Emory Law Journal names first black editor-in-chief in its 65 years of existence

Since its inception in 1952, the Emory Law Journal has never elected a black editor-in-chief—until now.

Emory University School of Law student Janiel Myers, who was born in Jamaica and recently naturalized as an American citizen, was named to the Journal’s highest role, the college announced in a March 1 news release.

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Humbled by the honor, she praised her second-year law school colleagues and the publication’s outgoing executive board for the opportunity.

Myers, who is an active leader in the Emory Black Law Students Association (BLSA), said she also couldn’t have done it without the help of the BLSA leadership, whose members first encouraged her to participate in the write-on competition.

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In the news release, Myers said she hopes her appointment will help impact the future of diversity at the law school.

“I hope that prospective black students and other students of color will see Emory Law as a place of community and inclusion when making their admission decisions,” she said.

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Robert Schapiro, dean and professor of law at the university, echoed Myers’ statements, calling her appointment “an important moment for the law school and for the Journal.”

After working as a summer associate at international law firm Weil, Gotshal & Manges, Myers hopes to focus her legal career on service as a bankruptcy lawyer and later, as a professor and mentor.

Learn more about Janiel Myers and the Emory Law Journal.