Rachel Rossi Joins Alliance for Justice as New President
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 23, 2025 — After a nationwide search, the Board of Directors at Alliance for Justice (AFJ) is proud to announce the appointment of Rachel Rossi as its new President, ushering in a bold new chapter in its unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and defending democracy.
“As a trailblazer in the legal and advocacy communities, Rachel brings a remarkable legacy of public service, legislative expertise, and principled leadership to AFJ,” said Board Chair Paulette Meyer. “She steps into this role at a pivotal time for the progressive movement, the courts, and nonprofits’ role in defending our democracy. Her legal experience, policy knowledge, and powerful voice for reform will position AFJ to meet the moment with strength, strategy, and heart.”
Rossi’s career exemplifies fearless advocacy and progressive leadership. She served in the Biden administration’s Justice Department — most recently as the Director of the Office for Access to Justice. In that role she developed and led innovative strategies to ensure justice reached the most vulnerable populations. Before that, she was Deputy Associate Attorney General, under Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta, where she also served as the Department’s first Anti-Hate Coordinator.
“Rachel has spent her career fighting for those whose voices too often go unheard. From leading national efforts to expand access to justice to spearheading anti-hate initiatives at the highest levels of government, I’ve seen firsthand her unwavering dedication to civil rights and equity,” said Gupta. “Her appointment as President of Alliance for Justice signals a powerful and timely commitment to advancing justice and protecting democracy at this critical time for our country.”
Rossi began her distinguished legal journey as a public defender in Los Angeles, where she spent nearly a decade standing on the front lines of justice. She served in the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office, the Alternate Public Defender’s Office, and the Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California. In these roles, she defended thousands of low-income clients, providing zealous representation and ensuring that the rights of the most marginalized were protected in both state and federal courts.
Rossi’s dedication to reforming the criminal justice system continued on Capitol Hill, where she served as Counsel to Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Richard J. Durbin. In this important role, she led efforts on the groundbreaking First Step Act — a landmark federal criminal justice reform law enacted in 2018.
“Rachel’s expertise, integrity, and relentless drive were instrumental in advancing meaningful criminal justice reform as a member of my staff in 2018,” said Sen. Durbin. “Rachel brings compassion and clarity of purpose to every challenge she faces, and Alliance for Justice could not ask for a more principled, passionate, and visionary leader at this pivotal moment in our democracy.”
In 2020, Rossi made history as the first former public defender to run for the nonpartisan office of District Attorney in Los Angeles County, earning nearly half a million votes and coming within five percentage points of advancing to the runoff — an extraordinary accomplishment that reflected widespread community support for her progressive vision of justice.
“I am deeply honored to join Alliance for Justice, an organization with a proud history of defending the integrity of our courts and advancing social justice,” said Rossi. “Today’s challenges call for an unyielding commitment to justice, a dedication to uplifting underserved communities, and strong opposition to policies that undermine our rights and freedoms. I look forward to building on AFJ’s legacy and expanding its impact at a time when our democracy demands bold and courageous leadership.”
“I’ve always believed in the power of ethical leadership to drive meaningful change — and Rachel embodies that spirit completely,” said AFJ Founder Nan Aron. “Her distinguished leadership in public service, her deep understanding of the law and the legislative process, and her steadfast commitment to justice for all, make her the ideal President for AFJ at this defining moment. In the face of unprecedented challenges to our democracy and the rule of law, I can think of no one better to carry forward AFJ’s mission. Rachel brings not only exceptional skill and vision, but also passion and heart, qualities that have always been at the core of Alliance for Justice.”
Rossi’s extraordinary journey is shaped by her personal story and her deep commitment to the communities she serves. A proud daughter of immigrants from the Dominican Republic and Greece, she was raised in Los Angeles and earned her law degree from Pepperdine University School of Law. She also attended Azusa Pacific University, Vanguard University, and Bethany University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree.