Equal Justice Works Welcomes the 2025 Additions to the National Advisory Committee

Equal Justice Works, the nation’s largest facilitator of opportunities in public interest law, today announced the newest members of its National Advisory Committee (NAC).  

Formed in 2003, the NAC is a diverse group of law students and law school professionals who serve as Equal Justice Works ambassadors within the law school and legal services communities. NAC members extend the reach of Equal Justice Works’ initiatives by providing leadership, feedback, and outreach assistance to support the organization’s mission to create opportunities for lawyers to transform their passion for public service into a lifelong commitment to equal justice. 

“Each of these new NAC members will bring valuable insights and perspectives to the Committee’s work of engaging law students in public service,” said Brooke Meckler, Director of Community Engagement at Equal Justice Works. “Together with the other members of the NAC, they will help raise awareness of the justice gap and create opportunities for students to discover pathways to public interest law careers.”    

NAC members serve two-year staggered terms. This year, the Committee welcomes three law students and five law school professionals. The newest members of the 2025–2027 National Advisory Committee include: 

Law Students 

• Zeinab Elkhansa, Northern Kentucky University Chase College of Law 

• Russell Harrison, Washburn University School of Law 

• Ellie Walker, Vermont Law and Graduate School 

“As the first-generation daughter of Lebanese immigrants raised in Charleston, West Virginia, I have long been inspired by the power of law to uplift vulnerable communities,” Zeinab Elkhansa said. “My commitment to public interest is deeply personal and purpose-driven, rooted in lived experiences and strengthened by my education, legal internships, and leadership roles. I am eager to serve on the Equal Justice Works National Advisory Committee because it will allow me to help advance access to justice and amplify the voices of aspiring public interest lawyers across the country.” 

Law School Professionals 

• Marie Garcia, Director of Career Development and Engagement at the South Texas College of Law Houston 

• Eduardo Gonzalez, Interim Executive Director of the NuLawLab at the Northeastern University School of Law 

• Ed O’Neill, Associate Director of Career Services at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law 

• Lindsay Slaker, Associate Director of the Office of Career and Professional Development at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School 

• Cole Voorhies, Director of Public Interest & Government Advising at the University of North Carolina School of Law 

“I am excited about this opportunity to use my knowledge and platform to highlight the value of public interest careers and mobilize the next generation of public interest lawyers by bridging the gap between law schools and public interest opportunities,” Lindsay Slaker said. 

The NAC hosted its annual meeting in September. At the meeting, members discussed how to best increase knowledge and understanding of public interest law in their respective regions.  

For more information about the National Advisory Committee members and to see a current list of members, visit here.