The Legal Aid Society is the nation’s largest public defense and civil legal services provider. The largest law firm in New York City is home to over 2000 attorneys, paralegals, social workers, investigators, and more. Each brings their unique perspective to the fight for justice in every borough.

What inspired you to work at Legal Aid?
I dreamed of working at The Legal Aid Society’s Juvenile Rights Practice because of its holistic, client-centered approach to advocacy. Coming from a large, blended family, I often wished someone had asked what I wanted or considered how decisions being made by adults affected me and my siblings. In Family Court, children are often surrounded by adults deciding what is “best” for them, and Legal Aid ensures their voices are heard by directly advocating for what they want and need during an often traumatic and life-altering process.

What’s a recent project or piece of work you’re proud of, and why?
I recently completed my first emergency hearing, representing a teenager in a highly contested case. While circumstances shifted daily, remaining prepared yet flexible was essential to securing an outcome aligned with my client’s wishes. That outcome provided my client with much-needed stability and trust in their Legal Aid team, allowing them to focus on their mental health and overall well-being without the constant fear of returning to an unsafe environment.

What’s the most challenging part of your job?
One of the most challenging parts of my job is navigating my dual role as both a licensed master social worker and an attorney, and thoughtfully incorporating my social work skills within my legal role. The Juvenile Rights Practice’s interdisciplinary model allows me to collaborate closely with social workers, paralegals, and others to ensure clients receive comprehensive support. Bringing together diverse perspectives allows us to provide ethical, holistic advocacy that best serves our clients.

What’s something about your work that most people misunderstand?
Many people think this work is limited to courtroom advocacy, but much of it happens outside the courtroom. A significant part of my role involves ensuring Administration for Children’s Services policies are followed and working collaboratively with other attorneys through a lens of cultural competency to resolve issues in ways that support our client’s goals and the needs of the family. Behind-the-scenes advocacy by our office, often alongside community resources, leads to meaningful, lasting outcomes for our clients.

What is the impact of your work on the lives of New Yorkers?
The impact of my work is bringing a trauma-informed, client-centered perspective to legal advocacy for children. By centering clients’ voices and advocating for their expressed wishes, I help create outcomes that empower them and connect them to tools that build resilience during incredibly difficult moments.

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Elkana Alexandre is an Attorney and Social Worker with The Legal Aid Society’s Juvenile Rights Practice Trial Office in Brooklyn.