Darryl Hunt Jr. ’26: Turning Community Commitment into Action Through the Center for Equity and Justice

Whether he’s helping a prospective student prepare for the Law School Admission Test or connecting with young people who are just beginning to imagine a future in law, Darryl Hunt Jr. 26’ is focused on opening doors that once felt out of reach.

A third-year law student at Widener University Commonwealth Law School, Hunt serves as a fellow with the Center for Equity and Justice, where his work centers on outreach, mentorship and expanding access to legal education for students from underrepresented backgrounds.

“My community of West Philadelphia was my inspiration,” Hunt said. “I wanted to learn different community engagement approaches that I could take back to my community.”

That perspective carries into how he approaches the role. As a former participant in Widener Law Commonwealth’s Trial Admissions Program, known as TAP, which provides an alternative pathway to law school for students whose potential may not be fully reflected in traditional admissions metrics, Hunt understands the value of early support and is intentional about paying it forward.

“Anything I can do to reach back and help another student in similar situations, I feel it’s my duty,” he said.

One experience, in particular, stands out. During a service trip with Dean andré douglas pond cummings to Arkansas, Hunt saw firsthand the impact of community engagement during Shop with a Cop.

“Seeing the smiles on children’s faces as they walked out of the store with toys to put under their Christmas tree is something that will stay with me forever,” he said.

Moments like that continue to shape how he thinks about access and opportunity in the legal field.

“Diversity in law school leads to diversity in the legal field,” Hunt said. “That leads to innovation and growth, which benefits society as a whole.”

His work with the center has also deepened his sense of responsibility to his own community and to those coming behind him.

“I have much more I would like to do for my own community,” Hunt said. “I would like to inspire the next generation of Black Philadelphia attorneys.”

Hunt came to Widener Law Commonwealth with a long-standing interest in the law. A graduate of Chestnut Hill College, where he majored in criminal justice, he said the idea of becoming an attorney took hold early.

“I have always wanted to become an attorney,” he said. “Ever since I was a child, my mother told me I had a mouth made for an attorney.”'

That early direction has carried into his post-graduation plans. Hunt has accepted a position as an assistant district attorney in Cumberland County.

“I’m interested in staying in the criminal area of law,” he said. “It’s always been the subject that interested me most and came most naturally during law school.”

Throughout his time at Widener, Hunt has leaned on faculty mentors who helped him navigate the challenges of law school and grow along the way. He credits his first-year professors, along with Dean cummings and others, for their support.

“They’ve been there for me throughout it all,” Hunt said. “They’ve been a guide and a listening ear, which has helped me grow and develop over my three years.”

Balancing law school with his responsibilities as a fellow wasn’t always easy, but it created space to develop as a legal professional .

“It was challenging, but very rewarding,” he said. “It gave me the opportunity to focus on both and grow in different ways.”

As graduation approaches, Hunt encourages other students to get involved with the Center for Equity and Justice and take advantage of opportunities to engage beyond their coursework.

“It will be a life-changing experience,” he said. “You’ll build relationships, have meaningful interactions and make a real difference.”

For Hunt, that work is closely tied to the kind of lawyer he hopes to become.

“Success to me looks like fighting for justice, fairness and equality,” he said. “Being someone that doesn’t just seek a conviction but seeks justice and equal treatment of the justice system for all.”

Interview was conducted in Spring 2026.