Remarkable Women 2024: Diana Hughes
ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) – In celebration of Women’s History Month, 18 News is highlighting four local women who inspire, lead and forge the way for others. This week, we meet Diana Hughes.
Hughes was born in Elmira, New York but grew up in Horseheads. She attended college and received her undergraduate degree at the University at Buffalo. Following graduation, Hughes headed to Syracuse and attended law school at Syracuse University where she obtained her Juris Doctor degree.
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Hughes knew she had student loans that were coming due and needed a job. She applied to several jobs in big cities such as Boston but ultimately ended up landing her first job in Elmira at Learned, Reilly, and Learned LLP.
“It ended up becoming Learned, Reilly, Learned and Hughes LLP,” explained Hughes. “I became a partner at a much younger age than I would’ve in a bigger city.”
Hughes always knew she wanted to be a lawyer. She says it surprisingly was quite an easy decision. She also recalls her grandfather telling her she should pursue law since she talked a lot as a young girl.
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“In my head, it’s so simplistic. I like advocating for people and helping to make a difference,” Hughes said. “I think advocating for people in need and being a voice for people who may not otherwise have a voice is so important.”
Hughes has volunteered on various boards and committees for several nonprofits and other organizations in our community. She has participated in numerous charitable events such as Wreath’s Across America, Arctic League, Sue G. Konen, Heart to Heart, and Meals on Wheels to name a few.
“There is so much need in our community,” explained Hughes. “I feel strongly in giving back to the community that has given me a career.”
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She credits a lot of her kindness to the way she was raised. As a kid, her and her family were always volunteering. She says it was ingrained in her since childhood.
Hughes has also always been willing to teach the younger generations what it’s like to be an attorney. She has supported programs like New Visions that allow our youth to see if they would like to further explore the law profession.
“You have students shadow you. It really helps their career. It may tell them they don’t want to be a lawyer,” Hughes said. “I’ve had younger people come back to me later in life that have become lawyers. I introduced them to the judges, take them to court, have them meet different attorneys. It’s a great opportunity. New Visions is an amazing program.”
While being an attorney is not easy, Hughes said her desire to lend a helping hand is what keeps her going.
“You balance it. The whole point of this career is to help everybody. You balance it with being thankful for what you have and advocating for those people who don’t have a voice for themselves.”
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