From Camp 1L to Courtroom Success: Ebony Hammond’s Journey from Widener Law Commonwealth to JSDC Law Offices
Ebony Hammond, a 2021 graduate of Widener Law Commonwealth, credits much of her success as an attorney at JSDC Law Offices to the invaluable experiences and connections she gained during her time at the law school. From real courtroom exposure to a thriving network of mentors, Hammond says Widener helped pave the way for her flourishing career.
Looking back on her law school journey, Hammond reflects on how Widener Law Commonwealth’s hands-on approach gave her the practical skills needed to thrive in her profession. “I think the best preparation Widener gave me is that real courtroom and attorney experience,” she says. “Widener genuinely wanted to ensure that their graduates found internships, externships, clerkships, and jobs they loved and excelled in. As a first-generation attorney, I didn’t know the first thing about seeking out internships or clerkships, but the faculty and professors made me feel comfortable throughout that process.”
Her confidence grew as she was supported by professors who not only encouraged her growth but also gave her the tools to combat self doubt. “I felt assured going into my internship because I had the support and confidence from the school that helped with the imposter syndrome,” Hammond says.
While at Widener, Hammond was incredibly involved in various organizations, including the Student Bar Association, the Women’s Law Caucus, and the Latin American Law Student Association. These experiences, she notes, shaped her approach to the legal profession. “A lot of leadership opportunities in law school teach you the importance of networking and looking for great mentors,” Hammond says. “Being on several boards in law school allowed me to make connections with alumni, practitioners, and at times judges. By taking on those roles, it gave me the opportunity to ask questions and receive feedback to later incorporate into practice.”
One of the most significant influences on Hammond’s career was her involvement in Camp 1L, a program designed to help students from underrepresented communities explore different areas of law through internship placements. Hammond, who had little direction about which area of law she wanted to pursue, found the program to be a powerful experience. Through it, she was able to visit several participating firms, engage in different programs and luncheons, and gain valuable career advice
I’m extremely grateful to have been given the opportunity to participate in Camp 1L. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have the job that I do now,” she says.
The program, she says, is especially beneficial for students uncertain about their legal path or those who are first-generation attorneys. “The firms participating are highly reputable, and the opportunity to work closely with individuals at those firms is truly a great opportunity,” she adds.
For Hammond, one of the most important takeaways from Camp 1L was the sense of belonging it gave her. “This profession tends to make you second-guess yourself, but Camp 1L gave me the tools to feel assured in my own abilities and intelligence while also challenging me to make my career something to be proud of,” she said.
As a lawyer in the emotionally charged fields of family law and criminal law, Hammond remains driven by her passion for helping people. “I went to law school to help people, as many of us do. I have always had a passion for being a voice for the voiceless,” she says. “The law is not intuitive, and it often results in unfairness or lack of visibility. The most rewarding part of this job is just playing a small part in helping people access the court system when they otherwise would not have been able to.”
Though the work is often stressful, Hammond finds fulfillment in making a positive impact, no matter how small. “If I can make a positive impact on one person, I feel accomplished,” she adds.
Mentorship has played a pivotal role in Hammond’s career, and she is deeply grateful for the support she received early on. “Although not one specific experience, within the first year or so of practice, all three of my bosses made it a point to get me involved in the legal community,” she says. “Whether that was tagging along with them to lunch-and-learns, being involved in an Inn of Court, or pushing me to take on executive roles in different organizations, each of them made it a point to ensure I was meeting other attorneys and getting involved.”
Mentorship, she says, helped her gain the confidence to push herself further in her legal career. “Without them taking me under their wings and showing me the ropes, I wouldn’t have been given the confidence to continue to push myself.”
For young attorneys looking to build professional connections in the legal community, Hammond offers two key pieces of advice: “Kindness and respect go a long way,” she says. “You have no idea who is watching you and who may be taking notes. Carry yourself as if your parents are watching!”
Her second piece of advice is equally important: “Get involved and be yourself. This profession can sometimes make you feel like you have to be someone you’re not. But the best connections and opportunities come when you are true to who you are.”
