Donate to Michelle DeSouza-Forte

Michelle R. DeSouza-Forte is an attorney and Assistant Corporation Counsel with the New York City Law Department, based in Brooklyn. Born in Guyana and raised in East Flatbush after immigrating to the United States at age 15, her lived experience in an immigrant, working-class household shaped her lifelong commitment to fairness, service, and community advocacy. The youngest of nine children, she became the first in her family to graduate from college and earn a graduate degree.

DeSouza-Forte holds a B.A. in Political Science with a minor in Japanese Studies from the University at Albany, SUNY, and a Juris Doctor from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Her legal career includes both private practice and public service, with experience in estate planning, real estate, immigration, contracts, and civil matters. Since 2022, she has represented New York City in litigation as an Assistant Corporation Counsel, handling trials, motion practice, discovery, and settlements, while also mentoring junior attorneys and supervising interns.

Deeply connected to her community, DeSouza-Forte has held leadership roles with the Caribbean American Lawyers Association, served on Community Education Council 18, and remains active in faith-based service through shelter and food programs. Her career reflects both professional excellence and a personal mission rooted in family sacrifice, public service, and giving back to the communities that shaped her.