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?  

Melissa: About 4 years.

Tejash: This is my first interview with a law firm’s Chief Impact Officer! Can you tell me about your role?

Melissa: Absolutely! It is a multifaceted role, and I love every part of it. I work very closely with the leadership of the firm. I am their eyes and ears and have my finger on the pulse of the firm, which allows me to ensure that the culture is aligned with the firm’s mission and values- to foster an environment where all employees feel welcomed, valued, respected, and empowered to succeed and perform at their best, regardless of experiences or personal characteristics. I view my role as one that strengthens internal connections among our team, which has grown exponentially in just a few short years.

The other aspect of my role which I very much enjoy is building and maintaining relationships with external partners, clients, potential clients, and business and legal organizations.

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

Melissa: There are a few, but I will share one from when I was an Assistant District Attorney in Queens County. It was my first trial, and it was before now Chief Administrative Judge Zayas who was the AP-5 part judge then. It was a bench trial, resisting arrest charge. I was a trial lawyer! I had achieved my dream of becoming a Queens County ADA! I lost the case, which could have been devastating to my ego, but Judge Zayas was gracious and understanding.

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

Melissa: That I am an introvert by nature and very shy.

Tejash: Who are some of your mentors?

Melissa: Jonathan Nelson, John Lyddane, and Scott Frycek—whose guidance and advice have been instrumental—played a key role in helping me reach this point in my professional journey.

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

Melissa: The last time I was outside of my comfort zone was when I decided to make a career pivot. I had been a litigator for many years and felt like I had hit a plateau—not just in terms of growth, but also in passion. Making the decision to step away from something familiar and stable was absolutely scary for me, especially since I did not have all the answers about what came next, and I feared failure. In a lot of ways, I started from scratch. But that leap challenged me to grow in ways I had never expected. It taught me how resilient I could be, and honestly, it was one of the most rewarding decisions I ever made.

Tejash: What is one of your future ambitions? 

Melissa: One of my future ambitions is to become a mentor for people who are navigating career transitions, especially those who, like me, decide to pivot later in their journey. I know how overwhelming and uncertain that process can feel, and I would love to use my experience to help others find the confidence to do it. Whether it is through one-on-one mentoring or even building a platform or community, I want to create a space for people to feel supported and empowered during those big life shifts. I was fortunate to have that in my life, so I want to give back.

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

Melissa: Working as an Assistant District Attorney in Queens County was one of the most formative experiences of my legal career. It was a fast-paced environment where I was constantly on my feet, managing a heavy caseload and appearing in court or the Grand Jury almost daily. I had to learn quickly how to think on my feet and communicate clearly under pressure. The experience also gave me a deep understanding of courtroom procedure and criminal law and taught me how to interact with a wide range of people—judges, defense attorneys, victims, law enforcement, and jurors. My experience and training as an ADA provided me with skills that I continue to use in my current role even though I am not actively practicing law.  

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

Melissa: Network! Build and maintain relationships, because you never know where life will take you. Do not allow people to pigeonhole you.  

Tejash: What are some of your favorite meals? 

Melissa: Haitian Food- rice and beans. I could eat that every day. Italian food- I love pasta and pizza. Everything with carbs. 

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

Melissa: Not very well, honestly. But I am trying. I prioritize going to the gym and saying no more often. I have FOMO and this drive to just be everywhere and do everything. But that has not served me. So, I had to commit to myself and my wellbeing. I realized that if I did not do it, no one else was going to.