From Transfer Student to Trailblazer
Western State College of Law takes great pride in recognizing students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance and leadership. Among them, Gabrielle Eka-mma Eshiet truly stands out. Currently a 2L law student, Gabrielle is on an accelerated track to graduate in December 2025. She transferred to Western State to study in a more supportive and inclusive environment. Since joining the law school, she has taken on leadership positions, such as serving as President of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA), Secretary of the Student Bar Association (SBA), and a Dean’s Fellow. Recently, Gabrielle was honored with the Susan and William Shapiro Scholarship and accepted a Summer Associate role at Jackson Lewis. Undoubtedly, she embodies the qualities of a successful Western State law student. Beyond her own accomplishments, she’s passionate about fostering an inclusive atmosphere where underrepresented students in law feel welcome and supported.
Gabrielle is interested in employment and corporate law, particularly in helping businesses manage legal issues before they become significant problems. “I would love to work for a corporation as in-house counsel, to help with employment issues and prevent legal problems from arising,” she explained. Through her academic and professional experiences, she is learning the skills she will need to guide organizations through complex employment issues while promoting fair and compliant workplace practices.
Leading with Purpose: BLSA and SBA Leadership
Gabrielle’s commitment to fostering community shines through in her leadership roles. She recalled her initial experiences here at Western State, during which she felt somewhat isolated as a brand new transfer student. She then started attending meetings held by the Black Law Students Association (BLSA), which helped her feel a strong sense of community. “I wanted to be that community for other students,” she said. “I wanted to show Black students that they don’t have to be scared to come here.” She explained that while BLSA is a safe space for Black students, it is also inclusive of all racial backgrounds. As the current President of BLSA, Gabrielle has worked to create a supportive space for Black students pursuing legal careers.
Under her leadership, BLSA is launching a “Know Your Rights” initiative. Specifically, this program aims to educate underserved communities on how to interact with law enforcement. “There are a lot of underserved communities that don’t know what to do in the face of law enforcement,” she explained. “I want everyone to have equal rights and fair representation.”
Along with being the president of BLSA, Gabrielle also serves as Secretary of the Student Bar Association (SBA), where she works on initiatives focused on student self-care. For example, Wellness Week promotes mental health and stress relief for law students. “Law school is stressful,” she shared. “Sometimes, we need to put self-care first.”
A Scholar and Future Attorney: Accolades and Achievements
Gabrielle’s hard work and leadership as a Western State law student have earned her multiple accolades. One of the most recent achievements is winning the Susan and William Shapiro Scholarship. As a result, this award has helped ease her financial burdens, allowing her to focus fully on law school and preparing for the bar exam. “The scholarship means I can breathe,” she explained. “It allows me to focus on school and leadership without worrying about gig work to pay my bills.” Preparing for the bar exam is a significant milestone in her journey as a law student. This scholarship has given her the ability to focus fully on that challenge ahead.
Gabrielle is also a Dean’s Fellow, where she mentors fellow students and helps them navigate the challenges of law school. “If I can help even one student feel more confident, it’s worth every minute of my time,” she said. On top of that, she secured an internship as a Summer Associate at Jackson Lewis. This position will provide her with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in employment law. And as if that weren’t impressive enough, she is also the law school ambassador for the Thurgood Marshall Bar Association.
With all her commitments, managing time effectively has become essential. Gabrielle noted that being passionate about your activities can make them feel like less of a burden. She attributes the success she’s had to being proactive, sharing responsibilities, and relying on her team for support. “You actually learn how to prioritize your time better when you keep busy,” she explained.
Western State: a Law School that Cares
Gabrielle chose Western State because of its tight-knit community, where faculty genuinely care about their students succeeding. She mentioned Professors Schindler, Jones, and Park as examples of faculty members particularly dedicated to students. For instance, they offer extra office hours and guidance for the bar exam. “At Western State, we are more than just numbers,” she said. “The faculty genuinely want us to succeed.” Western State’s strong commitment to diversity and inclusion significantly influenced Gabrielle’s decision to pursue her legal studies here.
Despite her many accomplishments, Gabrielle has battled imposter syndrome, a struggle that many women and underrepresented students and professionals experience. “Sometimes I don’t feel like I belong,” she admitted. “But Western State’s support helped me push past that.”
Her journey has motivated her to uplift other students who share similar experiences, ensuring they feel seen and supported. She noted that the lack of representation of Black individuals in the legal field can result in students feeling isolated. For her, being part of BLSA provided her with a sense of belonging. “I feel my leadership [with BLSA] contributes to helping students feel like there’s a space for them, especially Black students,” she stated. “I know what it feels like to not belong, and I don’t want any other student to feel like that.”
Advice for Future Law Students
To successfully manage both school and extracurricular activities, Gabrielle encourages new law students to pursue ones they are truly passionate about, as it makes leadership feel less like work and more like a purpose. “Get involved in something that makes your heart happy, something that you’re genuinely passionate about,” she said. “When you’re passionate about something, it won’t feel like work.”
She also stresses the importance of teamwork in achieving success. “To be a good leader, you need to be good in a team. You’re only as strong as your team,” she explained. Relying on others and asking for help is something she struggled with, and overcoming this hurdle has made her more efficient. “You don’t have to take on everything yourself. It’s okay to ask for help.”
A Legacy of Leadership
Gabrielle Eshiet truly represents what it means to be a Western State law student. She is determined, loves working with people, and is committed to excellence. By leading BLSA and focusing on student well-being, she is working toward positively impacting the field by making law school a more inclusive space. “I’m really grateful for Western State,” she shared. “The professors here, they uplift you. And that makes you a better student, and overall, a better attorney.”
Western State, a school of opportunity, is honored to support students like Gabrielle, who are dedicated to excellence and supporting underrepresented communities. She is making a lasting impact in the legal field, helping to create a more inclusive space for Black and underrepresented students in the field of law.