Jomaire A. Crawford ’09C

An accomplished big-law associate, Jomaire A. Crawford has never forgotten the lessons she learned at St. John’s University, as well as its mission. “Providing pro bono services is how the University's mission most directly manifests within my legal practice,” she commented.

After graduating from St. John’s summa cum laude in 2009, Ms. Crawford attended Yale Law School and received her juris doctor in 2012. There she served as a research assistant, an editor of the Yale Journal of Law & the Humanities, President of her Black Law Students Association chapter, and Chief of Staff for the National Black Law Students Association. 

Today, she is an associate at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP, which she joined in 2012. Her practice focuses on structured-finance litigation, commercial disputes, and white collar defense.  

Her pro bono work includes representing a pretrial detainee in a lawsuit against the City of New York, which resulted in an unprecedented five-figure settlement for the client, and seeking asylum for a human rights activist who fled to the United States after being tortured for his political beliefs. 

Ms. Crawford recently returned to New York after conducting a year-long money laundering investigation in Switzerland. “No two days are alike," she stated, "but they mostly involve long hours and a careful analysis of the law and how it applies to the needs of my firm's clients.”  

She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English with minors in Philosophy of Law and Rhetoric and Public Address. She also took part in the Ronald H. Brown Law School Prep Program, which prepares students for the rigors of law school and the LSAT; was a member of the Skull and Circle Honor Society; and served as Co-Captain of the Mock Trial Team. Ms. Crawford credited the dedicated faculty and moderators of these programs and associations with making a significant difference in her undergraduate career.

When not working, Ms. Crawford is an active member of various nonprofit organizations and bar associations including Mindful Harlem, the Association of Black Women Attorneys, the Metropolitan Black Bar Association, and the Apollo Young Patrons.

“My major, minors, and participation in the academic programs on campus,” she noted, “all prepared me for law school and my career as an attorney.”