From Classroom to Courtroom: Erika James’s Journey to Law

Through her experience in the History and Political Science Department at Huntington University, alum Erika James was able to achieve her goal of going to law school and achieving a career as an associate attorney at Bowers, Brewer, Garrett & Wiley, where she practices in areas such as estate planning and administration, business law, family law, criminal defense, and civil litigation.

As a history and political science major, Erika felt she had developed the skills to excel in her future and become a more confident academic.

“I firmly believe I would not be where I am today or have accomplished all that I have if not for the professors in the HU History Department,” she said.

While at Huntington, Erika was the president of Alpha Chi National College Honor Society, the highest academic honor awarded at HU. Through Alpha Chi, she won both regional and national scholarships, and through her department, she won the S.G. Whittle Johnston Memorial Award for her exemplary work.

The professors were an integral part of the HU experience for Erika. Each of them modeled how to be excellent historians and people. “They constantly encouraged me to keep pushing through the hard spots, to believe that I was capable of great things, and showed me my potential,” she said. The professors’ faith in their students instilled self-confidence in Erika and helped her to believe in herself.

Erika’s advice to Huntington students is: “Take full advantage of the resources available to you. Your classes offer opportunities to grow not only as a student but as a person. Most importantly, lean on your professors — they truly care about your success and are always willing to help. HU is a special place filled with the tools you need to succeed, so make the most of your time here.”