Daphne Davis, a 52-year-old mother, and her 26-year-old daughter, Edriuna Davis, from Birmingham, Alabama, have made history by graduating together from the Birmingham School of Law. They are believed to be the first mother-daughter duo to achieve this milestone since the institution was founded in 1915.
The Journey Begins
Daphne’s journey to law school began in 2009, during her divorce. Her meticulous preparation and research for her case were so impressive that her attorney suggested she consider law school. Though she didn’t act immediately on this advice, the seed was planted.
Edriuna, inspired by her mother’s dedication, developed an interest in law at a young age, particularly family law. She initially dreamed of attending Harvard Law School, but her path took a different turn.
In 2017, Daphne decided to pursue her law degree, encouraged by her children. She applied to the Birmingham School of Law just before the admissions deadline and was thrilled to be accepted. The same year, Edriuna graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Tuskegee University and chose to join her mother at the Birmingham School of Law, despite receiving acceptances from multiple law schools.
Challenges and Triumphs
The path through law school was challenging for both women. Daphne found it difficult to adjust initially, struggling with interactions with professors and classmates. Over time, she became more comfortable, forming bonds with her peers and professors.
Edriuna faced a significant health challenge during her studies. In the summer semester of 2020, after giving birth to her son Denver, she was diagnosed with postpartum cardiomyopathy, a rare form of heart failure. Despite this life-threatening condition, Edriuna persevered and continued her studies.
Graduation Day
The culmination of their hard work was celebrated on May 15, 2022, at the Bill Harris Arena. Daphne described the moment as one of the proudest in her life, filled with intentionality and joy. She watched with pride as Edriuna received her Juris Doctorate, marking the end of their shared journey through law school.
Edriuna echoed her mother’s sentiments, expressing excitement and gratitude for the unique experience of graduating alongside her mother.
Future Plans
Both Daphne and Edriuna are now preparing for the Alabama bar exam. They plan to join Edriuna’s fiancé, Bobby L. Davis, at his law firm, The Law Office of Bobby L. Davis, in Birmingham. The firm specializes in personal injury, criminal law, family law, medical malpractice, and wrongful death cases.
Daphne aims to contribute as an attorney and mediator, focusing on domestic relations, the field that initially inspired her legal journey. Edriuna looks forward to working closely with her fiancé and mother, continuing to build their legal careers together.
Conclusion
The story of Daphne and Edriuna Davis is a testament to perseverance, family support, and the power of following one’s dreams, no matter the obstacles. Their shared achievement has not only made history but also set a powerful example of determination and resilience. As they move forward, they are poised to make significant contributions to the legal field in Alabama.
In an inspiring and monumental accomplishment, Alice Adu Gyamfi, a young Ghanaian woman, has passed the New York bar exams with outstanding grades, making history as the first graduate in her family of 17 generations. This achievement not only highlights her exceptional academic prowess but also signifies a transformative milestone for her family’s legacy.
Alice Adu Gyamfi’s journey to becoming a lawyer in the United States is a testament to resilience and determination. Born in Ghana, Alice migrated to the United States with her family at a young age. Her story is one of overcoming significant odds and breaking generational barriers. On sharing her joy on LinkedIn, Alice dedicated her success to her grandmother, who played a pivotal role in her journey. Recalling her grandmother’s unwavering support, Alice wrote, “When I told my grandma I was going to law school, she started calling me her ‘granddoctah’. She sent me off to law school with $100 and an anointing. This degree belongs to her.”
Alice’s academic journey began in Europe, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Rights and Migrant Studies from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) in the Netherlands. She then proceeded to Penn State Law, where she earned a Doctor of Law degree (JD) with a specialization in International Arbitrations. Her dedication to excellence continued at Columbia Law School, where she earned her Masters in Law (LL.M) with honors as a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar and a Salzburg Cutler Global Fellow.
During her time at law school, Alice’s talent and hard work were evident. She won first place in the prestigious Willem C. Vis Commercial Arbitration Moot Court Competition in Vienna, Austria, and received the distinguished Martin Domke Award for Best Oralist. Her academic accolades are a reflection of her commitment to her studies and her field. Click here to read more about Alice Adu Gyamfi.
