Diondra Musgrave

Student Spotlight: Diondra Musgrave, L’24

February 27, 2023
Diondra Musgrave, L’24, is putting her experience in politics to work as she pursues a joint MPA/JD.

As we celebrate Black History Month, we’re sharing how some of our current students are making Black history right now. Like Diondra Musgrave, L’24, who is putting her experience in politics to work as she pursues a joint MPA/JD.

 

Why did you decide to attend law school?

After working in politics, I wanted to help create and implement legislation that delivered on the campaign promises I helped write. I went to work in the Virginia legislature and quickly learned that there was a gap between policy and the law. I decided that to become the best public servant I could be, I needed an intimate understanding of policy creation and the law. And I am now a candidate for the joint MPA/JD program.

Why Richmond Law, in particular?

While working in the Virginia General Assembly, I met several Richmond Law alumni who loved their jobs and spoke about Richmond Law's supportive culture. I took a campus tour, and everyone was genuinely happy to answer my questions and learn more about me.  The team was focused on helping identify the lawyer I wanted to be and then helped craft a pathway to my professional goals.

What are your career goals? How does your experience as a Black woman impact those goals?

I enjoy working in the legislative/policy field, and I would love to work as counsel in Congress or the United Nations General Assembly. My life as a Black woman regularly means showing up in spaces and shattering other people's prejudices. However, this is not a unique experience. Most of us have experienced the frustration of not fitting into a box. And once I embraced my experience of being prejudged, I practiced using that experience to connect with others. Through that practice, I developed a passion for advocating for others, and legislation/policy creation is a natural extension of that passion. 

What law school course/clinic/program has had the greatest impact on you law school experience?

This semester I am working as a legal extern with the Virginia Division of Legislative Services. And it has been satisfying to see the lessons of Legislation and Regulation, Constitutional Law, Property Law, and Administrative Law manifest in a real work environment.

How have you benefitted from being a member of BLSA?

BLSA has not only provided me a community, but also an opportunity to create a community. I have met people from all over the world and we all have different backgrounds and motivations. And yet we still have found a common bond throughout engagement in BLSA.

What aspect of your law school experience has surprised you the most?

I am constantly surprised by my classmates. It feels like every day I learn something new about their lives.

What impact do you hope to make on the legal system after you graduate?

I hope to leave this world better than it was handed to me. I want to create laws that protect our most vulnerable populations.

In one word, how would you describe your experience at Richmond Law?

Empowering.

 

Transcript lightly edited for length and clarity.