Maikieta Brantley is fulfilling a dream shared with her mother, Rochelle Tilghman.
Brantley, a recent graduate (May 14, 2017) of the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law, is set to embark on her career in the fall as an associate with Lewis Rice in St. Louis.
“I always had intentions of going to law school,” Brantley said. “My mom had completed a summer law institute when I was younger. When she was unable to enroll full time as a law student, I set a goal of eventually going to law school to carry out her legacy.”
Brantley is creating a legacy of her own. She recently was recognized by Missouri Lawyer’s Weekly at the 2017 Women’s Justice Awards event, receiving the Leaders of Tomorrow Award. It is given to women law students who demonstrate leadership, professionalism, and a passion for making a difference in the justice system or the legal profession.
“This award meant so much to me, as I did not feel that I deserved it,” Brantley said. “It makes me happy because I feel that I can serve as a role model for other minority women in law school.”
A graduate of Rosati-Kain High School, Brantley has made the most of her educational opportunities at Mizzou. After receiving the UM-Columbia’s Donald M. Suggs Scholarship from the St. Louis American Foundation, Brantley completed both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting.
She started out at Mizzou’s School of Journalism, but opted to change her major to accounting. The switch seemed natural. Her father Mark Brantley is an accountant, as was her mother, who passed in 2016.
She also in inspired by her sister, Roe Roundtree. “My sister was my biggest role model outside of my mom growing up,” Brantley said, “and she inspires me to be my best self.”
A member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority, Brantley teaches a finance course in Mizzou’s College of Business, and has studied abroad in Costa Rica. The Suggs Scholarship includes a study abroad experience.
“I would not be the person I am today if it were not for the Suggs Scholarship,” Brantley said. “It alleviated financial stress, and I was able to finish undergrad work with no student loan debt.”
Brantley also benefited greatly by participating in Lewis Rice’s summer associate program. She hopes eventually to be part of the Lewis Rice Litigation Department.
“Lewis Rice’s program felt very realistic of what to expect when I start to practice,” Brantley said. “I think it was important to have this type of an experience so that I felt confident in accepting a full-time offer.”
The firm is more than pleased to welcome her.
“Maikieta is the total package – smart, dynamic, poised, and has a business savvy that really sets her apart,” said Sarah E. Mullen, co-chair of the Lewis Rice Recruiting Committee. “We are thrilled she accepted our offer for full-time employment after she graduates from law school.”
Brantley also hopes to continue teaching, perhaps for a law school, and perform more community service. She is the founder of My Little Sister’s Keeper, a non-profit organization whose goal is to cultivate a positive environment for middle-school-aged girls to learn, think and grow.
“I felt I needed to get back into community service,” Brantley said, “and wanted to do something that would empower young girls to be their best self.”
For more information on My Little Sister’s Keeper, visit http://www.mylittlesisterskeeper.org.
