MIP’s Diverse Perspectives: Niya Fonville

MIP’s Diverse Perspectives is a monthly blog feature to spotlight a member from North Carolina’s community of diverse attorneys and legal professionals. Members have the opportunity to share a personal perspective through a brief set of interview questions.

This month’s perspective is courtesy of Niya Fonville, Director of Externships, Campbell Law School, Raleigh, NC.

What law school did you attend and what was your graduation year? 

University of Miami, 2008.

What inspired or prompted you to become an attorney?

Service to others has been instilled in me since childhood. I have always had an interest in kids but didn’t know if I wanted to be a teacher, social worker, or lawyer. An undergraduate internship with Guardian ad Litem solidified my desire to attend law school, with a hope of practicing children’s rights law. That didn’t quite work out the way I intended, as I went directly to Legal Aid of North Carolina after graduation and stayed for ten years! My passion for children remained, and I figured by helping any member of a family, I strengthened the familial unit, therefore, I also helped to improve the conditions of any child in that home.

Please describe a barrier or obstacle you have overcome in your professional career? 

A continuous struggle is imposter syndrome. At different seasons in my career, especially when trying something new, self-doubt creeps in. I experienced it as a new public interest lawyer in western North Carolina, when I transitioned from the traditional practice of law, taught my first law class, was asked to present at my first national conference, just to name a few.

Do you have a message of encouragement for others who may have experienced similar challenges or adversity as a diverse attorney? 

While moments of self-doubt may come and go, there are a few things that may help deal with them. Be confident in your preparation — do the work necessary to learn the new material, give the presentation, or represent that client. Don’t forget where you came from — you’ve completed law school, passed the bar, and had other successes. Rely on that strength to get you through this. Finally, shift your perspective. My therapist calls it “thought-stopping.” When I find myself saying all the reasons why I’m not the right person for a particular experience, I catch myself and stop those negative thoughts. Then I make a list, mentally or physically, of all the things I have to offer to complete this role or task. If you follow the Christian tradition, then remember you are fearfully and wonderfully made. For those who may not subscribe to those tenets, then simply remember that no one can do you better than you. At any rate, walk in the authority of you — unapologetically!

Niya Fonville is the Director of Externships at Campbell Law School. Prior to transitioning to academia, she served as an attorney with Legal Aid of North Carolina, Inc. for ten years. View her full bio here: https://directory.campbell.edu/people/niya-fonville/.