Melanie Zamenhof
Melanie Zamenhof is an accomplished attorney and dedicated community leader, currently serving as Director of Member Engagement at the Westchester County Bar Association (WCBA) and Senior Attorney for the New York Legal Response Team at Neighbors Link. With extensive experience in private firms, nonprofits, and state government, Melanie specializes in Immigration Law, Federal Criminal Law, Tax Law, and Bankruptcy Law. She has represented clients across a range of legal contexts, including asylum seekers and migrants, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to justice and advocacy.
In her role at Neighbors Link, Melanie leads the Legal Response Team, providing both full and limited-scope representation to asylum seekers while managing community partnerships and educational programs. She previously served as Director of Refugee Resettlement and Legal Services at Jewish Family Services of Greenwich, where she oversaw multiple programs supporting refugees from Ukraine, Afghanistan, Haiti, Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua. Her leadership extended to supervising teams of attorneys, case managers, and volunteers, ensuring compliance with funders and effective program delivery.
A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Melanie also studied Mediation and Negotiation at the University of Havana and earned her law degree from Suffolk University Law School. Beyond her professional work, she actively contributes to the legal community as President of the American Constitution Society’s Suffolk Law School chapter and a member of Phi Alpha Delta. Her career reflects a deep commitment to advocacy, education, and community engagement, blending legal expertise with a passion for supporting underserved populations.
• Suffolk University Law School - JD
• American Constitution Society
• Phi Alpha Delta
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to focusing on competing with myself rather than comparing myself to others. By striving to improve my own abilities and setting personal benchmarks, I continually push myself to grow and achieve more.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to put your oxygen mask on before helping others. I’ve learned that taking care of myself—physically, mentally, and emotionally—ensures I can show up fully and effectively support those around me.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering my industry to surround themselves with strong leadership and supportive colleagues who uplift them both professionally and personally. Building a network of mentors and allies can make a significant difference in navigating challenges and advancing in your career.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life include encouraging others to act with empathy and integrity, while guiding them away from contributing to the suffering of others. I strive to foster positivity, support, and ethical behavior in every interaction.