Ashari Hankerson

Her experience has given Ashari great insight into pro bono criminal defense and policy work, litigation, and white-collar investigations. Ashari actively engages in pro bono legal initiatives and was very involved within the Duke community. She served as the Director of Finance within the Black Law Students Association, the Academic Director of First Class, a Case Manager and Social Media Coordinator for the Innocence Project, and contributed to several pro bono projects and initiatives. Her work and contributions reflect her commitment to using the law to drive positive change. 

Ashari is passionate about coaching applicants because she enjoys helping them gain the upper hand in the law school process, something she felt she did not have as a first-generation student. Now, she’s dedicated to providing counseling to students to make the process less overwhelming and more manageable. Students Ashari has coached have been accepted to law schools at Wake Forest University, the University of Georgia, and the University of Illinois.

As a coach, Ashari’s greatest strength is her own unconventional background. She wasn't the typical law school applicant and brings this unique perspective to her coaching, understanding that each student’s journey is different and that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Her coaching philosophy emphasizes listening first and advising second. She believes that by truly understanding each student's interests, ambitions, and goals, she can help them build strong, personalized applications that resonate with their narrative.

In her free time, Ashari enjoys cooking and experimenting with new cuisines.