Elie's path to a legal career began in the corps, where he taught 1st grade at Achievement First East New York in Brooklyn. There, he saw firsthand the opportunity gap in our education system. He later earned a law degree from Northwestern University, where he continued his involvement in public interest by working on civil rights cases as an intern for the Department of Justice. He now serves as an assistant United States attorney.
Q & A
What led you to apply to Teach For America?
I wasn't planning on attending law school immediately after undergrad. I was an African-American studies major, and the classes I took in urban education left a lasting impression on me. After looking at civil rights fellowships, the Peace Corps, and working in city government, TFA seemed like a perfect fit to pursue a job in public service and get grassroots, firsthand experience.
When you think about yourself before and after the corps, what changed?
My time in the corps made me realize that addressing problems in urban communities requires addressing multiple aspects—poverty, education, and health care, to name a few. TFA inspired me toward a career path where I can continue to attack these problems even though I'm no longer teaching.
What did you do after the corps?
I went to law school. During my first summer, I worked at the Department of Justice on discrimination and civil rights cases in education. Then, I worked in the corporate sector for three years while also maintaining an active pro bono practice, including a civil rights lawsuit that involved the distribution of unequal funding for school programs according to race or ethnicity.
How have you utilized the skills and beliefs you learned in the corps?
TFA forces you to grow up fast. You go from figuring out how to be responsible for yourself to being responsible for 20-30 kids. I developed many habits I use today in tackling challenges, problems, and even failure. The qualities that helped me get through the corps—accountability, problem-solving, resilience, and grit—were immensely helpful in law school and even more so at a big law firm.