After graduating with a psychology degree from Case Western Reserve University, Brooke Tyus didn’t necessarily expect to return to the classrooms of her alma mater.
But nearly a decade later, that’s where she found herself—starting her second year of law school, after transferring from a part-time program.
She’d had her reservations about pursuing a law degree: Her musician husband was going on tour, she had a 3-year-old child and was six months pregnant—with the baby due during finals week.
But now, as she nears the end of her graduate school career, Tyus has myriad accomplishments on which to look back. High among them: She is the editor-in chief of the Case Western Reserve Journal of International Law, the first African-American to serve in the position. The journal celebrates its 50th anniversary this spring.
She also has completed two clerkships, the first with Thompson Hine LLP, and the second with Ulmer & Berne LLP, where she will work as an associate after completing the Ohio bar examination in July.
For Tyus, a Northeast Ohio native and graduate of Warrensville Heights High School, giving back to the community she grew up in is important; she serves as a team captain for the 3Rs (rights, responsibilities, realities) program, which connects lawyers, judges, law students and paralegals with students at Cleveland high schools. Through this program, Tyus educates high schoolers about the U.S. Constitution, their legal rights and opportunities for higher education.
On campus, Tyus gives tours to prospective law students and travels to diversity recruitment events as an ambassador. She also is a member of the honor court and the executive board of the Sports and Entertainment Law Society.
She’s accomplished this with two young children at home, crediting the full-time format’s ability to focus on school during the day and her family at night.
“From 9 to 5, I am a law student, then I am a wife and mom,” Tyus explained.
As to how Tyus is able to balance all of the parts of her life, she credits “God, discernment, discipline and the support of our immediate family members.”
In honor of Graduate Student Appreciation Week, which wraps up tomorrow, get to know Tyus better in this week’s five questions.
1. What’s your favorite place to grab a bite to eat in Cleveland?
My favorite restaurant in Cleveland is SASA. It is right on Shaker Square, which is 10 minutes from our home. It’s a good combo of sushi and cooked options. My family loves Japanese food.
2. Where would you like to travel that you’ve never been to?
I would like to go to South Africa or Tokyo.
3. What is your biggest goal for 2018?
To pass the bar exam in July!
4. If you had to pick another field to work in or study, what would it be?
I’d totally be singing, touring the world and acting. Basically, a top-notch performer.
5. What’s your favorite thing about Case Western Reserve?
I love Case [Western Reserve]’s proximity to my hometown, Warrensville Heights. Having attended Case [Western Reserve] for my undergraduate degree and law school, I am completely comfortable in this environment while receiving a world-class education and network.