From Law School to the Trades: How Darnell Epps is Redefining Career Pathways

By: Hilario Caro, Talent Optimization at StaffBuffalo

Most people follow a traditional path. College, career, and a steady climb forward. Darnell Epps took a different route.

On this episode of the Pain Points Podcast, Lauren Lewis sits down with Darnell Epps, Founder of Thurgood, to talk about his journey from public housing in New York City to Cornell, Yale Law School, and ultimately building a platform that is changing how people enter the skilled trades.

His story is not just about entrepreneurship. It is about access, opportunity, and rethinking what success can look like.

An Unconventional Path with Purpose

While studying at Yale Law School, Darnell found himself working in underserved communities in New Haven. He met individuals working gig jobs who were searching for more stable, meaningful careers.

At the same time, he came across a major problem. Millions of skilled trade jobs were going unfilled across the country.

Instead of just studying the issue, he did something few would consider.

He enrolled in trade school while still in law school.

He wanted to understand the work firsthand. What started as curiosity quickly turned into a mission.

Building a Bridge Between Talent and Opportunity

That experience led to the creation of Thurgood, a platform designed to connect trade students with real career opportunities.

Darnell saw a gap. Students in the trades did not have the same tools as traditional college students. There was no easy way to showcase their work, their skills, or their potential.

Thurgood changes that.

The platform allows students to build profiles, share projects, and create portfolios that go beyond a simple resume. Employers can then see what someone is capable of, not just what is written on paper.

It gives skilled workers a way to stand out in a way that actually reflects what they do.

Changing the Narrative Around the Trades

For years, the trades were overlooked as a career path. Many students were pushed toward traditional college routes, even when it was not the right fit.

Darnell is working to shift that mindset.

He believes the trades offer real opportunity. Strong salaries, career growth, and the ability to build something tangible.

Through Thurgood, students are not just finding jobs. They are discovering paths they may not have even known existed.

The platform also creates a sense of community. Students can see each other’s work, learn from one another, and get inspired by what is possible.

The Challenges of Building Something New

Like any startup, the journey has not been easy.

One of the biggest challenges has been figuring out where the platform fits in the market and who to target first. Many companies were not set up to hire entry-level trade workers, even though the demand was there.

At the same time, Darnell had to learn an entirely new skill set.

Coming from a legal background, he had to quickly adapt to building a tech company, managing engineers, and learning how to sell and scale a business.

It required constant learning, quick adjustments, and a willingness to evolve.

Creating Real Impact

What makes this story powerful is the impact.

Darnell shared examples of individuals who have used trade training to completely change their lives. People who moved from low-paying jobs into stable careers with real growth opportunities.

For him, success is not just about building a company.

It is about opening doors.

Helping someone find a career, build a life, and create stability for themselves and their family is what drives the work forward.

A New Way to Think About Careers

Darnell’s message is clear.

There is no single path to success.

College and trades are not competing options. They can work together. Someone can enter the trades, build experience, and later pursue higher education with support from their employer.

The key is exposure and choice.

When people understand their options, they can make better decisions about their future.