Access and Opportunity: First Generation Law Student Breaks Barriers, Builds Opportunities, and Empowers Black Law Students and Future Entrepreneurs
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Since moving to Chicago from Dallas, TX to attend law school, 3L student Troy Edwards is the son of an elevator mechanic and the grandson of Pacific Railroad Iron worker. He has been a catalyst for change and more Black representation in the legal field, dedicating his time in law school to pave the path for future justice seekers.
Edwards, a first-generation college and law student, used his passion to create change after the rise in unjust murders of Black men in 2020 as fuel to gain the hard skills needed to make an impact.
“No one paved the way or showed me how to get here, so I put off law school for nearly six years,” Edwards said. “But after George Floyd’s murder, I felt a deep urge to use my voice for change. That moment pushed me to apply to law school—not just to speak out, but to truly understand how laws are written, interpreted, and used to shape society.”
Edwards used his voice to connect with UIC Law administrators on how to keep the narrative going. He collaborated with the Office of Admissions and the Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion on strategies to not only admit more Black students, but most importantly how to retain these students. He recalls losing at least 50% of the Black male students from his entering class due to academic reasons. To combat attrition, Edwards worked with the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) at UIC Law to implement a retention plan.
“If a Black student is placed on academic probation, BLSA will step in,” Edwards said. “We’ll connect them with a mentor, encourage them to adjust their workload if needed, and help them reassess their plan—ensuring they have the support to navigate law school and stay on track.”
Edwards credits UIC Law’s professors, faculty, mentor in the Chicagoland area for the opportunities he’s had that have helped him break through the barriers that so often stand in the way of Black law students in the legal field.
“As a Black student, you don’t always know how well you comprehend the law until you’re in a position where you have to apply and articulate it,” Edwards said. “Working at major firms, including a top 150 law firm, has reinforced the importance of confidence and preparation in these spaces.”
To overcome this, Edwards began to strategically build relationships with law school faculty and increased his participation in UIC Law programs to ensure his progression forward. He credits Writing Resource Center Director Danielle McCain for going “above and beyond” in refining his writing and oral advocacy skills, as well as coaching him through Moot Court competitions, placing second overall in the 2024 Midwest Thurgood Marshall Moot Court Competition. One of the most transformative experiences of his legal education, he says, was Professor Hunt’s Mass Incarceration, Race, and Human Rights class. Edwards describes it as one of the most inspiring courses he has ever taken, emphasizing that it should be taught on a larger scale. “This class doesn’t just illuminate systemic injustices—it magnifies our shared humanity,” he says. “It also challenges students to recognize their limits in cultural competency, which is one of the most important and transferable skills in the legal field.”
Edwards’ involvement with BLSA reinforced the importance of giving back and uplifting the next generation of Black law students. Through these connections, he attended national BLSA conferences—both as a member and competitor—collaborated with national boards, and was selected as a fellow for the American Arbitration Association, gaining exposure to key dispute resolution methods such as litigation, mediation, arbitration, and counseling.
“You never really know what to expect when entering these spaces as a Black applicant,” Edwards said. “You trust you can do the basic at a high level—read and write, but the real question is—can you thrive in these environments where people doubt your ability to belong?” Thanks to the education and preparation he received at UIC Law, he feels confident in his decision to attend, grounded in his abilities, and ready to take on those challenges.
Edwards leveraged his networking skills to secure a student law clerk position with Illinois Supreme Court Justice P. Scott Neville Jr.—the very same justice who administered his pledge of professionalism at the start of his law school journey. As the first Supreme Court Justice he had ever met in person, the Justice became a mentor, staying in contact with Edwards throughout law school until the opportunity finally became available.
“My goal is to pay this opportunity forward,” Edwards said. “Just as my mentor, Ivory Djahouri, opened doors and made key introductions for me, I want to do the same for other Black UIC Law students.”
After graduating in December 2025, Edwards aims to gain meaningful experience in Private Equity, Mergers & Acquisitions, or Commercial Litigation, with the long-term vision of creating his own private equity and venture capital firm. He envisions this firm not only managing and building investment funds but also playing a transformative role in supporting Black entrepreneurs.
“The goal is to help sustain Black businesses and empower Black entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to life,” Edwards said. “But I don’t just want to run a firm that funnels money—I want to teach. I want to educate people how to build sustainable success.”
At the intersection of business and civil rights, Edwards’ dream firm would also serve as a legal haven for Black businesses, individuals, and foundations—protecting them against predatory lending, unfair borrowing practices, and exploitative business dealings. His vision is clear: to create wealth, opportunity, and equity while ensuring that Black entrepreneurs are empowered, educated, and protected.