University of Houston Law Center alumnus Ugonna Abakwue (J.D. ’25) Professional headshot
August 15, 2025 - Ugonna Abakwue, a 2025 graduate of the University of Houston Law Center, is combining his passion for law and fashion as he builds his career.
He is now working as an attorney at Daw & Ray LLP, a firm of trial attorneys focused on providing civil legal representation throughout Texas, where he started as a law clerk. In addition to his work at the law firm, he provides trademark and intellectual property counsel to emerging fashion labels.
As a young boy, Abakwue witnessed Barack Obama become president, which inspired him to pursue a career in law. As he got older, he also sought a creative outlet to express himself, which led him to fashion. Despite the distinct nature of these two fields, he never gave up on either industry.
"As part of a new generation of thinkers, I bring a unique perspective shaped by my background in law and design, allowing me to connect with people in ways they’ve never experienced before," Abakwue said.
He has designed and styled clothes for Grammy-winning artists such as Lucky Daye and the legendary band Earth, Wind & Fire. He has also worked with GQ Magazine on their Jeremy Pope holiday feature before launching his design label, UGONNA.
“Working with prestigious outlets and top artists exposed me to the complexities of dealing with different teams, clients, and personalities, which are skills that are crucial in the legal field,” Abakwue said. “It reinforced my commitment to pursuing entertainment law, where I can help creatives protect their work, negotiate fair contracts, and ensure their voices are properly represented.”
He earned a finance degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio before attending UHLC. While in law school, he interned with the Honorable Judge Donna Roth of the 295th Civil District Court. Other accolades include winning the Andrew Thigpen Scholarship, being a 2023 John Black Moot Court finalist, and a 2024 Constance Baker Motley Mock Trial Competition national qualifier.
Abakwue, who was a member of the Black Law Students Association and the Sports and Entertainment Law Organization while attending UHLC, encouraged others to think outside the box and challenge themselves.
“I would tell an incoming law student to focus on having a holistic law school experience. Don’t just come to law school and only go to class and go home,” said Abakwue. “Be a part of organizations that you think are cool. Challenge yourself by being in environments that might be uncomfortable for you. You are going to grow the most when you challenge yourself.”
As he advances in his career, he hopes to leverage fashion to inspire students to pursue a career in law.
"I want young people to come to law school and realize they don’t have to fit a certain mold to belong here," said Abakwue.
Ugonna Abakwue accepting the Andrew Thigpen Scholarship from Malcom Dishongh and Kenneth Dishongh at the 2025 Annual UHLC Advocacy Banquet.
Ugonna Abakwue attending the 26th Annual Entertainment Law Initiative at the Grammys in Los Angeles, CA
Ugonna Abakwue getting hooded on the graduation stage by Judge Christine Weems.
UHLC alum Ugonna Abakwue with caps he designed.
How did you get into fashion design?
UA: When I was in my second year of college, I wanted to find a different way to express myself, so I made a collection that was an experiment. This experiment garnered significant attention from stylists and designers nationwide, furthering my journey in fashion design.
There are so many ways to express yourself, so why did you choose fashion design to be that outlet for you?
UA: I chose fashion design because it allows you to tell a story through clothes. When I was growing up, I always looked forward to going to school to make friends through what I was wearing. I feel fashion is a perfect way to express how I feel to the world and tell the story of who I am.
What made you choose the University of Houston Law Center?
UA: I chose the University of Houston Law Center because I am from Houston and wanted to stay close to my family. I was also awarded a scholarship for my academic achievements. I felt the University of Houston Law Center empowered me to pursue the dreams I had as a child.
Is there anything you are currently working on?
UA: I am currently working on the first collection for my eponymous label, and this collection will feature a lot of my law school experiences. My website is ugonna.xyz.
