LF

Leah Fessler

Justice Catalyst Fellow, Attorney at MacArthur Justice Center

New Haven, Connecticut

Overview 

Leah Fessler is currently a Justice Catalyst Fellow at MacArthur Justice Center Missouri, where she applies her legal expertise to drive impactful change within the criminal justice system. With a Doctor of Law degree from Yale Law School and experience as a journalist at The New York Times, Leah brings a unique blend of legal and storytelling skills to her work, advocating for justice and equity. Leah has excelled in her career by serving as a Senior Investment Associate at NextView Ventures and as a Senior Manager in Editorial and Brand at Chief, showcasing her versatile skill set in both the legal and business realms.

Work Experience 

MJ

MacArthur Justice Center

  • Justice Catalyst Fellow, Attorney

    2024 - Current

    • Working to enforce incarcerated individuals' rights under the ADA and the Constitution in Missouri.

YL

Yale Law School

  • Law Student Intern, Yale Veterans Legal Services Clinic

    2022 - 2024

    • Representing veteran clients in lawsuits concerning discharge upgrades and civil rights discrimination.

OC

Open Communities Alliance

  • Law Clerk

    2023 - 2024

    • Exploring opportunities for funding affordable housing development within and beyond Connecticut.

PJ

Public Justice

  • Law Clerk

    2023 - 2023

    • Working with the Debtors' Prison Project and the Access to Justice Court Secrecy teams.

Public Justice is a legal firm for social, and economic injustice.

publicjustice.net
NY

New York Legal Assistance Group

  • Law Clerk, Special Litigation Unit

    2022 - 2023

    • Legal research and writing advancing impact litigation concerning discriminatory municipal education, social security, and disability policies throughout New York.

NYLAG is a non-profit organization that offers free legal services, impact litigation as well as financial counseling services.

Raised $250,000.00 from MetLife Foundation.

nylag.org
UD

U.S. District Courts

  • Judicial Intern

    2022 - 2022

    Southern District of New York

TN

The New York Times

  • Journalist & Speaker

    2015 - 2022

    • Freelance reporter for New York Times, The Atlantic, Washington Post, and more.

The New York Times is a news and media agency that seek the truth and help people understand the world.

nytco.com
GB

Girl Be Heard

  • Associate Board Member

    2019 - 2021

Girl Be Heard develops, amplifies & celebrates the voices of youth through socially conscious theatre-making.

girlbeheard.org
NV

NextView Ventures

  • Senior Investment Associate

    2020 - 2021

    • Invested in early-stage companies with a personal focus on empowering women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ founders.

C

Chief

  • Senior Manager, Editorial and Brand

    2019 - 2020

Chief is a private membership network focused on connecting and supporting women executive leaders.

Raised $140,000,000.00 from BoxGroup, General Catalyst, Notable Capital, Primary Venture Partners, Inspired Capital Partners, Flybridge and CapitalG.

chief.com

Education 

Articles About Leah

Relevant Websites