Michelle is from Brooklyn, New York. She attended the University at Albany, State University of New York. She has a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in Japanese studies from the University at Albany, State University of New York. She also has a juris doctor from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School. She lives in Canarsie. She attends God’s Battalion of Prayer Church.

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Guyanese-born Attorney Michelle DeSouza-Forte seeks seat on ...

Michelle DeSouza has a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in Japanese studies from the University at Albany and a law degree from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School. She attends her local church.

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Michelle currently serves as an Assistant Corporation Counsel for the New York City Law Department. She previously served as an Associate Attorney for a law firm and as a solo practitioner.

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Operated her own law practice, providing guidance on wills, trusts, estates, real estate, immigration, contracts, and civil disputes.

As a solo practitioner for over seven years, she provided guidance on wills, trusts, estates, real estate, immigration, contracts, and civil disputes.

As an Associate Attorney at Grimaldi & Yeung Law Group, handled estate planning and administration in a fast-paced legal environment.

As an Associate Attorney at Grimaldi & Yeung Law Group, she researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients, specializing in estate planning and administration.

As an Assistant Corporation Counsel with the New York City Law Department, represented the City in litigation, managing trials, motion practice, discovery, and settlement negotiations, while mentoring junior attorneys and supervising interns.

As an Assistant Corporation Counsel with the New York City Law Department, she represents the City in litigation, managing trials, motion practice, discovery, and settlement negotiations, while mentoring junior attorneys and supervising interns.

Founding member of the Caribbean American Lawyers Association (CALA), which supports Caribbean-American legal professionals and expands access to legal resources.

Founding member of the Caribbean American Lawyers Association (CALA), which seeks to support Caribbean-American legal professionals and expand access to legal resources.

- As a solo practitioner for over seven years, she provided guidance on wills, trusts, estates, real estate, immigration, contracts, and civil disputes.
- As an Associate Attorney at Grimaldi & Yeung Law Group, she researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients, specializing in estate planning and administration.
- As an Assistant Corporation Counsel with the New York City Law Department, she represents the City in litigation, managing trials, motion practice, discovery, and settlement negotiations, while mentoring junior attorneys and supervising interns.
- Founding member of the Caribbean American Lawyers Association (CALA), which seeks to support Caribbean-American legal professionals and expand access to legal resources.

Legal Experience

Commits to fairness, integrity, and equal justice for all.

- Commits to fairness, integrity, and equal justice for all.

Judicial Philosophy

As of June 18, 2026, Michelle Desouza’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judicial Administration

Ethics & Conduct

Actively involved in community service through education and faith-based initiatives, including serving on Community Education Council 18, supporting a church's shelter ministry and soup kitchen, and holding leadership roles in a Christian academy. Recognized with the Caribbean Life Impact Award in 2018 for her dedication to community service.

Previously served on Community Education Council 18, an education policy organization.

As Board President of Battalion Christian Academy and a continuing board member, she has "played a key role in supporting educational opportunities for young people."

- Previously served on Community Education Council 18, an education policy organization.
- As Board President of Battalion Christian Academy and a continuing board member, she has "played a key role in supporting educational opportunities for young people."

Community Involvement

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Michelle Desouza

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Claims to be committed to fairness, integrity, and equal justice for all.

- Claims to be committed to fairness, integrity, and equal justice for all.

- As an Assistant Corporation Counsel with the New York City Law Department, she represents the City in litigation, managing trials, motion practice, discovery, and settlement negotiations, while mentoring junior attorneys and supervising interns.
- Founding member of the Caribbean American Lawyers Association (CALA), which seeks to support Caribbean-American legal professionals and expand access to legal resources.

Michelle Desouza is from Guyana. She has a bachelor 27s degree in political science from the University at Albany, State University of New York, and a law degree from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School. She currently resides in Canarsie, Brooklyn, and is actively involved with God 27s Battalion of Prayer Church.

Michelle is an attorney. She previously operated her own law practice, providing guidance to individuals and families on matters such as wills, trusts and estates, real estate, immigration, contracts, and civil disputes. She later worked as an associate attorney at Grimaldi & Yeung Law Group, where she handled estate planning and administration.

DeSouza Shares Why She Is Running for Civil Court | NYC Newswire

Michelle is currently an assistant corporation counsel with the New York City Law Department.

As a private practice attorney, provided guidance on wills, trusts and estates, real estate, immigration, contracts, and civil disputes.

Is a founding member of the Caribbean American Lawyers Association (CALA).

Previously served on Community Education Council 18, where she contributed to shaping policies and advocating for students and families within the district.

Isaac Brickman

Buket Urgen

Janice P. Purvis

- The New York Civil Court has jurisdiction over civil cases involving amounts up to $50,000 and other civil matters referred to it by the Supreme Court.
- It includes a small claims part for informal dispositions of matters not exceeding $10,000 and a housing part for landlord-tenant matters and housing code violations.
- There are 120 judges elected to the Civil Court, but only about 50 sit in it. The remaining judges sit in other courts, such as the Criminal Court or Family Court.
- Judges are elected to 10-year terms in partisan elections.
- They are paid a salary of $216,400.

Judge who handles majority of civil cases in New York