Volunteer service, legal research, and advocacy beyond the courtroom.
Ilyssa was selected to serve on the New York City Plea Bargaining Task Force in recognition of her experience in criminal defense and civil rights litigation. She contributed to the Task Force's examination of plea bargaining practices through committee participation, research, and other assigned work.
Read the Plea Bargaining Task Force report in Pace Law Review.
Ilyssa volunteered with the Police Reform Organizing Project, contributing to efforts to document and expose unlawful policing practices in New York City. Her work included monitoring court proceedings, compiling data on arrests, conducting community outreach concerning policing issues, and participating in monthly organizational meetings. This work supported PROP's broader efforts to identify patterns of police misconduct, raise public awareness, and advocate for meaningful police reform.
Ilyssa provided legal research and guidance to the Swipe It Forward campaign, an advocacy initiative focused on expanding access to public transportation and challenging the criminalization of fare evasion in New York City. Her work included researching the legal issues surrounding the use of different types of MetroCards to provide free rides, including the distinction between pay-per-ride cards and unlimited-ride cards. She also participated in organizational meetings and provided ongoing support for the initiative.
Read YES! Magazine's coverage of the Swipe It Forward campaign.