10/21/2024

Zakariyya Allen

Zakariyya Allen, a second-year law student at Delaware Law School, is not just navigating his own path—he’s actively working to create a sense of belonging for students of color and helping them succeed in the competitive law school environment. Coming from a background helping other diverse students feel confident applying to law school, Allen’s experiences have fueled his passion for connecting people from different backgrounds, especially students who often feel overlooked.

“Law school can be intimidating, but I realized early on that I had control over my experience,” Allen says. “By taking advantage of office hours, securing internships, and using resources, I could create a pathway to success.” His preparedness comes from participating in pre-law programs, where he gained valuable insights into the legal field before stepping foot on campus.

Allen’s leadership shines through his work with the Black Law Student Association, where he serves as the alumni liaison. He connects current students with successful alumni to create mentorship and career opportunities. “Networking is huge. A lot of students don’t realize how much is out there if they just ask. My role is to make sure they have those connections.”

As vice president of the Latin American Law Student Association, Allen brings a unique perspective as an Afro-Latino student. “When people see me, they see Black first,” he explains. “It’s important for other students of color to see representation in leadership and know they belong here too.”

Allen’s work doesn’t stop at leadership titles. He’s also a teaching assistant for a torts course, where he holds office hours for first-year students, providing academic support and advice on balancing the rigors of law school. “It’s not just about grades,” he says. “Students need a space where they feel comfortable talking about their struggles and successes. I try to create that for them.”

Allen also serves as a research assistant for Dean Todd Clark, contributing to Clark’s scholarship on corporate and social responsibility. "Dean Clark's work delves into what corporate responsibility looks like on a global scale," Allen explains. "He blends business savvy with legal obligations, creating a nuanced understanding of what businesses should be doing for both their employees and society at large." Allen finds the collaboration rewarding, noting, "It’s been enjoyable working with him on these topics that challenge the way we think about corporate duties."

In addition to his leadership roles at Delaware Law School, Allen is the founder of Balancing the Scales, known as "BTS," a nonprofit organization that provides resources to diverse and first-generation law students to level the playing field for those who often find themselves under resourced and underrepresented. “BTS empowers students to navigate the legal field with confidence and support.”

His commitment to diversity and inclusion was recently recognized with the MGC Law Student Diversity Scholarship, awarded to students who champion diversity within the legal field. “When I saw the scholarship, I knew it fit who I am,” Allen says. “It’s not just about my own achievements—it’s about making sure everyone has access to the same opportunities.”

Through his work, Allen has shown that success at law school is about more than academic performance—it’s about building a community where all students feel they belong and can thrive. His leadership and dedication are creating a lasting impact at Delaware Law, proving that helping others succeed is the true measure of success.