Meet Tamika Grace Jude, Esq. a licensed attorney in the state of New Jersey, where she holds a diverse range of responsibilities. Her role involves supervising staff, meticulously reviewing forms and documents, crafting legal briefs, representing clients in court, and conducting consultations with potential new clients. Among these duties, one of the most rewarding aspects of her daily routine is reviewing incoming mail and experiencing the satisfaction of case approvals.
During her academic journey, Attorney Jude served as an Associate Editor for the Barry University Environmental Earth Law Journal. She was also actively engaged in various student organizations and leadership roles, notably as a senator within the Student Bar Association throughout her three years of law school. Jude further honed her skills by working in the Immigration Clinic, participating in the Trial Team, and serving on the executive boards of multiple student organizations, including the Immigration Law Society. Her dedication and involvement in her legal education earned her a membership in Phi Alpha Delta and the receipt of an immigration stipend from Barry University.
While in law school, Attorney Jude generously volunteered her time with a small law firm in Orlando, Florida, and contributed to free naturalization clinics for the local community. After her graduation, she continued her legal career as a law clerk for an immigration firm in Vienna, Virginia. These experiences equipped her with the knowledge and skills required to excel as an immigration attorney. She has filed numerous petitions, represented clients in removal proceedings, and prides herself on delivering excellent customer service while maintaining accessibility to her clients.
Wearing Multiple Hats
In her diverse life, Attorney Jude seamlessly transitions between various roles. At her workplace, she serves as the leader of her dedicated team, fostering a warm and familial atmosphere. Colleagues often describe her as fun, understanding, and compassionate, and the work environment she cultivates feels like a second family.
Professionally, Attorney Jude’s clients hold her in high esteem, frequently referring to her as the best attorney they’ve ever worked with—a compliment she graciously accepts.
Beyond her career and family life, Attorney Jude’s friends know her as the goofy one, always ready with a joke to lighten the mood. Another passion in her life is singing, which has been a part of her for as long as she can remember. She has actively participated in numerous singing competitions over the years and had the honor of performing “Rise Up” by Andra Day at her undergraduate graduation ceremony.
Pursuing Her Passion for Law
Attorney Jude’s journey began in Dominica, where her lifelong aspiration to become a lawyer was deeply rooted from a young age. She harbored a strong desire to be a voice for the voiceless and advocate for those who couldn’t advocate for themselves. However, financial constraints posed a significant hurdle to her dreams, and she didn’t want to burden her parents with the cost of her education.
Initially, Attorney Jude compromised by pursuing a career as a high school teacher at her alma mater. She believed this was a practical choice, but her parents played a pivotal role in shifting her perspective. They encouraged her to follow her dreams and reassured her that financial concerns should not deter her aspirations. With an understanding that her parents would support her, she made the bold decision to embrace her passion for law.
The financial challenge was not insignificant, as the exchange rate from Eastern Caribbean dollars to USD made her $37,100 USD tuition equivalent to over $100,000 XCD. Nevertheless, she dropped her second major in Psychology and added Criminal Justice, confident in her parents’ support.
Attorney Jude’s educational journey took her to the University of the Virgin Islands, where she participated in the Washington Center Summer internship program and interned at a law office in Washington, D.C. Upon graduation, she pursued her JD at Barry University, Dwayne O Andreas School of Law, where she excelled academically, graduating with honors in litigation and receiving the immigration stipend and trial team scholarship.
During her time at Barry, she gained practical experience by participating in the immigration clinic, representing clients before the immigration court as a certified legal intern, and volunteering at an immigration law firm in Orlando. Her dedication to her legal education and her unwavering determination to overcome financial challenges have shaped her into the dedicated and driven legal professional she is today, poised to make a meaningful impact in the field of law.
The Firm
Jude Law is a full-service law firm that specializes in various areas of US Immigration law. The firm adeptly handles a wide range of cases, including Marriage-based Green Cards, Visas, Asylum Applications, Citizenship applications, Waivers, and more. To ensure accessibility and convenience for their clients, Jude Law offers easy payment plans, transparent and flat-rate pricing, and strives for quick turnaround times on cases.
Roadmap to Professional Growth
Attorney Jude’s approach to ongoing professional development and her insights into qualities that are essential for today’s emerging legal leaders are both insightful and valuable. Here’s a summary of her approach and observations:
Approach to Ongoing Professional Development:
- Continuous Learning: Commitment to lifelong learning, staying updated on legal changes and technological advancements.
