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?  

Alex: Around 7 years!

Tejash: Congratulations on your new role as Principal Law Clerk to the Honorable Mary Lynn NicolasBrewster! Can you share what led you to this path?

Alex: Since graduating law school, I have always wanted to work for the Court system and have an opportunity to serve the community and profession. I cut my teeth as an ALJ with the City of New York and then moved into private practice to learn litigation. Now, I felt the time was right to make a change. In my current position, I work with the Honorable Mary Lynn Nicolas-Brewster, Judge of the Court of Claims, serving as Acting Supreme Court Judge in the Bronx County, Civil Term. In Judge NicolasBrewster’s chambers, I have the opportunity to research and analyze uniquely intricate, complex and sensitive legal issues and questions, conduct conferences, and draft decisions. This current position enables me to expand the skills I have sharpened over the years as a practicing attorney. I also supervise and mentor our assistant law clerks, who are recent law school graduates, and the law school and college interns who will work with us in chambers. I have a strong passion for mentoring younger attorneys to support the next generation of attorneys and enjoy working directly with the support staff at any firm or courthouse.

The Judge herself was obviously a big draw with this position—Judge Nicolas-Brewster previously served as the Executive Director of the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission, a permanent statewide commission dedicated to promoting racial and ethnic fairness in the court system, chaired by Hon. Shirley Troutman, Associate Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals, and Hon. Troy K. Webber, Associate Justice of the Appellate Division, First Department. The Williams Commission works to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession and the court system and has partnered and collaborated with the Westchester County Bar Association to promote programming and provide information empowering attorneys and communities across New York State including Juneteenth programs, CLE programs, and sessions offering guidance on pursuing careers in the courts and becoming a judge.

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

Alex: I think one of the more memorable cases I worked on was a 2005 foreclosure action—not necessarily because of the legal aspects of it, but simply because it was almost 20 years old before I was successful on my client’s behalf. When the action commenced, I had not even graduated from high school yet. It is a powerful feeling when you are able to bring a matter to resolution in your client’s favor, especially after lengthy litigation.

Tejash: Who were some of your mentors?

Alex: I have found that a lot of the best mentors are not necessarily people far above me in age, experience, or title, but in my experience have tended to be those most willing to teach younger attorneys and who would gladly answer questions, with an open-door policy. That is the kind of assistance that is most vital to a young attorney. With that said, my wife Melanie has been a strong and consistent partner for over 13 years - both in my legal career and at home. She challenged me through law school, competed with me for internships, supported me through the bar exam, and has helped me navigate the chaos of the legal market to chart the course of my career path.

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

Alex: Probably that one of my family members invented and founded the international language Esperanto.

Tejash: What is one of your guilty pleasures?

Alex: I really enjoy a lot of Korean Netflix shows, whether they are sci-fi dramas or bizarre realty competitions.

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

Alex: It has been a while, which is one of the reasons I took my new position; to challenge myself and change things up professionally. I am excited for this opportunity for growth while in service to the community.

Tejash: What is one of your future ambitions (personal or professional)?   

Alex: As a huge fan of Lord of the Rings, I would love to visit New Zealand for several weeks with my wife and children—combining my love for travel, literature, and family.

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

Alex: Having worked as an ALJ, and then a litigator, I got to see both sides of the bench early on in my career, which made me determined to gain the skills necessary to pursue the position I wanted.

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

Alex: Moving to Manhattan first without a firm job offer may have worked out by absolute chance for me, but I would not do that in hindsight. For young lawyers, gaining practical skills by any means necessary (internships, volunteering, pro bono, etc.) is worth far more to most sane people than just having good grades in law school but no actual skill set or know-how.

Tejash: What are some of your favorite things to do in Westchester County?

Alex: I love the various river towns, because there is always something going on. If your toddlers are bored and need to get out of the house, you always have multiple options on any given day.

Tejash: What are some of your favorite meals/books/podcasts? Alex: Pizza is probably an easy number one, but sushi is a close second. Aside from JRR Tolkien books, I enjoy books by Patrick Rothfuss and Brandon Sanderson. I do not really listen to many podcasts, but when I do, they are either about the English Premiere League (soccer), or are comedy related.

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? 

Alex: Probably poorly—with two very young kids, mental health and physical health often take a back seat. I try my best to do some kind of physical activity daily and try to make time for my wife and I to spend child-free time together, although that does seem to be pretty hard to come by. I have some local neighborhood dad friends that I try to get together with once a week in the evening to have some drinks with and play tabletop games. Work life balance is an ongoing work in progress.