Alaysia Jenal Johnson
Baltimore, Maryland
- Juris Doctor, Graduate Diploma in Comparative Law
- Director of Undergraduate Relations, Board of Advocates
- Journal of Civil Law Studies Junior Graduate Editor
- 2023-24 Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers President
- Undergraduate: LSU, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communication-Political Communication
What are your immediate career plans?
After completing (and passing) both the Maryland and Louisiana Bar Exams, I plan to begin my career as a public defender and maintain my commitment to public service work.
What are your long-term career aspirations?
Long term, I would like to become a prominent criminal defense and civil rights attorney. I aspire to work for the Department of Justice and organizations such as the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. My ultimate career goal is to become a judge and later serve on the Supreme Court.
Please tell us about the organizations and activities you participated in at LSU Law, including any awards or honors you received.
At LSU Law, I began my time in Legal Methods. I was actively involved in various organizations including BLSA, PILS, and WLSA. I served as SBA class president my 1L and 2L years. I also served as LACDL (LSU Law’s chapter of the National Assoc. of Criminal Defense Lawyers) president my 3L year. I participated in various advocacy programs at LSU Law, including clinics and competitions. I served in the Probation Parole & Reentry (2L), Wrongful Convictions (3L), and Juvenile Defense Clinics (3L). I was also recently awarded the LSBA Pro Bono Law Student Award in May 2024 for my work in the clinics and commitment to pro bono efforts in Louisiana. In terms of advocacy, I served on the Thurgood Marshall Moot Court Competition Team, and competed in several internal competitions (my favorites being Fall Flory and CLICC). I also served as the Director of Undergraduate Relations on the Board of Advocates.
Please tell us about any LSU Law faculty, classes, or other experiences that were particularly impactful on your legal education.
I am especially grateful to the LSU Law faculty and staff for their support over my time at LSU Law. I have to thank Prof. Tom Galligan, Prof. Ray Diamond, Prof. Darlene Goring, Prof. Robert Lancaster, Prof. Jack Harrison, and Prof. Jeff Brooks for molding me into a fierce advocate both academically and professionally during my time at LSU Law. Additionally, through the LSU Law clinics, I was able to serve multiple clients and gain a deeper understanding of our criminal legal system.
Most importantly, I had the support to give back to the Black community and other underrepresented groups around Louisiana. I am truly grateful for the holistic advocacy skills that I was able to put into practice at LSU Law. These programs and professors have given me the foundation to thrive and serve! Additionally, I have to thank the East Baton Rouge Public Defender’s Office for allowing me to serve as a law clerk under Chief of Trials, Ms. Margaret Lagattuta. It has been an honor to work with her and the entire office. I am eternally appreciative of the legal lessons, good lawyering, my new mentors and the clients.
What are your fondest memories from your time at LSU Law?
My fondest memory was the BLSA hooding and robing ceremony with Chief Judge Donald Johnson (’82) this past year. It was so impactful to have one of the first Black LSU Law graduates share such an accomplishment with us—especially as first-generation lawyers. BLSA has given me my lifelong friends! I also loved planning and hosting the 2023 Barristers Ball-Harlem Nights with the Student Bar Association as a 2L.
What advice would you give to students entering law school who aspire to become Order of the Barristers members when they graduate?
Bloom where you are planted. Everything you need is around you. If you have the mindset that law school is something you “have to do” versus something you are “privileged to do,” it will make law school a burden. Instead, choose to see this process for what it isa privilege. Use your time at LSU Law to do something, be someone, and make an impact. That is what The Order of Barristers is all about. Our work isn’t easy, but it is important. I would also challenge you to step outside of your comfort zone. The foundation of our profession is service, and how you serve is up to you! Join a club, competition team, or serve in a clinic. Or if you thrive off involvement like me, do it all!
