AFJ NAMES MICHELLE SCHWARTZ DIRECTOR OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 1, 2013 – Alliance for Justice has named Michelle Schwartz as its Director of Justice Programs.  Prior to joining AFJ, Ms. Schwartz served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Sen. Frank Lautenberg.  Ms. Schwartz will direct all of AFJ’s programs related to justice, including its highly-regarded judicial selection initiative. 

"Michelle Schwartz brings to our leadership team a stellar background, an outstanding track record and a passion for justice,” said AFJ President Nan Aron.  “She will play a vital role in all of our efforts to give meaning to the words ‘equal justice under law.’”

"For more than three decades, AFJ has been a leader in the fight for a fair America,” said Schwartz.  “I look forward to helping lead AFJ’s efforts to stand up for the rights of all Americans.” 

While serving as Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director to Sen. Lautenberg, from her home state of New Jersey, Ms. Schwartz advised the Senator on all policy and legal issues, implementing legislative strategy, and overseeing the Senator’s Washington, D.C. staff.  She began her time with Senator Lautenberg as Senior Counsel working on judiciary, telecommunications, and labor issues, and throughout her tenure in the office maintained a focus on judicial nominations, gun violence prevention, and media access.  

She previously practiced law as a litigation associate at Williams & Connolly LLP, handling a wide range of matters, including defamation, securities, and environmental cases.  She also was a law clerk for U.S. District Judge Stephen V. Wilson in the Central District of California.  Prior to attending law school, Michelle served as Deputy Press Secretary for U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer.  

Ms. Schwartz received her A.B., summa cum laude, from Duke University, with a degree in Public Policy Studies and a French minor.  She received her J.D. from Yale Law School, where she served on the Yale Law Journal, was Notes Editor of the Yale Law and Policy Review, and represented prisoners through the Prison Legal Services clinic. 

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Alliance for Justice is a national association of over 100 organizations, representing a broad array of groups committed to progressive values and the creation of an equitable, just, and free society. Through our justice programs, we lead the progressive community in the fight for a fair judiciary, and through our advocacy programs, we help nonprofits and foundations to realize their advocacy potential.