WBA celebrates Black History Month by celebrating the Black members of our community.
Adaoma (Ada) Okafor is a Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Chief Judge Anna Blackburne- Rigsby at the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. Ada was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and moved to the United States at 12, settling in Hampton, VA. She shares, “I quickly had to adjust to the cold, as I hadn’t experienced much of it before.”
Ada told us about her experience at James Madison University, “I was seeking independence—but not too much, as I still wanted to be close enough to enjoy my favorite Nigerian dishes. At James Madison, I had incredible academic and leadership opportunities. I was involved with the Alternative Break Program, served as an orientation leader, and represented students on the Board of Visitors as the Student Representative. Through these roles, I connected with board members, some of whom became invaluable mentors.”
After graduation, Ada served as an AmeriCorps member before attending American University Washington College of Law (WCL). There, she pursued membership in the Alternative Dispute Resolution Honor Society, because, as she tells us, “I had no interest in ever stepping into a courtroom (or so I thought).” She was also a member of the Business Law Review. At WCL, she prioritized experiential learning to ensure she understood the practical aspects of law beyond theory. After her 1L year, she spent the summer at what is now Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath. It was there that she re-discovered my interest in litigation. She participated in the Civil Advocacy Clinic and then interned for the Honorable Tanya Chutkan and the Honorable Judge Anita Blackburne-Rigsby before completing her first clerkship with the Honorable Chief Judge Judith Wheat. She then worked at a firm before going on to clerk at the appellate level for the Honorable Chief Judge Anna Blackburne-Rigsby. Ada said, “These experiences have shaped my career and contributed to who I am as an attorney. After my clerkship, I am hoping to join a general or appellate litigation practice at a firm here in the District.”
Ada is a member of the Greater Washington Area Chapter, Women Lawyers Division, National Bar Association (GWAC), Women in Construction, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. During her time with Women in Construction, she has worked as a Breakout Session Coordinator, organizing and planning one of the main stage sessions for the conference, and as a Breakout Session Co-Chair to ensure that all breakout sessions for the conference were well-planned and executed smoothly. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and proudly serves the Washington, DC. community through the Xi Omega Chapter.
What inspired you to join the WBA?
I joined the WBA not only for the timely, informative programming and mentorship it offers but also because I wanted to help the organization fulfill its mission—one that I strongly support. Someone once told me that organizations are always looking for people who can either donate or invest their time, and if you can’t do both, it’s important to do at least one. As a young attorney early in my career, I realized I could give my time to support an organization that had already benefited me throughout law school. I asked myself, “How can I help?” and “Where is the need?” and then I got to work. I joined because I saw a need and felt inspired to contribute to meeting it.
Along the way, I have met some amazing people who care deeply about their work and the legal community they serve. Now, I serve as co-chair of the Amicus Subcommittee, where I have had the privilege of providing recommendations to the board after reviewing requests for the WBA to join briefs as amici. Additionally, I serve as co-chair of the Women in Public Service and Politics Committee, where I have had the pleasure of planning relevant programs and moderating when needed.
How did your community growing up shape who you are now?
My community growing up embodied the essence of becoming a global citizen, as I navigated a blend of diverse cultural, social, and personal experiences. I spent my formative years in Lagos, Nigeria, where my parents worked in the oil and gas industry. I was surrounded by people who held strong values rooted in education, family, and community, and the expectations for achievement were always high. I learned to take pride in my work and came to believe that education is the key to success.
Family was especially important to me because I learned the value of caring for and supporting others, sharing responsibilities, and respecting my elders. I was taught to be accountable for my actions and to honor the family name. I learned to prioritize family and community, and I came to understand that community plays a significant role in shaping traditions, daily life, and upbringing. Whether attending church or visiting my grandparents during the holidays, I experienced the importance of celebration and accountability.
Then moving to Hampton, VA, a predominantly Black city, allowed me to experience a different layer of Black identity and helped me integrate what Black culture meant in a Western context. It was here that I witnessed my family face unanticipated struggles. I worked my way throughout college and law school, and this experience gave me a humbling perspective and reinforced the invaluable lessons of perseverance and empathy. Attending two predominantly white institutions (PWIs) for both undergraduate and law school exposed me to environments where diversity was limited, and it stood in stark contrast to my previous life experiences. This shift heightened my awareness of cultural differences and systemic inequities. It fueled my passion for advocating for representation and inclusion, if for no other reason than the fact that diversity prevents spaces from becoming echo chambers where everyone shares the same experiences and beliefs, and people aren’t challenged to think differently. Being in these distinct environments reinforced the importance of having diverse perspectives at the table, inspiring me to be a voice when needed.
What motivated you to enroll in law school?
During the financial crisis in 2008, my parents, like most business owners, faced challenges. I overheard one of their conversations and, when things settled, I told my dad, “When I grow up, I’m going to sue everyone who owes you money.” I’m not sure if that’s hilarious or terrifying, but it’s the earliest memory I have of wanting to become a lawyer.
Since then, I have appreciated the fact that I care deeply about people and the concept of justice, however complex and elusive that term may be. In undergrad, I majored in Justice Studies, initially focusing on criminal justice and criminology, before shifting to social justice engagement. This allowed me to explore the world I live in and discuss strategies for action.
