193. Inside the Alliance for Justice: Attorney Rachel Rossi on Judicial Appointments, Supporting the Nation’s Non-Profit Organizations, and Coalition-Building

Attorney Rachel Rossi joins The Legal Lens to discuss her remarkable career and current leadership as president of the Alliance for Justice (AFJ). Renowned in Los Angeles for her role as a former LA County and federal public defender and as a 2020 candidate for Los Angeles County District Attorney, Rossi brings sharp insights into local and national justice reform. Throughout the conversation, Rossi shares how her family’s immigrant roots—from the Dominican Republic and Greece—fuel her commitment to equity, advocacy, and expanding access within the legal system.Rossi details AFJ’s work in defending fair courts, elevating diverse judicial nominees, and supporting nonprofit organizations nationwide—especially as these groups face mounting legal and political challenges. With experience as a senior Biden Administration official and as counsel to Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Richard J. Durbin, Rossi connects current events, U.S. Supreme Court cases, and her marathon mindset to remind listeners of the lasting power of coalition-building and collective action. LA audiences will appreciate Rossi’s steadfast dedication to justice, reform, and hope in tough times.Key Topics Covered: Rachel Rossi’s journey as a LA County and federal public defender, and her historic 2020 Los Angeles County DA campaignService in the Biden Administration and as Counsel to Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Richard J. DurbinLeadership at Alliance for Justice: protecting fair courts, elevating diverse bench candidates, and coalition advocacyMajor Supreme Court decisions—and the implications of racial profiling and the “shadow docket” for LA & nationwideSupporting and training nonprofits, including the launch of a pro bono legal defense network 🔗 Connect with Angela: InstagramFacebookLinkedInVisit Angela's Website