Growing up in a Haitian-American household on Long Island, Phil Desgranges was influenced to always do good for others which was instilled by his religious mother. Her teachings about the importance of helping others inspired him to pursue a career devoted to serving those in need. He recognized law as a powerful tool for achieving justice and making a difference in communities.
After all those years of learning to do what’s right from his mother, Desgranges, 40, now serves as the Attorney in Charge of Criminal Law Reform at the Legal Aid Society, embodying the ideals of service and advocacy that have defined his career. His educational background, which includes a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Boston University and a Juris Doctorate from New York University, laid the foundation for his journey into law.
Desgranges has dedicated many years to civil rights law, meticulously working to improve the lives of New Yorkers and address the entrenched issues in the criminal legal system. His fulfillment comes from time spent both in the courtroom and out in the community, striving to create solutions through litigation, policy advocacy, and educating the public on their rights.
“When you find solutions to these problems, the end result is a hopefully better society and a more empowered community,” he states, reflecting his commitment to change.
Desgranges has faced challenges throughout his career, including a lack of diversity in the legal field. Navigating as a Black attorney brings its own complexities, requiring him to work harder to achieve recognition and respect.
“You need to be great, not just good enough,” he explains, noting that this standard often isn’t equally applied even beyond careers in law, but in general for most minorities in any role. Yet, he views this extra effort as an opportunity to rise above and contribute significantly to the field.
Desgranges acknowledges the importance of connecting with others and has made it a priority to give back to the next generation of lawyers.
“I always want to be available for mentoring because I want to make sure the next generation has guidance and can achieve their full potential,” he shares. His commitment to supporting young people aspiring to work in law, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, stems from his experiences and the invaluable mentorship he received in his own journey.
Desgranges is focused on several pressing issues in his role, including advocating against police misconduct, addressing the brutality in Rikers Island, and expanding access to mental health treatments. His goals include leading law reform efforts and fostering collaboration across various programs he oversees to tackle societal issues in transformative ways.
Going forward, Desgranges aims to position the Legal Aid Society’s Law Reform team as a pillar of civil rights advocacy, ensuring it is recognized as an exceptional place for legal work and a supportive environment for its staff. Desgranges has a true commitment to service, mentorship, and transformational change that seeks to uplift the community and empower those he serves.