Legal Rights Center Staff
Norma Gaona Administrative Assistant Norma joined the Legal Rights Center in 2006 as part of the administration team. As Administrative Assistant, Norma handles reception duties and is responsible for accurate data collection. Before coming to the Legal Rights Center, Norma worked at U.S. Bank and with Radio Rey, a local Hispanic radio station.
Garrett Fitzgerald INVESTIGATOR Garrett (he/him) was hired by the Legal Rights Center in 2017, following several months as a volunteer. He has long provided volunteer legal support for political activists and others facing charges arising from institutional, law enforcement, or prosecution bias. Include was his participation the local committee seeking to free CeCe McDonald, a case… Continue reading Garrett Fitzgerald, Investigator
Olive Fine COMMUNITY DEFENSE ATTORNEY Olive Fine joined the Legal Rights Center as a NYU Public Interest Fellow. They are a criminal defense attorney with LRC’s Community Defense Program and an educator on legal issues faced by social movements. As a law student, Olive worked to defend tenants facing eviction, parents targeted by the family… Continue reading Olive Fine, Community Defense Attorney
Malik Earle Administrative Assistant, Restorative Justice Program Malik Earle (he/him) joined the Legal Rights Center in the summer of 2022. As the Restorative Justice Program Administrative Assistant, his role supports the team of Restorative Facilitators and Youth Advocates. He brings a range of experiences to this role including in the areas of elementary education, youth… Continue reading Malik Earle, Administrative Assistant – Restorative Justice Program
Lyle Cherneff lIman Law Fellow, First defense hotline Lyle joined the Legal Rights Center in 2025 as a Liman Law Fellow. Lyle works on the First Defense Project, a new initiative to expand access to early-stage counsel in Hennepin County. Lyle graduated from Yale Law School in 2024. In law school, Lyle worked in a federal… Continue reading Lyle Cherneff, Liman Law Fellow – First Defense Hotline
gabriel arika youth programming lead Gabriel was raised in a warm and supportive family that shaped the values he carries today. Through childhood trials and tribulations, he discovered a deep passion for youth justice, advocacy, and equity. He believes that everyone, especially young people, deserve grace, compassion, and the chance to be heard. At the… Continue reading Gabriel Arika, Youth Programming Lead
James Miller Development and Communications DIRECTOR James Miller (he/him) joined the Legal Rights Center in 2022. As Development and Communications Director, he is focused on building support for the organization – financially, through fundraising and donor organizing, and digitally, through narrative campaigns and storytelling. James holds a B.A. in Biology and Geography from Gustavus Adolphus… Continue reading James Miller, Development and Communications Director
Joshua Esmay Deputy Director, Community legal services Josh (he/him) joined the Legal Rights Center in 2016 after serving as the Director of Public Policy and Advocacy for the Council on Crime and Justice. He brings seven years of experience as an LRC Attorney to his current role as LRC’s Deputy Director, Community Legal Services. In… Continue reading Joshua Esmay, Deputy Director – Community Legal Services
Samara Eltahir Director of strategic initiatives Samara Eltahir (she/her) joined the Legal Rights Center as a Restorative Facilitator and Youth Advocate in 2021 and later served as the Restorative Justice Program Director, overseeing LRC’s school-based restorative services and partnerships in the Twin Cities area surrounding education, advocacy, and restorative practices. In her current role as… Continue reading Samara Eltahir, Director of Strategic Initiatives
Malaika Eban Executive Director Malaika is the Executive Director of the Legal Rights Center, focused on supporting our community’s visions and the organization’s mission of transformation in the criminal legal system. Malaika joined the Legal Rights Center in 2019 as a social work intern. Her experience includes direct programming with youth and families, issue-based advocacy… Continue reading Malaika Eban, Executive Director
