One moment in a courtroom changed the course of Ontario Tillman’s life. Watching his younger brother face a manslaughter case, Tillman grew frustrated as a judge questioned his brother’s abilities, even suggesting he could not read, while his attorney failed to speak up. The experience sparked a determination to become the kind of advocate his brother needed.

2026-11-07T12:00:00-08:00Alabama A&M University alumni attorneys Eric Hewlett, Lula Cole, Rochelle A. Conley and state Rep. Ontario Tillman, from left, returned to The Hill on Nov. 5 for the “AAMU to the Courtroom” speaker series, sharing career experiences and advice with aspiring legal professionals./_images/lawmainlredit.jpgDistinguished Alumni Share Career Journeys, Law School Advice and Lessons in AdvocacyDistinguishedAlumni Share Career Journeys, Law School Advice and Lessons in Advocacyhttps://www.aamu.edu/about/inside-aamu/news/distinguished-alumni-share-career-journey-law-school-advice-and-lessons-in-advocacy.html