Her Story
About Keli
Keli Cochran, Esq. is the owner of Advocates for the Voiceless, a legal advocacy practice based in Takoma Park, Maryland, that operates with the mission-driven ethos of a nonprofit and a strong commitment to expanding access to justice. For approximately seven years, she has represented both juveniles and adults who are court-involved or incarcerated, advocating for clients across a broad range of issues, including the school-to-prison pipeline, special education, disability rights, parole and probation, Social Security benefits, and prisoners’ rights. Her practice reflects a deep commitment to serving individuals and families who may face significant barriers to obtaining effective legal representation.
As a licensed attorney and panel attorney in the District of Columbia, Keli maintains a practice that includes a substantial commitment to pro bono and low-bono representation while also serving education clients in Maryland. Her work includes attending IEP meetings with parents, teachers, and school personnel to advocate for students’ rights to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), as well as representing incarcerated individuals in disciplinary hearings, motions, discovery matters, and appeals. Earlier in her career, Keli developed five years of experience in financial compliance before transitioning into law, giving her a valuable combination of analytical, regulatory, advocacy, and case-management expertise. She earned her Juris Doctor from the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communication and Rhetoric from the State University of New York at Fredonia.
Keli attributes her success to what she calls her “kindergarten confidence”—a lifelong belief that nothing is impossible and that meaningful goals can be achieved by identifying what is required and taking deliberate steps toward them. Her desire to become a lawyer began in childhood, when she confidently envisioned the profession and independently identified the skills she believed she would need to succeed. She also credits her mother with instilling an enduring mindset of accountability, perseverance, and growth by encouraging her to ask whether she had truly done her best and, if not, what support or changes were needed to improve. Today, those principles continue to guide Keli’s advocacy and her commitment to confidence, compassion, inclusion, access to opportunity, community impact, dignity, and second chances. Through Advocates for the Voiceless, she strives to meet people where they are, recognize their potential, and create pathways to justice for individuals who too often go unheard.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Keli
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to what I call my “kindergarten confidence” the belief that nothing is impossible and the willingness to identify what I want, break it down into actionable steps, and pursue it with determination. Even as a kindergartner, when asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I confidently said I wanted to be a lawyer and created my own checklist of the skills I believed I needed, from public speaking and strong writing to critical thinking and the ability to think on my feet. That mindset of envisioning what I want and taking intentional steps toward achieving it has stayed with me throughout my career. I also credit my mother, who taught me to focus on effort, growth, and accountability rather than simply accepting results. When I fell short of my own expectations, she would ask, “Is this the best of your ability, or do you need support to get better?” That question shaped my perspective and taught me to continually evaluate what I can improve, what needs to change, and when I should ask for support. Ultimately, my success comes from maintaining that childhood confidence, believing in what is possible, taking action, and never being afraid to grow.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Maintain the confidence you had as a child and do not allow other people to determine what you are capable of becoming. Keli's journey reflects the importance of being willing to pivot, pursue opportunities that may not follow a traditional path, and continue moving toward your goals even when challenges arise.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Believe in your abilities, remain open to opportunities, and do not let perceived limitations define your future. Keli encourages young women to maintain their confidence, seek out mentors and supportive networks, and understand that careers do not always follow a straight line. Being willing to pivot can open doors to opportunities you may never have originally imagined.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges is ensuring meaningful access to justice for individuals who cannot afford traditional legal representation, particularly young people, individuals with disabilities, and those navigating the school-to-prison pipeline. There is also an ongoing need to address stigma, recidivism, and systemic barriers that can limit opportunities after involvement with the justice system. At the same time, there is significant opportunity to create more inclusive legal services, expand low bono and pro bono representation, and build legal teams that reflect the lived experiences of the communities they serve.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are confidence, perseverance, compassion, inclusion, access to opportunity, community impact, and staying aligned with my spiritual values. I believe in meeting people where they are and creating supportive, inclusive spaces for individuals who may have been overlooked or underserved by traditional systems. I am deeply committed to the power of second chances, treating every person with dignity, and recognizing the potential in others, even when they may not yet see it in themselves. Ultimately, I strive to use my work and my experiences to make a meaningful difference, open doors for others, and contribute to stronger, more compassionate communities.
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