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 was inspired to work as a forensic social worker at the Legal Aid Society in Family Court because it allows me to demonstrate my passion for supporting vulnerable children and families. I am motivated by the opportunity to advocate for individuals who may not have the resources to navigate the legal system on their own and to help ensure that their voices and life circumstances are understood within the court process. Through forensic social work, I can use my training to assess family dynamics, connect families with supportive services, and provide insight that helps the court make informed decisions that prioritize the well-being and safety of children while supporting family stability.

What’s a recent project or piece of work you’re proud of, and why?
One project I am particularly proud of involved working closely with a client who was facing significant personal and academic challenges that were affecting his stability and future opportunities. When we first began working together, he struggled with consistency, confidence, and access to the right supports. Through regular meetings, goal setting, and connecting him with appropriate resources, we focused on building structure, accountability, and long-term educational goals. Over time, he demonstrated remarkable determination and resilience. Today, he is in the process in applying for college and earning excellent grades, which reflects the hard work he put into changing his trajectory. Seeing his growth and success has been incredibly meaningful to me because it highlights how the right support, guidance, and belief in a client’s potential can help someone regain direction and build a positive future.

What is the most challenging part of your job?
The most challenging part of my job is working with clients who are facing complex and often traumatic circumstances while also navigating systems that can feel overwhelming to them. Many individuals are dealing with issues such as family conflict, legal stress, financial hardship, mental health challenges or abuse in different forms, and it can be difficult to see how those pressures affect their stability and decision-making. At times, progress can be slow, and there are situations where the resources available may not immediately meet all of the client’s needs. However, despite these challenges, I remain focused on providing consistent support, advocacy, and guidance, because even small steps forward can lead to meaningful and lasting change in a client’s life.

What is something about work that most people misunderstand?
One thing that many people misunderstand about this work is that it is not just about providing services or completing assessments; it involves building trust and understanding the full context of a person’s life. Clients often come into the system during very stressful or vulnerable moments, and progress does not happen overnight. A large part of the work involves listening, advocating, and helping clients navigate complex systems while supporting them emotionally and practically. Many people may only see the legal or procedural side of the process, but behind every case there are real individuals and families whose experiences, challenges, and strengths must be carefully understood in order to support meaningful change.

What is the impact of your work on the lives of New Yorkers?
My work has a meaningful impact on the lives of New Yorkers by helping individuals and families navigate difficult situations within the legal system while ensuring that their voices and circumstances are understood. By providing psychosocial assessments, connecting clients with supportive services, and advocating for their needs, I help the court gain a clearer picture of the challenges families may be facing. This can lead to more informed decisions that prioritize safety, stability, and the well-being of children and families. Ultimately, the work supports vulnerable New Yorkers by helping them access resources, strengthen family functioning, and move toward more positive and stable outcomes.

—

Alexandra Matta is a Forensic Social Worker with The Legal Aid Society’s Juvenile Rights Practice Trial Office in Queens.