Meet the Team

Norah Alyami

Founding Attorney

Norah herself was exposed to illegal and violent sexual conduct as a minor, which ended up in criminal court in the late 1990’s. While still a minor, she testified in court against a child rapist who later pled out before trial but served over 15 years in prison for abusing Norah. It was those tough experiences and exposure to court as a young person that propelled her interest in the law and being an advocate.

Being a child in adult court was overwhelming and intimidating. The District Attorney (criminal prosecutor) was kind but did not represent Norah personally, nor her desires regarding the final outcome of the criminal case. Not being able to clearly voice the events, concerns and wishes was a dehumanizing and frustrating experience. She never wants anyone to feel like she did when she had to testify in court, not knowing what to expect or what the outcome would be. She is personally invested in educating individuals about the court process and legal terms, because she knows how terrible it feels to be in front of the Judge without that information.

Joevanna Espinoza

Legal Assistant

Joevanna has worked as a legal assistant for seven years. She is an aspiring attorney and in the process of applying to law school.

Her academic foundation and lived experience as a woman of color in Richmond, CA has shaped her passion for justice and equality. Joevanna graduated Magna Cum Laude from San Francisco State University in 2019, becoming the first member of her Mexican American family to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. At SF State, Joevanna majored in Sociology, and it was there that she found a deep interest in Ethnic Studies.

Joevanna is an active member of her church. She enjoys family time, leading bible studies, and watching the San Francisco 49ers.

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Norah’s Lawyering and Beyond

Hello!

After practicing law for 7 years, in both non-profit and for-profit law firms, Norah decided that empowering more individuals to be their own representatives would serve many of her personal and professional goals:

Encouraging individuals to take charge of their family and interpersonal relationships to make healthy decisions and take the legal action necessary to reach their goals.

Educating individuals to use legal language that serves as “buzz words” for the Judges to better understand and make more thoughtful decisions.

Creating access to justice by ensuring that individuals that cannot afford or choose not to hire an attorney full scope can still reasonably represent themselves and their interests in Family Court.

“Norah was beyond helpful in my case. She cared and put an effort into my situation. Even after she was no longer working with me, she was still able to be helpful and she became part of the family. Thank you, Norah!”

— Darrion B