OHIO journalism alumna becomes first lawyer in family

Though she wasn’t born into a family of lawyers, Ohio University alumna and first-generation lawyer Malindi Robinson is now serving as legal counsel to the governor of North Carolina.

“I was not thinking about law school during my time at OHIO,” Robinson said. “I thought maybe I wanted to be an artist or something like that and even considered going to art school.”

Robinson, a Cincinnati native, graduated from OHIO in 2016 with a journalism degree. Shortly after graduation, she enrolled in the University of North Carolina School of Law, where she graduated in 2020. After passing the North Carolina Bar Exam, she was hired as an associate counsel for North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper. As an associate counsel, Robinson works with a small team of lawyers to advise Cooper and other state government agencies on different legal issues.

Robinson got a taste for her future legal career during her time as a journalism student at OHIO. While studying at the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, she secured an internship with former Ohio University president Roderick McDavis’ office as a communications intern with the director of presidential communications. “I got to see President McDavis make decisions every day that impact so many people, not just the students but faculty, staff, partners and stakeholders in the University,” Robinson said. “Watching him navigate that definitely was a great foundation of insight for the role that I’m in now as we advise and assist the governor.”

Even though she was studying journalism, Robinson began thinking about law school her junior year after a suggestion from her mother. After some research, Robinson decided on the University of North Carolina.

While in law school, Robinson developed the resilience necessary to navigate a legal career. Soon, she was able to make vital connections and build a supportive network. “Law school is challenging, but I think it’s for good reason,” Robinson said. “It’s changed the way that I think and the way that I see the world and I’m really grateful for that.”

Outside of her classes Robinson enrolled in a host of extracurricular activities. She was involved in the Black Law Student Association and the 1L Mock Trial Team — which went on to win the Black Law Student Association Southern Regional Mock Trial Competition and advance to the national quarterfinals.

“My first year, I was the only Black female in my college and in my classes,” Robinson said. “That made me become very active in a lot of Black student groups and initiatives that were at the law school.”

Her journey at law school wasn’t without its difficulties. Just before her second year, Robinson’s sister was murdered. In the midst of personal tragedy, she considered dropping out of law school entirely, but deep down she knew it wasn’t an option. It was painful, but she remained resilient and continued to fight her way through law school. “My personal loss definitely inspired me to navigate my ambition and the things I wanted to pursue,” she said.

During her first summer of law school Robinson worked in Washington, D.C. as a law clerk for the Federal Railroad Administration, where she gained first-hand experience in administrative law. During the fall of her third year, she had a legal externship with SAS, a technology company in Cary, N.C, where she gained experience working with actual clients in a private company.

After graduation Robinson took the bar exam — and failed. However, she remained resilient and saw it through, and in February 2021 she was legally permitted to practice law in the state of North Carolina.