In this feature, Tejash V. Sanchala, Board Member and Employment Law Committee Co-Chair, interviews 
WCBA members about their experiences and insights.
Tejash can be reached at: Tejash.Sanchala@gmail.com

Tejash: How long have you been a member of the WCBA?

 
Karine:  I have attended many events throughout the years, but 2024 is when I became an official member. I am co-chair of the Diversity Committee along with Angela DiBiasi.  

Tejash: How did you decide to become an immigration and criminal defense attorney? 

Karine: As the daughter of immigrants, I deeply empathize with the complexities of the immigrant experience. Immigration law is intricate, and during my time as a student in the Immigration Justice Clinic at Haub Law School, I saw firsthand how criminal consequences created significant barriers to an already difficult process. Recognizing this need, I was drawn to criminal defense and to “crimmigration”. When the opportunity arose to become a public defender, I felt an immediate sense of purpose. 

As a bilingual Latina, practicing in both areas has given me the ability to advocate not only in the courtroom but also in advocating for and in shaping policy. The work is challenging, but it is also deeply fulfilling—ensuring that individuals have a fair chance at justice, whether in the immigration system or the criminal courts. I am grateful to work for an organization where I can use my skills to effect meaningful change. 

Tejash: Can you share a memorable case that you worked on? 

Karine:  While  representing a driver suspected of DWI, as a native Spanish speaker, I immediately noticed a critical issue during a preliminary hearing (pre discovery reform)—the official refusal warnings had been mistranslated. This mistranslation distorted the legal meaning of the warning, potentially affecting the rights of non-English-speaking defendants.
I brought this to the prosecutor’s attention, and to their credit, they acknowledged the issue and reduced my client’s charge from a misdemeanor to a violation. This case reinforced the power of language and cultural competency in the legal system. It also underscored the importance of vigilance in protecting due process—especially for non-English-speaking defendants, who too often face systemic barriers to justice.

Tejash: What might people be surprised to learn about you? 

Karine: People might be surprised to learn that I was the first elected Latina trustee in my hometown of Mount Kisco. Serving in local government gave me a firsthand look at how deeply policy impacts daily life—and just how important it is to stay engaged in our communities.

Tejash: What is one of your guilty pleasures? 

Karine: Plátano maduro!

Tejash: When is the last time you were outside of your comfort zone? 

Karine: As a litigator, I find myself outside of my comfort zone almost every day. Criminal court is anything but predictable; it is an adventure that constantly keeps me on my toes.

Being outside of my comfort zone has pushed me to grow, sharpen my advocacy skills, and become a stronger attorney. I would not have it any other way.

Tejash: What is one of your future ambitions?   

Karine: I transitioned from a small office to Legal Aid nearly a year ago, and it has been both rewarding and inspiring. I have been especially impressed by our new state-of-the-art mock courtroom and this year I am looking forward to organizing training and events with colleagues, particularly those from the WCBA. I am incredibly grateful for the mentorship and support from Clare Degnan, Sherry Wallach, Jessica Hugel, April McKenzie, Patty Petrosky, Katie Wasserman, and so many other strong attorneys and dedicated staff. Our office truly values the practice of law and all it encompasses.

Tejash: Is there a particular experience or training that helped build your skill set as a criminal defense or immigration attorney?

Karine: A very useful training was attending the Steven Epstein DWI Defense Institute, a nine-month program offering in-depth instruction on defending DWI cases from arrest through trial. As part of it, I completed the 24-hour NHTSA Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Student Course. This hands-on experience has been a game changer in representing clients charged with DWIs in Westchester. DWIs are complex and require attention to detail at every step—understanding each area of law deeply is essential to effective advocacy.

Tejash: What advice would you give to your younger self? 

Karine: I would remind her that it always works out and that your attitude determines your altitude. 

Tejash: Wellness is an important issue for all members. The WCBA’s Task Force on Well-Being recently issued a report with its recommendations. How do you manage your physical and/or mental health with such a busy practice area? 

Karine: Presence, gratitude, and boundaries. I have learned to be fully present wherever I am—whether in the courtroom, with my clients, or at home with my daughter—the present moment is all I can control.