Devante D. Johnson

Background

About Devante D. Johnson

I have always wanted to be an attorney since I was 7 years old. Growing up I didn’t see or experience attorneys in my life, so the desire sparked from watching TV shows. Initially, I just really liked the nice suits and shoes I saw. I continued to pursue the legal profession by going to Western Illinois University majoring in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration with a minor in Finance. I graduated from Western in May 2015. After graduation, I interned at Berg & Berg where I worked on cases involving Real Estate, Worker's Compensation & Criminal Law. I started law school in January 2018, after completing a bridge program. As a first-generation law student, there was unfamiliarity, which caused me to struggle to find my place in law school. I was mostly isolated during my first year of law school. Being a minority student, I didn’t seem to fit in or relate to anyone. However, due to careful planning and networking, I was able to find a tribe of people and make my way through law school. I graduated from UIC School of Law in December 2021. I am interested in pursuing Sports and Entertainment Law. That interest comes from my background as a fashion model. I feel that I can relate the best to other creatives. I dream of being counsel for one of my favorite video game studios or music artist. Before modeling, I was a Pre-Kindergarten teacher for 4 years at a non-profit organization.Beforeo that, I spent time working as a mentor and as a recreational leader at the Chicago Park District and YMCA of Metro Chicago. I have also become a member of the Black Men Lawyers Association (BMLA) and the Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association (BESLA). Since graduation, I have been working at a Public Relations firm called Edelman in Chicago.