Today we’d like to introduce you to Antonisha Baker.
Antonisha, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am currently the Assistant Director of Experiential and Professional Development at Ave Maria School of Law and a South Florida attorney servicing the Miami and Fort Lauderdale markets in Business, International, and Intellectual Property transactions.
I attended law school at Emory University School of Law in Atlanta, Ga. While in law school, I always had a passion for international and business law so took every opportunity to study in those areas. I had amazing internship opportunities and mentors while in law school which led me to gain invaluable exposure and experience in intellectual property law and business transactions. Upon graduation, I returned home to Miami, FL where I worked for the leading international pharmaceutical branding company, Brand Institute, Inc. While at Brand Institute, I knew I had to make the most of my skills and talents and learn from those around me. I worked initially as a Business Development Associate for the Canadian region, and thereafter became a trademark analyst, and finally the youngest trademark attorney in the company. I had the opportunity to learn directly from the company’s CEO, VPs, and General Counsel to enhance my skills and expertise in international trademark screening for multi-billion dollar clients and client relations.
I knew that something was missing from my self-fulfillment. I remembered how much I enjoyed teaching business communications and working with brilliant college students while I worked at Emory’s Goizueta Business School. I accepted an offer to join Ave Maria School of Law because I wanted to give back to these law students to show them that nontraditional methods to success in the legal profession does work. I don’t believe that anyone should limit themselves, especially in their career aspirations. We spend most of our time at work, so you should always make sure you pursue something you are passionate about. My job is to assist my students in finding their passion and purpose while pursuing a legal education.
I could never leave the practice of law entirely because it still excites me. I have the opportunity to pursue areas of law that I find fun and intriguing, such as trademarks, copyright, contracts, maritime, and international matters. My motto is, I educate and advocate! I am determined to have the best of both worlds.
Has it been a smooth road?
I’ve had numerous challenges that I’ve had to overcome that’s led me to where I am today. As a child, I was faced with many medical challenges that led me to having five corrective eye surgeries from birth through the age of 17. I also had a spinal infusion operation at the age of 15 where I risked paralysis and taught myself to walk again during a two years recovery process.
I thought that after having experienced such medical triumphs while maintaining a 4.3 GPA and earning my first degree in high school that my adulthood would surely be a much easier transition. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Law school has a way exposing insecurities you weren’t aware you had to say the least. During law school, I was told that I wouldn’t be able to secure my ideal job as in-house counsel right out of school, that it wasn’t likely that I would pass the bar, and that I’m young so I could just try something else. When you’re in an extremely competitive and stressful environment, the last thing you need are constant reminders of all the reasons you aren’t good enough. My mental health and confidence took a huge blow.
With the support of my family, friends, and mentors, I worked to build up my self-esteem and most importantly I wanted to know that I am able to do everything anyone has ever told me I couldn’t. The biggest challenge I face in my career now is gaining the respect of my peers because I am 25 years old. Everyone doesn’t want to hear the advice from the “kid at the table”, but I’m here to stay. I’ve learned to let my work ethic speak for itself because that has no age and no one will argue with positive results. Rather than striving to prove anyone wrong, my objective is to prove to myself that I am destined for greatness.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am the Assistant Director of Experiential Learning and Professional Development at Ave Maria School of Law. My role is to counsel and supervise law students to gain experiential learning experiences through internships, externships, and pro bono opportunities prior to their graduation from law school. I also coordinate professional development events for law students and legal professionals to build a relationship with one another and counsel students individually on their professional development plan to prepare them for a successful career in the practice of law. I specialize in the externship program where I work with the students in the classroom as an instructor and act as a liason and supervisor for their legal employers.
For many students, what sets me apart from others is that I tailor my counseling to each student’s interests and concerns just like I would for any client. The students are aware that I am an IP and business transactions attorney as well, so they often want to learn from my experiences and the avenues I’ve taken to get to where I am. I am the Director that will always find a solution for the students and I’m glad that they entrust me to advocate on their behalf. I am very grateful to have an amazing professional development team alongside me that invites innovation and creativity.
Ave Maria is a small law school in comparison to the school I attended, but that allows our administration team to really build a relationship with the students and the South Florida practitioners. I am fortunate enough to be a practitioner and a member of academia so that I can bridge the gap between the two perspectives.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I think that the Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and surrounding region is a great place for legal professionals. Since this is a metropolitan area young lawyers, law students, and legal educators can gain experience in every area that the legal profession has to offer. Miami allows young professionals to create their own growth opportunities because if you have a passion or skill set for something the resources are always available. The networking opportunities in the legal profession in Miami is also unmatched. There’s always an opportunity to meet someone new and learn from the experts in our profession.
Contact Info:
- Email: antonishalyniece@gmail.com and abaker@avemarialaw.edu
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antonisha_brandingesq
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/antonishabaker
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