Celebrating Women’s HerStory: Jessica Holmes ’15

Jessica Holmes '15 continues the legacy of Black, women attorneys in her family.

“I did not realize that being an African American woman going into the legal field was an anomaly. I didn’t realize it was not normal, because it was what I was surrounded by. My mom was an attorney. My aunts were attorneys. It wasn't until college, when I realized this isn't as common as I think it is.”

“After following in my mother’s steps for undergrad, I was in a rebellion and did not want to be an attorney. I wanted to be a scientist. I wanted to be a doctor. I wanted to do anything but law. However, what changed my mind, was when my mother’s oldest sister became ill. I watched my mom and my aunt, as attorneys, struggle to navigate guardianships, conservatorships, and power of attorney matters. That led me to say, I want to go to law school.”

Now, as the founding member and managing attorney of her own law practice, she provides counsel to families who need legal advice navigating the system her family struggled with. Her practice focuses on estate planning, probate law, and elder law services. Learn more at https://www.holmeslawyer.com/.