North Carolina Central University (NCCU) School of Law student Synia Paris is preparing to graduate on Dec. 13, and she’s bringing a unique perspective to the legal field—one shaped by her upbringing, determination and commitment to her community.
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Paris grew up in a blended family as the middle child. Her path to law was shaped by her awareness of the injustices she witnessed throughout her upbringing.
“From a young age, I knew there were a lot of injustices and inequality, especially in how our legal system operates. I recognized that pursuing a career in law was the best way for me to make a difference,” she said.
Paris earned her undergraduate degree in criminal justice at Madonna University in Michigan. During her undergraduate years, she decided to take a break to pursue her cosmetology license. After becoming a small business owner, she returned to her studies and discovered her true passion lies in the legal field.
“Cosmetology was my passion, but my purpose is in law,” she said.
As one of only six HBCU law schools in the country, NCCU Law, renowned for its commitment to serving people of color, felt like a welcoming home to her.
“I chose NCCU Law because I wanted to earn my law degree at a place established for people who look like me. When I toured the campus, it just felt right,” she said.
Paris was admitted through the invitation-only Performance-Based Admissions Program (PBAP). PBAP is a conditional admissions program established nearly 40 years ago, that provides a pathway to law school for a select group of applicates who demonstrate resilience and strong potential for academic success, even if their credentials do not initially qualify them for direct admission.
Her academic journey at NCCU has been remarkable, consistently making the dean’s list and serving as a student tutor. Paris was also recognized with a publication in the “Science and Intellectual Property Law Review.”
Despite some challenges, including personal loss and the anxiety of being a non-traditional student, Paris has thrived.
“I overcame many challenges by focusing on my ‘why’ for pursuing a law degree and seeking support from my professors. Their encouragement helped me understand that I belong here,” she said, proudly noting her achievement of graduating in the top 10% of her class—ahead of schedule.
Looking ahead, Paris plans to take the bar exam in February 2025, and start her career as an assistant prosecuting attorney, with a focus on criminal and juvenile law.
“I want to work in public interest, advocating for justice for victims while also providing opportunities for defendants who may benefit from community-based supervision instead of confinement,” she said. Her aspirations extend beyond the courtroom; she has a strong commitment to providing resources for at-risk youth in her community, recognizing the importance of mentorship and support for future generations.
As Paris prepares to graduate, she offers this message to her peers: “If being an attorney was easy, everyone would do it. When the going gets tough, always remember your why—somebody needs you.”
