Widener Law Commonwealth Alumna Bunmi Emenanjo: From Legal Career to Award-Winning Author
Bunmi Emenanjo, a 2005 graduate of Widener Law Commonwealth, has seamlessly navigated between two worlds: law and literature. A practicing attorney, entrepreneur, and now a published author, Emenanjo’s journey from law school to authoring the children’s book ‘I’ll See You in Ijebu’ showcases her diverse talents, resilience, and unwavering commitment to making a difference.
Emenanjo credits her time at Widener Law Commonwealth for laying the foundation for both her legal and creative careers. "My time at Widener was instrumental in my career journey! It was there that I started exploring a career in health law, leveraging my science undergraduate degree," she shared. "It was also at Widener that I realized I was a pretty good legal writer." The skills she honed in legal writing and research have guided her through the process of writing and structuring her debut book.
Her path to authorship began with a desire to share her personal story, one rooted in the rich cultural fabric of Nigeria. Raised in Nigeria until the age of 16, Emenanjo’s experiences in a multi-religious family, where Christmas and Eid were equally celebrated, shaped the vibrant storytelling she shares today. The bond between grandparent and grandchild, deeply influential in her own life, also plays a central role in her book. "Holiday gatherings were about connecting with family, catching up, and pouring love into one another. It never mattered that it was Christmas or Eid," Emenanjo reflected.
‘I’ll See You in Ijebu’ tells the story of a girl visiting her grandparents in a Nigerian town. This narrative reflects Emenanjo’s own memories of Nigeria and her mission to break away from stereotypical portrayals in African children’s books. “There was a significant gap in children’s books that showcased African culture. Most books telling African stories were stereotypical, focusing on a single narrative,” she said. Her book, already earning accolades including a starred review from Kirkus Reviews, inclusion in the Today Show Read with Jenna Jr. Summer 2024 booklist, and recognition in Brittle Paper’s 100 Notable African Books of 2024, offers a more authentic representation of Nigerian life.
Emenanjo’s journey as both an attorney and an author was shaped by the support she received during her time at Widener Law Commonwealth. Professor Mary Kate Kearney, known for her torts class, left a lasting impression on Emenanjo’s legal writing. “My experience in her class was very validating. When I scored high on the torts final, her feedback was encouraging, reiterating what I already felt—I was a good writer," she recalls. "Her class really established a strong foundation for my legal writing.”
Additionally, Emenanjo remembers the kindness of Marvin, the bookstore manager at Widener, who helped her financially during a challenging time. “Marvin insisted, ‘God is telling me to help you, why are you refusing? I have a feeling you are going to do something important in the future, and I want to be part of your story,’” Emenanjo recalls. “That encounter was a turning point in my faith journey. If you’re reading this, Marvin, thank you! You changed my life in a way you could have never imagined.”
The transition from practicing law to writing wasn’t without challenges. Balancing the demands of a legal career with her creative ambitions required flexibility and persistence. “Balancing is tricky,” Emenanjo admits. “My reality is that I also have three kids, a marriage, and a dog to pour into. It’s an ongoing challenge.” To make space for creativity, she wakes up early or schedules time on weekends, adopting a goal-oriented approach rather than striving for perfect balance. “I set goals and then work towards meeting them,” she explained.
Despite the challenges, Emenanjo’s advice to current law students pursuing creative passions is clear: "You absolutely can pursue your creative ambitions while having a legal career! You just have to make the decision to do it and then actually do it." She advocates for taking tangible steps toward one’s goals, emphasizing that action is key to success. “Writers write. Filmmakers make films. You don’t need fancy equipment; use your iPhone. The important thing is that you start,” she encouraged.
Emenanjo also emphasizes the importance of consistency in creative pursuits. “Do something, no matter how small, towards your goals with a consistency that you have decided is sustainable for you,” she urged. For those with limited time, she suggests seeking regular creative outlets, even through small activities like watercolor painting or cooking, to keep the creative flow open.
At the heart of Emenanjo’s work is a desire to share stories that resonate with children and families. She finds joy in the connections her book fosters, from school visits to meeting readers on her book tour. “It has been such an unexpected joy and the highlight of this author experience,” she shared. Through her book, she hopes to bridge cultural gaps and inspire pride in diverse backgrounds. "We are all more alike than we are different,” Emenanjo remarked, noting that the themes of family love and cultural celebration transcend geographical boundaries.
Looking back at her time at Widener Law Commonwealth, Emenanjo offers a piece of advice that resonates deeply with her career journey: “Never give up and never stop believing in yourself!”
As her journey continues, Emenanjo remains committed to both the law and her creative endeavors, proving that it is possible to forge a path that honors multiple passions while making a meaningful impact.
Bunmi Emenanjo is an attorney, speaker, and entrepreneur. She is the founder of Atlas Book Club, which curates diverse children’s books, and the author of the celebrated children’s book I’ll See You in Ijebu. She currently lives in Maryland with her family and is represented by Ellen Goff of HG Literary.
