‘High school lawyer’ one step closer to the Bar

With a passion for advocacy and her eyes on the Jamaican Bar, Tamia Coley is making steady strides towards being named among the nation's esteemed cadre of counsel.

Coley shared that studying law was a choice deeply rooted in her love for advocacy and representation. She stated that she was affectionately called the "free lawyer" by her teachers while in high school as she often found herself defending her peers.

"Whether it was standing up for someone being treated unfairly or helping to articulate their concerns, I was always eager to ensure that their voices were heard," she stated. Coley said that she believes strongly in the power of positive representation and the importance of justice.

"It is essential to me that what is right prevails and I have a keen sense for rules and order. Pursuing a career in law aligns perfectly with these values," she said. The University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) student, who was one of eight valedictorian nominees for the 2024 graduating class, will bask in the bliss of academic success during her graduation ceremony on Friday. There, she will be officially awarded her Bachelor of Law degree with first class honours having earned it with a GPA of 3.76. Coley already speaks with the confidence and composure of an attorney. She shared that her next step is to pursue a Master of Law followed by a Legal Education Certificate, and later specialise in family and commercial law.

Reflecting on her undergraduate journey at UTech, Jamaica, Coley, now an administrative manager at Pavecon Limited, described her experience with her lecturers as "fantastic". Learning the importance of collaboration was among the many lessons.

"As the saying goes, no man is an island, no man stands alone. This journey taught me the significance of connection and collaboration," she shared. She admitted that she assumed that everyone would share her level of drive and commitment, but upon realising that this was not the case, Coley found a way to effectively work with her group members as her grades depended on efficient teamwork.

"I approached my group with an open mind. I realised that one was good at researching, another at writing, one at proofreading and organising the document. I used that to create a strong group moving forward," she said. It was an experience that taught her how to navigate team dynamics and appreciate the diverse strengths that contribute to a group's success.

Coley, like many university students, encountered financial difficulties. At times she struggled to keep up with tuition payments, but her determination to succeed led her to take on additional responsibilities at work.

"By stepping up and accepting more tasks, I was able to gain valuable experience and skills. This proactive approach ultimately led to promotions, which helped alleviate some of my financial burdens," she shared. Her eagerness to learn resulted in her mastering vital skills in bank reconciliation, payroll, procurement and project expense tracking. Within three years, she advanced from data entry clerk to her current post. Though naturally proactive, Coley attributes much of her success to UTech, Jamaica's "practical approach" to teaching, which she asserted, "enhances our learning and prepares us for our careers".

"I began my university journey feeling like a child, but now I see myself as a young woman with a clear vision and the potential to excel," she said, while expressing gratitude to her employer and family for their invaluable support, financially and otherwise, along her journey.

Coley advised current and future university students that being proactive can make a significant difference in their academic journey.

"Remember that every single grade counts, so take your studies seriously and manage your time effectively," she said, also encouraging them to stay organised to help in reducing stress.