Zuka Chuka-Obah is an Attorney Advisor for the Landlord Tenant Branch of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. She is a member of the D.C. Bar and also licensed in Maryland. Zuka graduated from the University of Chicago in 2011 with a BA in Political Science and is a 2014 graduate of Georgetown University Law Center. She has a strong passion for helping her community and loves being actively involved in the community.
Outside of work, Zuka loves being in nature, walking, and traveling with family and friends. She also enjoys learning new things and trying new activities.
When did you join the WBA?
I joined the WBA two years ago.
In what committees/forums have you been involved?
I am one of the co-chairs for the Young Lawyers Committee.
Why did you join the WBA?
I joined to meet local attorneys in the District, make meaningful connections, and learn about other practice areas from networking with other attorneys.
What benefits do you get from being a part of the WBA and why do you think others should join?
Expanding my network circle and meeting attorneys in the District. The WBA is a safe place for attorneys to network and find community with others in the legal field.
What is the best advice you have received?
I have received several good pieces of advice throughout my life and it is difficult to pinpoint the best. However, advice that has stuck with me from childhood has been my mother’s favorite phrase to me whenever I would feel frustrated with not reaching a goal fast enough: “if at first you do not succeed, try, try again.” As an adult, I have taken this advice to heart. I approach setbacks as a wall to overcome with persistence and perseverance, and never stop striving to reach my goals.
Do you have a mentor/hero?
I have many mentors who have influenced my life. My earliest mentors were my parents who empowered me to study, grow and be resilient in everything I do. My first work supervisors taught me how to focus on solutions rather than problems and became a guiding light in my life.
What words of advice do you have for women new to the profession?
Mistakes do not define your character. They cannot. Always learn from past actions and try to do your best moving forward.