Antrell Tyson, L'14

There is no singular path for people to follow when they graduate from Richmond Law. Some people go to work at a firm, others work as in-house counsel, while still more find work in the public sector. Antrell Tyson (L’14) forged a path that led him to Congress, where he is the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF) Science and Technology Fellow for 2014–16.

I have always been interested in working in public policy," explained Tyson. "Fortunately, I met someone who was working as a CBCF Fellow at the time, and he provided me with a lot of insight about his experience. Needless to say, I became more interested in the fellowship, and the many opportunities I would have during and after my time working on Capitol Hill."

That meeting would turn out to be the first step in a long process before Tyson arrived at the U.S. Congress. "To apply to the fellowship, I submitted a general application and three essays addressing various policy issues affecting the minority community," said Tyson. "After advancing to the second round of the selection process, I completed a rigorous phone interview with three CBCF representatives, who tested my knowledge on a range of policy issues. One question in particular was to name three members of congress I wanted to work for, and explain why I wanted to work for them based on my policy interests. Finally, after advancing to the last round of the interview process, I was given 24 hours to complete a policy memo on science and technology." At the end of the process, Tyson was named the CBCF Science and Technology Fellow for 2014-2016 and began work on the Hill.

The CBCF Fellowship was not, however, Tyson’s first fellowship. After graduating from Richmond Law, Tyson was selected for a Bridge to Practice Fellowship, which allowed him to begin work with the Federal Public Defender’s Office in Richmond right after taking the bar.

"I knew that if I received the CBCF Fellowship, I would be postponing any opportunity to get into court for at least two years," explained Tyson. "The Bridge to Practice Fellowship was a wonderful opportunity because it allowed me to get into the courtroom immediately after taking the Bar Exam. I was able to work with and learn from some of the best trial attorneys in the Bar.”

Tyson also explained that his time with the Federal Public Defender’s Office gives him valuable perspective on the work he’s doing with the CBCF. "I spent a lot of time observing how federal criminal laws were implemented 'on the ground,' so to speak. This experience gave me a better perspective on how laws can disproportionately impact some communities more than others. Although working for Congress requires me to work on a broader range of policy areas, my Bridge to Practice experience reminds me that there is always a human element involved in creating laws or regulations."

Tyson is also thankful for the powerful moments he has experienced in his work for the CBCF. "My boss, Congresswomen Frederica Wilson, hosted a policy forum that addressed issues of racial profiling in America," recalled Tyson. "The parents of Trayvon Martin, Shawn Bell, Michael Brown, and Eric Garner were all in attendance. Needless to say, this was a very emotional experience, and one that I'll remember for the rest of my life."

Another highlight for Tyson was the opportunity to see President Barack Obama speak during the Phoenix Dinner, a gala to commemorate the weeklong CBCF Annual Legislative Conference. "After the event, I was able to meet a number of policy makers, and also had a lengthy conversation with Martin Luther King III." There are also the more subtle, day-to-day moments that really stick with Tyson. "At least a few times a week, I find myself thinking, 'Wow, this is fascinating. Who would have known that this is an issue for this group of constituents?'" he said. "It is also pretty cool seeing members of Congress walking around the Hill, and realizing that I am a small part of the same function of helping to run a country."

Ultimately, Tyson credits his experiences at Richmond Law with contributing to his success with the CBCF. "The Richmond Experience helped to enhance my professional skills in a very supportive environment," he explained. "The teaching was first class, and forced me to think critically and challenge the status-quo. The internship and fellowship opportunities were phenomenal and helped enhance many of the practical skills I learned in the classroom. And equally as important, the administration played an active role in encouraging my leadership development. After the conclusion of my three years in Richmond, I can say that I am more than prepared to contribute to whatever industry I decide to enter."