Dionte Durham
Class of 2012
Occupation: Director in Legal at Cognizant
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Practice Area(s): Transactional Law, Real Estate Law, Entertainment Law
Related Sites: Cognizant
Law School Alum and Chicago Westside Native Makes Strides for Black Representation in the Legal Field Heading link
For many, the journey into law begins with a passion for justice and a desire to make a difference. This is no different for Capgemini Senior Legal Counsel and UIC Law alum, Dionte Durham. Growing up on Chicago’s westside with a single mother, Dionte witnessed firsthand the disparities and obstacles that can arise from lack of legal awareness and representation. This crated a strong desire to be an advocate and voice for the underrepresented.
Thus, Dionte’s journey in law began as a quest to empower himself and his community. “The law was my gateway to enact change, negotiate better outcomes, and ensure fairness in a complex world,” Dionte explains.
He describes his time at UIC Law as transformative, combining intense academic rigor with invaluable practical experiences. While in school, Dionte served as Vice President of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA), where he served as Vice President, and interned with Attorneys’ Title Guaranty, both allowing his to refine his professional development and legal skills.
Dionte’s most memorable law school moment? Advancing to Nationals in his Moot Court competition. “It was where theory met my passion for public speaking and advocacy,” he recalls. “It was an affirmation that I was exactly where I was meant to be.”
Today, Dionte stands as Director in Legal at Cognizant. He believes that joining Cognizant is more than just a career move: it’s an alignment with a vision to lead with purpose, navigate complex legal landscapes, and empower the next wave of industrial evolution. “My commitment extends beyond the confines of the legal field,” Dionte emphasizes. “Whether through my service with Just the Beginning, my leadership within Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., or my co-founding of The House Chi, my dedication to uplifting others is unwavering.”
Dionte believes his career is a reflection of his journey – one that honors his roots on the Westside of Chicago and celebrates his achievements, all while looking to the future with an unyielding drive to continue making an invaluable impact.