Matthew Hooker, BA ’16

It wasn’t always clear to Matthew Hooker what his true calling was before college, but growing up with a mother who was a lawyer gave him valuable exposure to the profession.

While at Thomas Edison State University, Matthew became seriously interested in pursuing a law degree. “I finished my BA degree in Communications in two years with no debt,” Hooker said. This set him on a positive path for continuing his education.

“A big motivation for me is helping others accomplish their goals and missions,” said Matthew, a 2016 graduate. I also recognized that I’m naturally a very logical, structured person that enjoys solving problems creatively within a given structure, which is exactly what lawyers do in many ways.”

After completing his undergraduate degree, he invested a year and a half as a legal assistant and decided law was indeed his true calling. Matthew received offers of admission from six law schools, with substantial scholarship offers from each, including two full-tuition scholarships. he decided to finish his J.D. at Wake Forest University School of Law.

Matthew said his transition from online college education to on campus law school felt very natural: “I majored in communications, and that education was a great foundation when I went to law school. Getting my degree through TESU taught me a lot about developing discipline and taking responsibility for my education. Those lessons served me well as I entered into the immensely rigorous and challenging law school environment,” commented Matthew.

In May, 2020, at the age of 24, Matthew graduated Summa Cum Laude with Juris Doctor Degree from Wake Forest and wasranked number one overall in his class. He was also inducted into the Order of the Barristers and Order of the Coif. Twelve days after he received his law degree, he was married to Chiedza Mushayamunda, as assistant clinical trial navigator. Due to COVID-19, Matthew and Chiedza had to change their wedding plans multiple times. Their story was featured in a New York Times mini-vow story.

Faith is a big part of Matthew’s life. He said that he attributes his achievements at the law school to God. Support from his church family also played a vital part during his law school years. “It is important to have something to fall back on when you are going through hard time. It is also important to be part of something bigger than yourself.”

As a lawyer, Matthew plans to use his skills and education to do three primary things: continue to help develop a strong system of order and justice that the rule of law seeks to provide society; give back to the community by providing legal services to those who cannot afford them but who need them dearly; and intercede on behalf of first-time juvenile offenders to ensure a second chance and educating them about the consequences of their actions.

Matthew already started on his third goal during his law school years as a student attorney with Teen Court, a program to divert first-time juvenile offenders out of the juvenile system, give them a chance to make amends and keep their offense off of their record. “I found this a powerful opportunity to help kids get a second chance, while ensuring that they understood the future consequences of their actions,” remarked Matthew.

Matthew also served a one-year term as a judicial law clerk for The Honorable Adam M. Conrad, Special Superior Court Judge for Complex Business Cases, at the North Carolina Business Court in Charlotte, North Carolina. Matthew then joined Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP.

“I love the idea of justice, which is central to the legal profession. The law touches people’s lives in so many ways they don”t even realize – it is one of the key elements that supports our society and keeps things running. For me, it’s humbling to be a part of that in some way and to help others navigate the challenges and benefits that come with the legal framework we have.”

Matthew still finds connections with his TESU years through his capstone project, The Relationship Between Digital Technology and the Interpersonal Communication Skills of Generation Y. “People still read the article and talk to me about it, which is very interesting!”

As for advice to students interested in going to law school after TESU, Matthew encourages them to first have a purpose of going to law school. “Law school is intense and grueling, but it’s also an incredible experience. Having a strong purpose for pursuing a legal education can really make a difference when school gets tough, which will inevitably happen.” Matthew remarked. Next, work hard to keep your GPA up during college, and take the LSAT exam seriously. “Some law schools may not be familiar with less traditional education approaches like TESU, so demonstrating ability through grades can be helpful,” Matthew commented. Finally, build more than just academics on your resume. “Law schools are looking for students who are invested in their community and who not only can excel in the classroom but also outside of the classroom. Lawyers are leaders and relationship builders, so those factors are really important, not only to get into law school, but also to thrive while in school,” commented Matthew.