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Tonée Earle
Founder & President
A University of the District of Columbia, David A. Clarke Law School graduate. Earle graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2021. Throughout her legal academic career, Earle served as an intern for the National Legal Aid and Defenders Association and served as a Teaching Assistant for multiple professors in various legal courses at UDC Law. Earle also served as the Student Bar Association, Vice President for her law school while simultaneously working as a resident in the D.C. Bar’s Inaugural Writers In Residence Program in the spring of 2021. There, Earle was published on the DC Bar’s website where she has written numerous articles for the Washington Lawyer, including Earle’s feature article on Black women in government. Further, during that time Earle also joined the Inaugural D.C. Council’s Director of Racial Equality Office as a Racial Equity Fellow.
In 2014, Earle received her Bachelor of Science in Law & American Civilization at Towson University in Towson, MD. Three years later she received her Masters of Professional Studies in Paralegal Studies at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
Earle has also worked for the Federal Government in various departments. She began her time in government in 2016 at the Department of Labor as a Pathways student in the Solicitors Office, working for the Division of Federal Employees and Energy Workers Compensation as a Paralegal Specialist. In 2017 she continued her time in the Solicitors Office working with the Fair Labor Standards Division as a Legal Assistant. In 2019, she served as a Paralegal Specialist for the Department of Defense, Defense Logistics Agency, General Counsel’s Office. In 2020, she joined the Department of Justice continuing her work as a Paralegal in their Tax Division. Currently, Earle serves as a legal fellow for the DC Affordable Law Firm, in this program she will receive an LL.M in advocacy from Georgetown law, while practicing in family law, probate law, and immigration law.
Earle looks forward to the ground breaking change that SJM will create. Her passions for creative media and advocacy will mix together to bring learning and justice together as one big ball of fun.
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Nancy Thach recently graduated Cum Laude from the University of the District of Columbia, David A. Clarke Law School (UDC). During her time at UDC, she participated as a student attorney in the UDC Law Whistleblower Protection Clinic where she worked with the Government Accountability Project to advocate for employees threatened with retaliation. Additionally, she participated as a student attorney in the UDC Law General Practice Clinic where she represented clients, under the supervision of an attorney, in Conservatorship and Guardianship cases. Nancy also served as Class Senator for the Student Bar Association and Secretary for the UDC Asian Pacific American Law Student Association. In 2012, Nancy completed her paralegal studies and received her Bachelor of Business Administration at Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia.
In 2013, she began working as a paralegal at Koonz McKenney Johnson and DePaolis LLP where she had interned while completing her undergraduate studies. She continues working with the firm assisting on Workers' Compensation Cases, Personal Injury, and Social Security Cases while studying for the Virginia Bar.
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Pejumae Guscott
Founder & Treasurer
Pejumae Guscott is a passionate advocate for social justice, with a focus on promoting diversity within the legal profession, addressing housing issues, and improving the juvenile justice system. With 16 years of experience working with the government, Guscott brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to their endeavors.
As a proud graduate of the UDC David A. Clarke School of Law, Guscott holds a deep commitment to seeing people of color succeed in the legal field. They firmly believe in the power of representation and actively work to dismantle the barriers that disproportionately affect underrepresented communities. Through mentorship, guidance, and providing resources, Guscott empowers aspiring lawyers of color to navigate their legal education and pursue successful careers, thereby fostering a more diverse and inclusive legal profession.
In addition to their dedication to promoting diversity in the legal field, Guscott is passionate about addressing housing issues. They recognize the urgent need for safe and affordable housing for all individuals and families, particularly those from marginalized communities.
Furthermore, Guscott is committed to improving the juvenile justice system. They understand the unique challenges faced by young individuals within the legal system and are passionate about advocating for fair treatment, rehabilitation, and support for youth involved in the justice system. Guscott believes in restorative justice and works to provide opportunities for young people to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society, promoting positive outcomes and reducing recidivism rates.
Through their multifaceted advocacy, Guscott remains steadfast in their mission to promote diversity in the legal profession, address housing disparities, and advocate for positive change within the juvenile justice system. Their unwavering commitment to social justice fuels their efforts to create a more equitable society, where individuals from all backgrounds have equal opportunities and access to justice.
Founder & Vice President