I’m Attorney-at-law Nikita Edwards. Born the eldest of eight children to parents whose occupations are baker and housewife respectively. Upon completing my secondary education, I obtained a Certificate in Industrial Relations and Management. Thereafter, I applied for and was accepted to read for a Bachelors in History at the University of Guyana. Whilst there my family’s financial situation worsen and strangers began to show interest in my education. In the year 2013 I obtained a B.A in History.
However, with my childhood dream of being a lawyer still very much on my mind, in the said year (2013) I applied for and was accepted to read for a Bachelor of Laws. I obtain my Bachelor of Laws degree in the year 2016. The succeeding step in my journey included attending the Hugh Wooding Law School. It was at this juncture that reality kicked in. Law school was two years, and the tuition fee was $6M GYD ($30,000 USD).
By faith I applied for and was granted a scholarship to attend law school, and with the support of my family I attended the Hugh Wooding Law School. In the month of October, 2018 I was admitted to the bar in Guyana as an Attorney-at-law. I’m the embodiment of God’s divine favour. I’m the product of persons who would have allowed me to stand on their shoulders to attain my dream.
What is your greatest challenge doing what you are doing?
My greatest challenge is interviewing juvenile offenders; sitting and listening to their stories while trying to retain my composer. It’s difficult to represent juveniles who would have committed an offence because of their socio-economic condition.
What has been the most satisfying moment in your profession?
The most satisfying moment in my profession is getting justice for someone who once felt that the judicial/legal system only caters to the rich and powerful; seeing a juvenile offender turn their life around and be a productive member of society.
What piece of advice would you give to other young people who want to follow in your footsteps?
My advice to anyone looking to follow in my footstep is to be humble and never allow your socio-economic condition to deter you from realizing your dream. Keep pushing for what will ultimately be yours.
How do you define success?
Success, for me is doing the thing that you love.
What will I do with my success?
As someone who was fortunate enough to benefit from the generosity of others, the only thing I can do with my success is pay it forward, and allow someone else to attain their dream/goal.
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
My greatest inspiration are my parents. My mother never completed her primary education and my father never completed his secondary education. I wanted to make the proud.
What can we expect to see you doing in the future?
In the future I will be opening my own law firm (Edwards and Associates). I also would being funding students desirous of attending the University of Guyana.
