For the Culture, Through the Law: Meet Maya Day, BET Legal
Image Credit: Maya Day
Maya Day’s story begins in Newark, NJ, but it stretches far beyond the bounds of her hometown. The daughter of a police officer and schoolteacher, her journey into law wasn’t conventional, but it was always rooted in community and driven by heart.
After attending middle school in Jersey and later transitioning to a prestigious boarding prep school, Day quickly learned to navigate drastically different environments. These early shifts built her independence, eventually leading her to George Washington University, where she majored in criminal justice. But it was at Howard University School of Law—true to her self-proclaimed “D.C. girl” roots—where her legal path began to take shape.
Day’s entry into law was inspired by the iconic TV judges of her childhood—Judge Judy and Judge Mathis. She initially pursued criminal justice and interned with her local prosecutor’s office. But after working in child court, she realized that her heart couldn’t bear the emotional toll. That’s when her father gave her advice that would change everything: “The law is in everything. Find what you love, and find the law in that.”
That moment shifted her entire mindset.
Image Credit: Maya Day
An encounter with the General Counsel of BET—followed by Day’s own bold follow-up—landed her an interview at the network's D.C. office. Without waiting for the formalities, she declared, “I’ll be here Monday.” That move, though unconventional, was the first step toward her dream career. As an intern during her senior year of undergrad, Day fell in love with entertainment law, specifically in TV and film. “I’ve been chasing that feeling ever since,” she shares.
One of the most pivotal moments in Day’s journey was meeting Khadijah Sharif-Drinkard, her mentor and sponsor who has become a guiding light in her career. “She spoke my name in rooms I wasn’t in,” Day recalls. “To be seen is important.”
While entertainment law is often seen as a tough field to break into, Day didn’t let the noise stop her. “Hard never stopped me from anything,” she says confidently. She focused, locked in and learned everything she could—not just about law, but about the business and the people.
Now, as Counsel at BET, no two days look the same. From reviewing talent deals to sitting in on red carpet rehearsals, Day acts as the bridge between creative teams and business executives. She works in Business and Legal Affairs, translating legalese into plain language and negotiating with clarity and empathy. Her philosophy is simple: “Get to the yes—and if not, a no with a valid reason.” And sometimes her job description even includes attending Victoria Monet’s pre-album release listening party in the office.
Image Credit: Maya Day
For Day, the most rewarding part of her job is watching her work come to life. Whether it’s a TV show, a legal deal or mentoring a future law student, seeing the fruits of her labor makes every challenge worth it. She recalls working on Ms. Pat Settles It, a courtroom-style show on BET’s unscripted side, as one of her proudest projects, especially since it allowed her to merge her legal background with her love for entertainment.
She also fondly remembers helping coordinate a deal with Bow Wow—an experience that brought full-circle joy to her 12-year-old self, who once stood in line for a signed T-shirt and now works behind the scenes to make those events happen.
At BET, where Black storytelling is front and center, Day’s work takes on even deeper meaning. Whether collaborating on news specials like Black Men Speak or negotiating with talent for high-profile events, she’s mindful of representing the culture with authenticity and care. “We lead with talent,” she says. “And we do right by them.”
This balance of business, legal acumen and cultural integrity is what makes her role both unique and powerful.
This Women’s History Month, Maya reflects on the incredible women who have shaped her: her mentor Sharif-Drinkard, attorneys Nadja Webb, Connie Orlando, Debra Lee, Michelle Johnson, Ayana McPherson, Maxine Shaw from Living Single, and the women in her own family who’ve “held it down” for generations.
“Women hold it down. Period,” she affirms. “They inspire me and keep me going.”
To young women entering the legal field—especially those dreaming of entertainment law—Day offers this advice: “Be seen.” Representation matters. “There’s power in seeing Black women in this space. Even if it’s just a crack in the door, walk through it.”
And as for her legacy?
“I want to be remembered for showing up as my most authentic self. There’s power in authenticity. A little razzle where you dazzle,” she laughs. “Legacy isn’t about what I do while I’m here - it’s about the impact that lasts when I’m not.”
Image Credit: Maya Day
Day is living out a dream she prayed for years ago. She’s intentional about documenting her journey and celebrating each moment along the way. Because for her, it’s not just about succeeding—it’s about reaching back, lifting others and planting seeds for the next generation.