Leeja Patel

Leeja Patel is the network manager in the network engagement unit at Equal Justice Works.

Previously, she served 10 years in higher education administration, most recently at the University of Michigan Law School where she worked to improve campus life and expand resources for students through responsive programming, training, and mentorship. Prior to that she was the Director of Student Life at UC Law SF, and focused on leadership development, community engagement, and belonging initiatives designed to help students thrive. In both roles, she sought to help students gain skills and experiences that would allow them to enter the legal community as empathetic leaders and community builders.

Before she entered academia, Leeja completed an Equal Justice Works Fellowship in the San Francisco Bay Area.  Her project combatted domestic violence, trafficking, and gender-based violence in immigrant communities, and expanded community infrastructure to support survivors beyond their legal needs.  After her fellowship ended, Leeja continued working at her host organization as a staff attorney as well as the Interim Development Director.

Leeja received her bachelor’s degree in international development studies and comparative literature from UCLA, and her JD, with a concentration in international law, from UC Law SF. She has training in mediation and coaching and is a member of the State Bar of California.