Tniya Reed '25 Discovers Her Voice in Litigation at Albany Law

Tniya Reed’s ’25 journey to Albany Law School was shaped by both her deep-rooted interest in law and the strong sense of community that the Capital Region offers.

“I graduated from SUNY Albany, so the area wasn’t foreign to me,” Reed said. “When I was looking at law schools, Albany Law had a lot of great things about it and so much to offer, I’m very happy I made that decision.”

Reed was introduced to the legal profession at a young age through her mother, who worked at a law firm, but it wasn’t until later in her education that she recognized law as her true calling.

“I got into looking at the process [of applying to law school] and things like that, thinking about what I might want to do in law,” she said. “I took some time off. I got my master's degree in human resource management, just so I could broaden my horizons and have some options in my future career. But I was always drawn to law and its complexity and how things are so nuanced, so I decided to apply to law school.”

Upon arriving at Albany Law, Reed discovered not just a top-tier legal education, but a supportive community that would help shape her future in the profession. One of the most impactful parts of her law school experience has been her involvement with the Black Law Students Association (BLSA). 

“Before I even started law school, I knew I wanted to be a part of BLSA,” Reed said. “It was an incredible opportunity to meet new people and have a support network, especially during such a challenging time. By my 1L year, I was so passionate about BLSA that I ran for Vice President and eventually became President. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my time here.”

Her leadership within BLSA helped her gain invaluable skills in communication and public speaking, skills she would later use in her newfound love for litigation. 

“I thought litigation might not be for me because I’m more reserved by nature. But being a leader in BLSA forced me to step out of my comfort zone,” she said. “You have to interact with people, communicate with faculty and staff, and manage different personalities. That helped me build the confidence I needed for litigation.”

Reed’s time at Albany Law has not only prepared her academically but has also helped her discover her true passion within the legal profession. 

“Upon graduation, I do have a job offer with the Attorney General's Office in Delaware,” she said with a smile. “I'll be practicing criminal law, which is so interesting because I didn't want to do litigation when I came to law school, and now that's the one thing I'm in love with. I love doing litigation.”

As Reed transitions to the next phase of her journey, she remains committed to giving back to the Albany Law community that has shaped her.

“As students transitioning into alumni, it's really important for us to come back to the school, still keep in touch with students, incoming students and outgoing students, because they still need our help, and we were just in their position,” Reed said. “So, I think it's important for us to give back and just help people out because that's what it's all about: helping the next person.”