I participated in my school’s Alternative Break Program, traveling during spring breaks and Thanksgiving to engage with social issues firsthand. One impactful trip was to New Orleans for the 10-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, where we helped rebuild homes and learned about the city’s infrastructure challenges. I also visited Atlanta, studying race relations, touring Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthplace, and working with organizations focused on human trafficking and homelessness. Additionally, I explored the criminal justice system in South Bend, Indiana, and led a trip to San Juan, TX, where we discussed U.S./Mexico border issues and visited the border.
These experiences reinforced my belief that fairness, integrity, and equity should be core values of our justice system. They solidified my interest in law school, where I hoped to use my knowledge to advocate for a more equitable society through advocacy and litigation.
What advice would you give to a Black law student who aspires to be where you are now?
Focus on what’s important to you and excel in those areas. Don’t count yourself out—just because you haven’t met a certain benchmark doesn’t mean you’re unqualified or incapable of achieving your goals. Your law degree offers countless opportunities, and no one can advocate for you better than you can.
Remember to cultivate discipline and form honest, meaningful relationships. Use yourself as practice—advocate for yourself with the same zeal and attention you would for a future client. The work we do is serious, but don’t take yourself too seriously. Work hard, produce good work, but make time to laugh, be a good team player, and take ownership of your contributions. We are all imperfect, so know your strengths and weaknesses—and while working on your weaknesses, focus on excelling at the things you do well.
What does Black History Month mean to you personally, and why is it important to celebrate it?
Black History Month is important because it highlights and celebrates the contributions and achievements of African Americans in shaping our society. It also serves as an opportunity to educate the public about black history, especially by spotlighting figures and accomplishments that may not be widely recognized but have made a significant impact on society today. In addition to this visibility, it inspires us to learn from the work of those who came before us and encourages us to continue their efforts. We stand on the shoulders of our ancestors, and Black History Month is a time to honor them and remind ourselves of our collective potential. It motivates me to stay resilient, have tough conversations, strive for excellence in everything I do, and give visibility to those who are working to move us forward.
What progress or positive changes have you witnessed for the Black legal community in recent years?
So, while positive changes are in motion, resistance continues to slow progress. According to a 2023 report by the National Bar Association and Kanarys, Inc., while the majority of Black women in the legal field feel empowered, respected, and supported in their workplaces, many still experience or witness discrimination and bias. Furthermore, Black women attorneys often feel inadequately mentored, and when combined with the impact of discrimination, this can leave them feeling isolated.
Organizations like the National Bar Association (NBA) and the Greater Washington Area Chapter (GWAC) are actively combating these challenges by offering professional development and mentoring programs for Black women law students and professionals. They are also creating networking opportunities and leading discussions on the intentional efforts required to retain, celebrate, and advance Black women in the legal field. The community remains pivotal in advancing conversations around systemic racism, advocating for reforms in criminal justice and voting rights—efforts that not only benefit the Black community but also the broader society. This community has played an important role in raising public awareness of these issues and fundraising to address legal disparities both in our communities and within the legal profession.
What are your hopes or aspirations for the future of the Black legal community?
These are trying times. My hope is that the Black legal community takes the time to rest and recharge, recognizing that there are seemingly new, yet very old, systems that threaten to undo the progress we’ve made. I believe that rest can be a form of resistance. After a period of rest and strategizing, I believe we will return stronger, ready to fight, advocate, and continue making a significant impact on causes essential to advancing justice and equity.
Do you have a mentor/hero?
When I graduated from law school, I clerked at the Arlington Circuit Court with the Honorable Judith Wheat, now the Chief Judge. Judge Wheat was instrumental in my development as a lawyer. She embodies integrity, cares deeply about the people in front of her, and is a strong leader who maintains a grounded and approachable demeanor. She was fair to all the litigants in her court and often engaged in thoughtful case discussions after trials and hearings. She demonstrated a deep understanding of the law and always took the time to guide me if I misapplied it, while also offering approval when I did things well.
Judge Wheat cared about my professional development. She encouraged me to join organizations and often invited me to attend events with her as she always fostered a mindset of lifelong learning. The skills I gained during this first clerkship laid a strong foundation for my career and helped me succeed when I joined a firm. I continue to apply those same skills today in my current clerkship. Judge Wheat’s mentorship has been crucial in shaping who I am as a lawyer and continues to influence my professional growth.
What is the best advice you have received?
After law school, I worked at a firm specializing in construction and government contracts litigation. I joined an organization, and one day after a meeting, the partner I worked for asked how it went. I told him it was great, and I had learned a lot, but I wished they had approached a certain issue differently. When he asked what the issue was and I explained, he said, “Did you tell them that?” I said no. He asked why, and I explained that the people at the meeting were much more senior than me, and I didn’t want to seem like I was questioning their approach, especially since I was still learning. He then reminded me to use my voice—that if I had something meaningful to contribute, it was important to speak up.
Since then, I have carried that advice with me everywhere I go. If I have a unique idea or meaningful perspective that could move the conversation forward, I make sure to share it. Whether in meetings, case discussions, or case research, I have learned to offer alternative perspectives that might not have been considered—whether with my peers or even judges.