A Dream Deferred, Not Denied: Robert E. May Jr.’s Journey at Thurgood Marshall School of Law

For newly minted Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University graduate Robert E. May Jr., the path to becoming an attorney was never straightforward. It was shaped by detours, self-doubt, perseverance, faith, and ultimately, community.

With his J.D. in hand, the Karnack, Texas native reflects on a journey years in the making — one he believes was always destined to lead him back to Texas Southern University.

“TSU was always supposed to be the choice,” May said. “When law school became an option, TSU was my only choice. I knew when I attended my first day of law school orientation that this is where I belonged.”

That sense of belonging did not happen overnight. In many ways, it began years earlier when a high school accounting teacher told a 14-year-old Robert that he would someday become either a politician or a lawyer.

“Ever since then, I knew this was where I wanted to be,” he said.

After majoring in political science as an undergraduate, he struggled to find opportunities that aligned with his ambitions. Unsure if his grades and abilities were enough for law school, he stepped away from the dream and entered the workforce, spending years in medical device sales while searching for direction.

He describes that period of his life through the lens of Langston Hughes’ famous poem, A Dream Deferred.

“What happens to a dream deferred?” May reflected. “Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun… or does it explode?”

The dream, it turns out, never disappeared.

In 2020, May and his wife, attorney Shaneil Snipe-May, moved to Houston so she could attend law school at TMSL. During that time, May worked in luxury outdoor living sales and even drove for Uber to support their household. Yet, even while pursuing other careers, legal field continued calling him back.

“All roads were leading me to Thurgood,” he said. “My wife, my community, and the Thurgood alumni around me encouraged me not only to apply to law school, but instilled in me that I had the aptitude and that my only option was to succeed.”

One of the earliest moments that cemented his connection to TMSL came before he was even a student. While visiting the law school during his wife’s time there, May encountered a staircase lined with banners honoring trailblazers who paved the way for people of color in America, including President Barack Obama and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

“I felt like I was standing on the shoulders of giants,” he said. “Thinking about the uniqueness of Thurgood and what it is doing for communities of color by affording a pathway of representation — I am just as inspired today as I was five years ago.”

That inspiration transformed into leadership, advocacy, and confidence during his time at Thurgood.

May immersed himself in campus life through organizations including the Mock Trial Team, Student Bar Association, Black Law Students Association, Hispanic Law Student Association, African Law Student Association, Family Law Association, and several professional legal organizations. He also served as 2L Class President and participated in the Professional Student Task Force.

Among his proudest accomplishments are winning Best Opening Statement and earning recognition as the Most Professional Student at a Voir Dire competition. But beyond awards, it was advocacy that changed him most.

“Whether it was advocating for the student body or representing a fictitious client in mock trial, the validation I received from judges and peers further instilled in me that I can, I will, and I must,” he said.

May credits much of his growth to the support system surrounding him, especially his wife.

“She set the expectation, helped me plan my schedule, and supported me financially throughout this journey,” he said. “It is not lost on me that this is not something most people would do. I thank God for her.”

He also points to his Texas ABOTA Mock Trial Tournament experience as a defining moment in realizing he was growing into the person he was meant to become, giving special recognition to coaches Noelle Hicks, Erica Johnson, and Tim Adams.

Throughout his journey, May says the greatest challenge he faced was internal.

“The biggest obstacle I faced was myself and my self-doubt,” he said. “Overcoming this is a daily ritual, but your attitude can definitely affect your altitude.”

That mindset is reflected in the three words he uses to define his TMSL experience: Protect. Improve. Succeed.

For May, protecting the mission of HBCUs means recognizing the unique role institutions like TSU play in uplifting underserved communities. Improving means helping others rise alongside you. And succeeding means moving forward despite fear or uncertainty.

“Every day I wake up and doubt my doubts,” he said. “I speak it sometimes: ‘I can. I will. I must.’”

After graduation, May will begin working as a litigation attorney with Clarke Law PLLC after accepting an offer from mentor and principal attorney Peter J. Clarke during his 2L summer internship. He plans to focus on personal injury law and hopes to help communities better understand civil litigation as a pathway to justice.

As he reflects on the legacy he hopes to leave behind at Texas Southern, his answer is simple.

“I just hope to pass it on,” he said.

And for future Tigers beginning their own journeys, his advice echoes the philosophy that carried him through years of uncertainty and into purpose.

“Protect it. Improve it. And pass it on,” he said. “If your dream is deferred, don’t worry. Buckle up for the explosion.”