A Client-Centered Holistic Practice
Welcome — I’m Attorney Shay. It’s a pleasure to have you here; thank you for visiting my website. If you’re seeking trusted legal guidance with compassion and clarity, you’re in the right place.
Welcome
I'm so excited to welcome you to my new website and share a bit about who I am and my passion for advocacy! I invite you to explore the site and check out all the resources available—you'll find useful information and support here. My goal is to empower my clients, community, and anyone in need through legal education, advocacy, guidance, and representation. While I am a Lawyer and hold a Juris Doctor degree, I consider myself much more than that—my life experiences have given me a unique perspective and a holistic approach to helping others. I believe in supporting people as individuals, not just handling their cases. As a defense attorney, I've seen firsthand the challenges within our legal system, and that's why my commitment goes far beyond the courtroom. I’m actively involved in community organizing, legislative advocacy, and proactive litigation, always working side by side with the people I serve to drive meaningful change. Every day, I work to challenge and dismantle legal systems that unfairly impact Black, Latine, immigrant, and low-income communities—systems that can criminalize poverty, separate families, and perpetuate injustice. What sets my advocacy apart is my holistic approach, inspired by the nationally recognized model of The Bronx Defenders. This means seeing and supporting people as whole individuals—understanding their backgrounds, their families, and their dreams—not just the facts of their cases. In my solo practice, I bring together my skills, experience, and resources to provide this holistic support for every client. I know that a single run-in with the legal system can create a ripple effect, leading to challenges in many areas of life. That's why I tailor my services to address not only the immediate legal issue but also the broader consequences and obstacles my clients might face. Thank you for visiting! I hope you find my website helpful, and please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need support. I'm here for you and our community, and together, we can work toward justice, dignity, and brighter futures for all.
Culture & Values
As someone who is proudly Dominican and Puerto Rican, I bring a unique perspective to my work—one that helps me better understand and address the challenges of discrimination, racism, and oppression. My passion for justice comes from believing that justice should be for everyone, not just a select few. I started my practice to help break down the barriers that keep people from feeling safe, stable, and supported in their communities. For me, being a lawyer is about more than just providing legal services—it's about building stronger, more connected communities and uplifting our shared humanity, both in my work and everyday life. I know that the path to true justice is ongoing and involves learning, growing, and taking action together, especially when things don't go as planned or expectations aren't met. That's why I always strive to treat everyone with respect and dignity, making sure my services are accessible, welcoming, and tailored to the needs of each person and community I serve. I’m committed to listening, learning, and adapting so that together, we can celebrate the unique experiences that make us stronger. To me, justice isn't just a goal—it's the way we work together, support each other, and show up every day.
Forgiveness & Compassion
I grew up in a community where resources were limited and challenges like violence and drugs were all too common. Throughout my life, I’ve witnessed many people—family, friends, neighbors, and others—get caught up in the criminal justice system and face ongoing struggles as a result. These experiences have shaped my deep belief in forgiveness and the power of second chances. I truly believe in the potential for positive change in everyone, no matter their past. Like anyone, I’m not perfect and have made my own mistakes. I hope that those I may have let down or hurt can forgive me, and that together, we can move forward with kindness, peace, and understanding. It’s important to remember that many people will return to our communities after serving their sentences. When someone has paid their debt to society, they deserve the opportunity to rebuild their lives. Unfortunately, there are many barriers to re-entry that can make this difficult. In my practice, I’m committed to seeing each client for who they truly are and supporting them as they strive to reach their full potential. I believe that everyone deserves a fair chance, and I work to address the legal obstacles that stand in the way of second chances for those with a criminal record. As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”