Law Student Representative: Paulina C. Webber
As a 2025-26 NCBA law student representative, Paulina C. Webber is excited to pay forward the impact the NCBA has had on her law school journey. From making connections with legal professionals to attending enriching events, she has grown personally and professionally as a member. Now she hopes to help more students gain those same career-building experiences.
Paulina knew she wanted to pursue a career in the legal field at 16. Her late godfather, civil rights attorney John W. Walker, played an influential role in her upbringing and first introduced her to the profession. She recalls early memories of making copies in his law office and pretending to be a lawyer. Witnessing the unfolding of the Arkansas Eight case in her hometown also left a lasting impression, as she was fascinated by the instrumental role lawyers play during such critical moments in people’s lives. Paulina fast-tracked her path to law school immediately after graduating summa cum laude in English from Dillard University in 2023.
I am a huge advocate for historically Black colleges and universities. I attended one for my undergraduate degree and wanted to do the same for my professional degree. There are only six historically Black law schools across the nation, and NCCU is one of them. I had no ties to North Carolina and made the decision to attend NCCU for a fresh start. I like to say that I ended up exactly where I was supposed to!
Paulina is pursuing a career in criminal prosecution. She recognizes and values the importance of a justice system rooted in equity, fairness and forward-thinking prosecutors. Recently, she completed a fellowship with Fair and Just Prosecution in the Durham County district attorney’s office to help advance those goals. Within the next year, she aims to publish a legal article and pass the July 2026 bar exam on her first attempt. Long term, Paulina hopes to one day be elected as a district attorney and contribute to nationwide efforts to abolish the death penalty.
Currently, Paulina serves as the parliamentarian and American Bar Association representative for the Student Bar Association, and as a student representative for BARBRI Bar Review. She is a member of the Watkins Chapter of Phi Alpha Delta law fraternity and the Black Law Students Association. Paulina has always prioritized getting involved in organizations and taking on leadership roles. She finds it exciting to work with purposeful organizations, connect with like-minded individuals and have fun while doing it.
Throughout her education and professional career, Paulina has learned to follow her own path, recognizing that each person’s journey is unique, even within the same field.
Being able to focus on yourself and do what is best for you truly makes a difference. My advice for those who aspire to pursue a similar career path is something that I tell myself often: ‘This is doable.’ This journey is tough, lonely and not for the faint of heart. However, you can do it. When I have rough days, I remind myself of people who traveled this same journey and made it to the other side. I can do it, and so can you!
When she is not studying law, you can find Paulina traveling, reading and teaching children’s church.
Students attending ABA-accredited law schools or provisionally accredited law schools are eligible for complimentary membership in the NCBA Law Student Division. Interested in becoming a member of the Division? Learn more about this free membership.