Jadai Burns knew at a young age that she wanted to be a lawyer and make a difference. “I’m a minority, so you don’t hear a lot of minorities talking about wanting to go into law enforcement or wanting to deal with the law, let alone saying anything positive about law,” Jadai said. “I just wanted to change that aspect. I wanted to be a part of the change rather than just complaining about wanting change.”
The Omaha Northwest graduate was encouraged by the high school teacher who taught her law classes. “He told the honest truth. You are going to have a fight in getting into law enforcement because not only are you a minority, but you’re a woman,” she explained. “If it is something you want to be a part of, it’s well worth it.”
After earning an associate’s degree in general studies from a local community college, Jadai enrolled at College of Saint Mary to major in paralegal studies and minor in theology. “I absolutely love it here,” the junior said. “The support here has been unmatched, and the communication is superb.” Jadai had attended other colleges where she didn’t have as great of an experience. “I felt invisible. Coming here, it was just an immediate change,” she said. “I walk the halls, and professors and students say, ‘Hey, how are you doing? How’s your morning going?’ It’s just an overall better feel, better environment.”
As she continues her studies, Jadai looks to her younger brother, Vincent, for inspiration. He passed away in January. “A lot of why I’m doing what I’m doing has to do with my brother,” she said. “My brother and I were total opposites,” Jadai added. “I was the one who did everything right and stayed in school and never got in trouble, and he was the one who struggled a little bit.” Vincent was in and out of juvenile court growing up. Jadai felt her brother was underrepresented by his lawyers. “I hated seeing that my brother never had a lawyer who truly cared,” she said. “I felt like sometimes they were just doing it for the money. That’s not going to be me.”
Jadai’s mother also has been a positive influence on her. “Those two are honestly my drive for everything,” she said. “If it wasn’t for them, I don’t know if I would even be interested in law.”
After earning her paralegal studies degree, Jadai plans to attend Thurgood Marshall School of Law, which is part of Southern Texas University in Houston. She hopes to open her own law firm with an all African-American staff.
