Former Gambian Lawyer Awaits Bar Results and Drives a Cab
The economic downturn has produced a record number of cab drivers in New York, and one of them is a former Gambian lawyer who is hoping to get his U.S. law license.
The number of cab drivers in the city reached a high of 47,000 in April, the New York Times reports. To illustrate the trend, the Times accompanied new cab driver Momadou Marong for his first day on the job. He contended not only with congested streets, but also a broken seat belt and sweltering cab caused by an air conditioner that did not work.
Marong was a lawyer in Gambia and a captain in the military, but he landed in prison after a coup d’etat, the story says. He was granted asylum in the United States and attended law school here. Now he is awaiting the results of the bar exam.
By the end of the day, Marong had $50 to show for his efforts.
