Michelle R. DeSouza-Forte is a dedicated attorney, public servant, and community advocate whose life story reflects perseverance, resilience, and a deep commitment to fairness. Born in Guyana and immigrating to the United States at the age of 15, Michelle was raised in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, where her early experiences shaped her understanding of the challenges many families face navigating complex systems. Growing up in a household of nine children, she learned the importance of responsibility, sacrifice, and hard work—values that continue to guide her both personally and professionally.
Michelle’s journey is also one of breaking barriers and creating new paths. She became the first in her family to graduate from college and the first to earn a graduate degree, milestones that represent not only personal success but generational progress. Her story is rooted in the belief that opportunity should be accessible to everyone, and that the legal system should serve as a tool for fairness and justice. Inspired by her mother’s unrealized dream of becoming an attorney, Michelle pursued a legal career not only for herself, but as a continuation of the sacrifices made by her family.
Michelle’s academic journey reflects both discipline and excellence. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with a minor in Japanese Studies, from the University at Albany, SUNY. She later obtained her Juris Doctor from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School, where she distinguished herself academically by earning Certificates of Merit in Business Organizations/Corporations and International Law. During law school, she also served as a Student Bar Association Senator on the Budget and Finance Committee, gaining early experience in leadership and governance.
Professionally, Michelle brings a well-rounded legal background that spans both private practice and public service. She previously operated her own law practice, providing guidance to individuals and families on matters such as wills, trusts and estates, real estate, immigration, contracts, and civil disputes. She later worked as an Associate Attorney at Grimaldi & Yeung Law Group, where she handled estate planning and administration in a fast-paced legal environment. Most recently, as an Assistant Corporation Counsel with the New York City Law Department, she represented the City in litigation, managing trials, motion practice, discovery, and settlement negotiations, while also mentoring junior attorneys and supervising interns. Her experience reflects a strong commitment to justice, professionalism, and service at every level of the legal system.
Michelle DeSouza-Forte has long demonstrated a deep and consistent commitment to serving her community, both through leadership roles and hands-on involvement. She is a founding member of the Caribbean American Lawyers Association (CALA), an organization dedicated to supporting Caribbean-American legal professionals and expanding access to legal resources. Within CALA, Michelle has served in multiple leadership capacities, including Second Vice President, Treasurer, and Corresponding Secretary, helping to guide the organization’s growth and impact since its founding in 2020.
Her service extends beyond the legal field into education and faith-based initiatives. Michelle previously served on Community Education Council 18, where she contributed to shaping policies and advocating for students and families within the district. She has also been actively involved with God’s Battalion of Prayer Church, supporting its shelter ministry and soup kitchen efforts to assist vulnerable populations. As Board President of Battalion Christian Academy and a continuing board member, she has played a key role in supporting educational opportunities for young people. In recognition of her dedication to community service, she was honored with the Caribbean Life Impact Award in 2018.
Michelle DeSouza-Forte’s principles are rooted in fairness, integrity, service, and community. Shaped by her upbringing in an immigrant household in East Flatbush and her experience as an attorney, she believes the legal system should be accessible, respectful, and just for everyone. She is guided by a strong sense of accountability and compassion, with a commitment to making thoughtful decisions, serving with honesty, and ensuring that people and communities are treated with dignity.
