These two attorneys took very different paths into the legal profession – one inspired by a twin brother, the other by a love for advocacy discovered while working in business. Yet, both share a common goal: to lead, mentor and open doors for future Black lawyers.
Charles Watkins
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month has always meant an opportunity to educate others about the great contributions that African Americans and other black folk have made first to the United States and then to the world at large. It’s a time of reflection and celebration, and a time of pride not only because of the great contributions, but because of the hurdles that were artificially put in place but were overcome nevertheless to achieve greatness! Its also a time of sharing because our history is incomplete without the acknowledgement and pride in who we are and what we have overcome and what achievements are yet to come to make this country and the world a better place.
How has being a Black attorney shaped your perspective on the legal profession or the cases you work on?
Being an attorney, someone’s legal counsel is always a privilege and an honor. Having represented clients of all races, colors, genders and monetary status with the intention of getting for them the best possible result and achieving it while proving to yourself that the “tiger” is within you has always been an inspiring challenge. The law is a big part of the institutions that make our society fair and just, and being an instrument of fairness and justice to others becomes even more meaningful within a historical context.
Can you tell us about your journey to becoming an attorney and what inspired you to pursue a career in law?
I never wanted to be a lawyer! I wanted to be a business mogul, risk with reason always excited me. After receiving a Bachelor of Science in Marketing, then a Master’s in International Business, I landed a job at an insurance company where I quickly moved up the ranks in Claims and Risk Management. I was handling large complex liability matters and working with lawyers everyday. I then fell in love with the advocacy and decided to pursue a law career.
Were there any specific challenges or stereotypes you faced along the way, and how did you overcome them?
In life there are always challenges and sometimes stereotypes. There has historically been an under representation of black folk in the practice of law in our country, certainly that was the case in my practice area of Insurance defense. So it meant you have to prove yourself. I had an advantage in that I came from Industry so I used my advantages to open doors attracting clientele who were in my network before my practice and wanted to see me do well. In the courtroom many a judge mistook me for “the defendant” or a “party”. Being asked “where is your lawyer” was comical! I am always prepared, I always think all the issues out from as many sides and angles as I can and I always worked harder than my opponents. Judges quickly learned who I was, so did my opposition and with showing up ready, prepared and with the “tiger” clients appreciated the results. My mentor, boss and friend Dan Draper had told me…”just always be a good lawyer, the rest will take care of itself”… he was right!
What does success look like to you, and how do you hope to leave your mark on the legal profession?
For me, success means helping others on their journey while pursuing my own. I have been laser focused on sharing my expertise, experience and knowledge to anybody who will listen and appreciate it. It’s my heart’s desire to see young gifted Black men and women enter this profession, and do well. There is so much opportunity, and the
opportunities need to be shared.
In becoming a “good lawyer” I have managed to educate my children, provide my family with a comfortable life, climb the ranks of my firm Kubicki Draper, contribute to its growth, and hire, teach and promote many attorneys. I’m most proud of being able to help fund an annual Scholarship, The Kathleen B. Watkins Scholarship(in my mother’s name) which benefits worthy students going off to College.
What is some advice you can provide to young Black students considering law?
Work hard, be laser focused on what you want, seek mentors of quality and be courageous!
What’s one thing about your journey or career that you think people might be surprised to learn?
My father was a very accomplished attorney. I was born in Jamaica and my father was first, the Solicitor General for the country, then, Asst. Attorney General, a District Court Judge, an Appellate Court Judge and finally the President of Legal Reform where he helped shape the country’s remaking of the Constitution. He then went overseas to Trinidad and Tobago, St. Lucia and the Bahamas in various top roles with government. He had a Phd. in law and was a foremost Constitutional Lawyer in the English speaking Caribbean. HUGE SHOES TO TRY TO FILL and a reason to not be a lawyer! But then discovering that his vast accomplishments(which I hardly touched on here) was always an anchor to the question… “Can it be done?”… the answer …of course it can be done!
Sha-Mekeyia Davis
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month to me, is a time of reflection and honor. A time where we can reflect on the contributions of Black people to society, while honoring the sacrifices we faced, fighting for freedom and rights.
How has being a Black attorney shaped your perspective on the legal profession or the cases you work on?
Black women attorneys are underrepresented in the legal profession, and especially in leadership roles. That has inspired me to work hard in pursuing leadership roles and mentoring younger attorneys.
Can you tell us about your journey to becoming an attorney and what inspired you to pursue a career in law?
My twin brother, who is also an attorney, inspired me to become an attorney. I always saw myself in the medical field – it seemed the comfortable route as I know more Black women nurses and doctors than I do attorneys. But I have also had a very keen interest in the legal profession. Somehow I found myself working in retail and searching for a way out. My twin brother convinced me to attend a few legal events with him and I was sold. I was terrified of this major shift in my life but determined to make the most of it. I am thankful for my support system and I am especially grateful to my younger self for stepping out of the comfortable zone and taking the chance.
What does success look like to you, and how do you hope to leave your mark on the legal profession?
Success, to me, is not just about achieving goals but paving a way to inspire others. I hope that, though my leadership and mentorship, I inspire young Black attorneys to authentically pursue their passions in the legal profession, leaving a legacy that inspires others to follow.
What is some advice you can provide to a young Black students considering law?
Seek great mentors and never stop learning!
What’s one thing about your journey or career that you think people might be surprised to learn?
The legal profession is ever-changing. To be successful, maintaining a learning mindset is a must. There is no glass ceiling but you will limit yourself if you are unwilling to change and adapt.