Our Team
Andrea N. Rivers
Andrea N. Rivers is a 2021 graduate of the part-time division of American University Washington College of Law. During law school, Andrea dedicated her spare time to pre-law initiatives by serving in various roles such as both the regional and national Director of Pre-Law Affairs for the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA); a mentor with ADVANCE, a mentorship program geared toward the retention of first-generation law students; and she assisted Evangeline Mitchell with the development of Bridge Builders Esq., a national virtual mentorship program for Black pre-law students. Prior to law school, Andrea earned her Bachelor of Arts in economics from Howard University. She is currently an Associate in the Washington, DC office of Baker McKenzie where she focuses on antitrust and competition law. Andrea co-founded Black JD, Inc. because of her belief in the benefits of early mentorship. Aside from mentorship and her commitment to Black JD, Andrea loves traveling, restaurant outings, fashion, and dogs.
(K)ny T. Cordes
Kny's impact extends far beyond traditional boundaries. As the Founder & CEO of The Sol Co Initiative LLC (Sol Co.), she leverages her legal expertise to uplift Black-owned businesses and artists worldwide, amplifying their voices and catalyzing societal change. Kny pioneers the fusion of law art, and entrepreneurship. With an innovative approach, she champions, supports, and advocates for Black businesses, finding unique ways to collaborate and practice cooperative economics.
Black JD, is where Kny’s law background and entrepreneurship intersect, utilizing her JD and legal experience to empower future legal luminaries. She encourages Black and Brown pre-law students to embrace their uniqueness, recognizing their vibrant contributions to an otherwise monochromatic world. Through her journey, Kny exemplifies the diversity and versatility of legal professionals, showcasing the myriad paths to success.
Alea K. Roberts
Alea K. Roberts is a litigation attorney specializing in family law. She is currently an Agency Attorney Interne with the NYC Administration of Children’s Services, Family Court Legal Division (“ACS FCLS”) where she is committed to assisting families and protecting the children of New York City. Prior to joining ACS FCLS, Alea worked full-time as a Law Intern with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Law Department where she authored and argued motions and made frequent court appearances. Alea graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University, cum laude, in 2015 where she received her Bachelor’s of Science. In 2020, she received her J.D. from the evening law student division of New York Law School. She is admitted to practice law in New Jersey and New York.
As the first lawyer in her family, Alea recognizes the privilege she has to be a Black attorney. More importantly, Alea recognized the responsibility that she holds to future Black attorneys to mentor, support, and uplift them on their legal journeys. Black JD Inc. provides the opportunity to do just that—“each one, bring one.”
Alea is a theater junkie and has participated in over thirteen plays and musicals. She enjoys dance, travel, and all things Beyoncé. Alea is a Jersey girl and has resided in New Jersey her whole life.
Arianne C. Connell
Arianne C. Connell graduated from New York University School of Law in May 2021, and she recently joined the corporate group at Willkie, Farr & Gallagher LLP. She is originally from Brooklyn, NY, and she graduated from Wesleyan University with a BA in Economics in 2016. Before starting law school, she worked at Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP in its diversity, pro bono and training departments. She was also an SEO Law Fellow at Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP. While in law school, she was the co-chair of NYU’s Black Allied Law Student Association, and she was involved with the International Law Society, Women of Color Collective, Courtroom Advocates Project, and Anti-Trafficking Advocacy Coalition. She was also a student advocate for the Reproductive Justice Clinic and the Mediation Clinic, and she was the Senior Symposium Editor for the NYU Journal of Legislation and Public Policy.
Throughout her legal journey, Arianne has remained committed to uplifting and empowering the Black community, and she continues to do so by working with Black JD. In her spare time, she loves watching crime dramas and traveling around the world. As a Bajan, she especially enjoys her travels to Barbados and other islands in the Caribbean since she loves spending time at the beach.
Delonie A. Plummer
Delonie A. Plummer is a 2018 graduate of Pace University School Law School. During law school, Delonie served as the Vice-Chair and Director of Communications of the Northeast Regional Black Law Students Association and served in leadership roles for her local Black Law Students Association Chapter. Prior to law school, Delonie graduated from the State University of New York at Albany. There, she majored in Criminal Justice and minored in English Studies. Delonie is currently Assistant General Counsel at New York University, where she advises human resources and business partners on labor and employment matters. Through her practice, Delonie hopes to advocate for cultural awareness in the workplace.
Nancy Maurice
A proud first-generation college graduate and attorney, Nancy advises foreign investors on corporate law and mergers and acquisitions. After starting her professional legal journey in commercial litigation in France, Nancy relocated to Louisiana to expand her knowledge as an international lawyer, and finally settled down in Brooklyn, NY, where she enjoys the restaurant scene and its multiculturalism.
Nancy earned her LL.B. from the University of Essex (England), an LL.M. in European Business Law from the University of Nanterre (France), and an LL.M. in Comparative Law from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University. She is admitted to practice in the State of New York.
A firm believer in community and 'paying forward', Nancy regularly speaks on panels, mentors aspiring law students and young lawyers. She has joined the Board of Black JD, Inc. as Vice-Chair of Programming & Advocacy to uplift the next generation of diverse attorneys. Nancy is also a leader in the legal community through her service in the American Bar Association ("ABA") as the Co-Chair for the FirstGen Initiative and the District Representative for New York State's Young Lawyers. She is also a Leadership Fellow of the Young Lawyers Division and a Business Law Fellow of the Business Law Section of the ABA.
An avid traveller, Nancy also enjoys reading and celebrating her Caribbean heritage through cooking during her spare time.