- Mentorship and Networking: Seeking guidance from experienced mentors and networking for fresh perspectives.
- Embracing Diversity and Inclusion: Promoting diversity and inclusion within the organization and supporting related initiatives.
- Adaptability: Being flexible and open to new ideas to meet changing client needs.
- Ethical Leadership: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all aspects of work.
- Mental and Emotional Resilience: Focusing on mental and emotional well-being to cope with the demands of the legal profession.
- Effective Communication: Continually improving communication skills to articulate complex legal concepts clearly and concisely.
Qualities Lacking Among Emerging Legal Leaders:
- Patience and Persistence: Some emerging leaders may lack patience and persistence, seeking rapid success without investing the necessary time and effort to develop expertise.
- Emotional Intelligence: While technical legal knowledge is essential, emotional intelligence, including understanding and managing emotions, is equally crucial.
- Innovative Thinking: The legal profession can benefit from more innovative thinking, and emerging leaders should explore new approaches and technologies.
- Adaptability to Technology and Embracing Social Media: Keeping up with technological advancements and recognizing the potential of social media platforms for marketing and connecting with a diverse audience. It’s important to avoid stigmatizing labels and recognize the value of using these platforms to humanize the legal profession and build credibility.
Attorney Jude’s multifaceted approach to professional development and her observations on the qualities needed for emerging legal leaders can serve as a valuable guide for legal professionals in their career journeys.
Breaking Barriers and Promoting Inclusivity
As a Black immigrant, Attorney Jude has often found herself navigating a legal landscape where diversity and representation have historically been lacking. This underrepresentation has sometimes led to situations where she has been one of the few, or even the only, person of color in professional settings. While this can be isolating, it has also motivated her to work even harder to break down barriers and shatter stereotypes. She recalls, “One of the challenges I’ve faced is overcoming biases and unconscious prejudices that can affect how clients, colleagues, and even judges perceive my abilities and qualifications. It’s unfortunate that these biases exist, but they have also strengthened my determination to prove my competence and worth.”
As a legal leader, Attorney Jude believes it’s crucial to not only overcome these barriers personally but also to actively work towards a more inclusive legal profession. This involves mentoring and supporting young attorneys from diverse backgrounds, advocating for diversity and inclusion within law firms and organizations, and continuing to excel in her own practice to serve as a role model for others.
“I’ve learned that being a female, young black immigrant, a mother, and an immigration attorney with my own firm has given me a unique perspective that I bring to my work. It has allowed me to connect with clients on a deeper level and approach cases with empathy and understanding. While I’ve faced challenges along the way, I view them as opportunities for growth and positive change in the legal field,” says Attorney Jude.
Definition of Success
Attorney Jude firmly believes that success is intricately tied to progress and can be found in the smallest of victories. In her legal profession, the most significant successes come from achieving favorable outcomes for her clients. These successes come in various forms, but what truly matters is how each outcome enhances the lives of her clients and their families.
In her view, success should not be limited to grand achievements; it should also encompass the day-to-day progress and positive changes made. Every small victory contributes to the broader definition of success, whether it involves securing a case termination or facilitating an administrative closure. What matters most is the impact on her clients’ well-being and satisfaction.
Attorney Jude’s perspective aligns with the belief that success is a deeply personal and context-dependent concept. In her field, success is intimately linked to the pursuit of justice and the betterment of her clients’ lives. Each favorable outcome serves as a testament to her unwavering commitment, dedication, and expertise. Her professional journey is deeply fulfilling as she consistently makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those she serves. She asserts, “I plan to grow from being a solo practitioner to having an office with several attorneys and paralegals with offices in different states.”
Message for the Next Generation of Legal Leaders
Attorney Jude’s advice to the next generation of legal leaders is as follows
- Master the fundamentals of law, embracing lifelong learning, and cultivating exceptional communication skills are essential.
- Uphold the highest ethical standards, adapt to technology, and develop strong research skills to excel in the legal field.
- Diversify your skill set, build emotional intelligence, and network strategically to expand your influence and understanding.
- Prioritize work-life balance to maintain your well-being and sustain long-term success in your legal career.
- Advocate for justice, lead with integrity, and stay true to your values as you progress on your journey as a legal leader.
“Your journey as a legal leader requires continuous self-improvement, dedication to making a positive impact on society, and a commitment to upholding the rule of law,” says Attorney Jude.
Written by Steve Sanchez.
