While the barriers are steep for black women in law, supportive networks and opportunities exist to turn obstacles into societal change.

Edgar’s work focuses on changing toxic environments, such as those described by sociologist Dr. Tsedale M. Melaku in her book, You Don’t Look Like a Lawyer: black Women and Systemic Gendered Racism.

The book examines the experiences of black women lawyers in elite corporate law firms.

Melaku’s book details how black women in elite law firms are simultaneously invisible and hyper-visible.

Part of creating change, Melaku says, calls for courageous, black female attorneys who are willing to face the challenges of elite law firms to make changes from within.