When Matthew Thomas ’19 grappled with his first semester of law school, support from Franklin & Marshall’s alumni network was never far away.

He reached out to Robert “Robbie” Suite ’17, friend and 2020 graduate of Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law. Suite was early into his career as a litigation attorney in Philadelphia. 

“We had a sit-down conversation and Robbie was like, ‘You need to lock in,’” Thomas said. 

They mapped out a daily study schedule. They hit the gym at the same time nearly every evening.

“What I really learned is that discipline is the gateway to everything. I learned that through mentors like Robbie showing me his work ethic,” Thomas said.

This May, it was Thomas' turn to don Drexel graduation regalia. He now has his sights set on passing the bar exam.

Thomas even found time to do pro bono work along the way, sparking a passion for transactional legal services.

“I hope to one day start a nonprofit, continuing the work of assisting people from the local community,” he said. 

Suite now manages complex disputes and legal matters as counsel at Compass, a technology-driven real estate brokerage.

Both Diplomats visited F&M this spring for a candid discussion with students at the Black Cultural Center, organized by the Black Student Union. They were joined by Danielle Broadley, assistant dean of student life at Drexel School of Law.

"Knowledge is power. Having knowledge of our justice system and understanding how it works is power."

– Matthew Thomas '19

‘I Wanted to Pursue Something that Opened a Lot of Doors for Me’

Thomas and Suite first crossed paths on College Avenue through student clubs: Intelligent Men Purposefully Accomplishing College Together (I.M.P.A.C.T.) and the Black Student Union (BSU).

A legal career was never a question of if, but when for Thomas, former I.M.P.A.C.T. president and a double major in Africana studies and economics.

Growing up in a low-income Brooklyn neighborhood as a first-generation Haitian-American, he recalled his parents’ struggle to navigate legal landscapes in an unfamiliar language as well as the plight of friends tangled in the criminal justice system.

“Injustices around me really pushed me to pursue law school,” Thomas said. “I learned very early on that knowledge is power. Having knowledge of our justice system and understanding how it works is power.” 

While at F&M, Thomas connected with alumni to land a paid internship with the Travelers Insurance legal team. That led to full-time work after graduation, allowing him to work in claims resolution before enrolling at Drexel in 2022. 

Suite, former BSU president, weighed several post-graduate paths. An English major, he first considered journalism for the required reading, writing and analytical skills.

"F&M is a phenomenal, rigorous, academic school. I was prepared in the sense of being a strategic thinker."

– Robert Suite '17

“I was working closely with the Career Center, and they recommended I explore law school. It made sense because I wanted to pursue something that opened up a lot of doors for me,” Suite said.

Suite realized that dispute resolution complemented his competitive streak. 

“Litigation was adversarial enough in nature where I still got that same thrill,” he said. “Here I am, five years later as a litigator. I've been blessed with a lot of cool opportunities.” 

Suite has since been named to the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers List for business litigation and selected to join The National Black Lawyers Top 100 and Top 40 Under 40, a network dedicated to recognizing and highlighting African American legal excellence.  

'F&M was Really a Community that Pushed for Me'

Both Suite and Thomas say Franklin & Marshall’s liberal arts approach prepared them for the fundamentals of law school.

“F&M is a phenomenal, rigorous, academic school. I was prepared in the sense of being a strategic thinker. You hone skills like reading, writing and analytical thinking,” said Suite, student commencement speaker at his Drexel graduation ceremony. 

For Thomas, the College provided mentorship and guidance from not only friends, but also faculty. 

“F&M was really a community that pushed for me,” Thomas said. “We held each other accountable and helped each other.”

“Faculty wanted students to succeed,” he added, recalling a teachable moment.

When Thomas accidentally missed a class led by Carla Willard, associate professor of American studies, “She called my phone and said, ‘Where are you?’”

Several years later, Willard wrote a letter of recommendation for his law school application. 

Former I.M.P.A.C.T. president Matthew Thomas ’19, front row center. The club celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2024.