"You get to a certain point in your career where the biases become your strength. You take those things, you use them to your advantage. Use them as teachable moments, not only for the person who is biased, but also for yourself." - Andrea Edney
When you're both "the first" and determined not to be "the only" – how do you wield power effectively?
When the phone rang late one evening, Andrea La'Verne Edney had no idea her life was about to change forever. The voice on the other end delivered news that would make history: she had been elected president of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), becoming the first African American woman to hold this prestigious position.
But what does it truly mean to be "the first" in a profession where women—especially women of color—remain dramatically underrepresented? Host Sonya Palmer uncovers what happens after the glass ceiling shatters, and why Andrea found herself fighting an unexpected battle even after reaching the pinnacle of her profession. The answer might surprise you—and it speaks volumes about the complex power dynamics still at play in today's legal landscape.
About Andrea La'Verne Edney
Andrea La'Verne Edney is a Partner at Butler Snow with over 25 years of litigation experience specializing in pharmaceutical, medical device, and healthcare litigation. She is the First female African American president of ABOTA (2024), Chair of Butler Snow's Diversity & Inclusivity Committee, Fellow of International Academy of Trial Lawyers, Fellow of American College of Trial Lawyers, Fellow of International Society of Barristers, and U.S. Delegate at The Forum on Rule of Law, U.S. Supreme Court (2022)
Andrea La’Verne Edney: LinkedIn
Butler Snow: Website
What’s in This Episode:
From "Boss" to Barrier-Breaker: Discover how being the youngest of 14 children in the Mississippi Delta surprisingly prepared Andrea for leadership, and why her siblings nicknamed her "boss" from an early age.
The Unexpected Challenge After Victory: Learn why Andrea's historic ABOTA presidency was celebrated nationwide but faced surprising resistance locally, revealing hidden obstacles women of color face even after reaching the top.
Building Power Through Paying It Forward: Hear Andrea's powerful philosophy on creating lasting change: "I believe in not just being the first of anything, but the one that started the beginning of others following."