Cymone Forde

UIC Law alum Cymone Forde is blending her legal training with entrepreneurial spirit as the founder of Butter Swimwear, a body-positive swimwear line that was born halfway around the world during her law school journey.  

A first-generation lawyer, Cymone moved to Chicago to attend UIC Law with dreams of practicing mergers and acquisitions. She dove into the city’s legal and business community, serving as president of the Corporate Law Society, participating in the Community Enterprise & Solidarity Economy Clinic, and completing internships with companies like Mondelez and boutique securities firms.  

“UIC Law gave me the opportunity to build the foundation I needed,” she said. “The business clinic taught me how to be a trusted advisor. Legal writing honed my communication skills. All of it prepared me for what came next.” 

When the COVID-19 pandemic shifted classes online, Cymone made a bold and unconventional decision; she relocated to Bali while finishing her law degree remotely. It was there, amid self-discovery that the idea for Butter Swimwear was sparked. 

Within six weeks, she launched her business. She applied her legal know-how to file her LLC, draft model releases, protect her intellectual property, and navigate contracts—all skills she attributes to her time at UIC Law. “Having that legal lens gave me a huge advantage,” she said. “I could structure deals, file trademarks, and build my business on a solid foundation.” 

Butter Swimwear quickly gained traction, landing features in Vogue, Sports Illustrated, and even selling through retail brand Madewell. Still, Cymone wasn’t ready to walk away from law altogether. Shortly before graduation, she secured a position at IBM in New York, where she now works on their Mergers and Acquisitions legal team. “I fought hard to be here,” she said. “And what’s amazing is that my legal work and my entrepreneurial journey now go hand in hand.” 

Today, Cymone balances her dual roles as a corporate attorney and fashion entrepreneur. She also finds time to give back by mentoring students, speaking at conferences like AfroTech, and hosting career days for underrepresented youth. “So many people helped me along the way, and I want to do the same for others,” she said. 

For current students and aspiring entrepreneurs, Cymone says: “Network relentlessly. Don’t wait for someone to come to you. Reach out, follow up, and stay connected. And remember, your law degree doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s. You can define your own path.”