Melat Asefa

Melat Asefa is dedicated to using her legal education as a tool for justice and systemic change. She has worked in public defense at the San Francisco and Alameda Public Defender’s Offices, as well as in post-conviction capital defense in New Orleans, advocating for those most impacted by the legal system. During law school, she co-founded and served as co-president of the Street Law Student Association, helping to empower marginalized communities through legal education. She also served as the academic chair of the Black Law Students Association and is a member of the ADEI committee, working to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal field. Originally from Ethiopia, Melat’s passion for criminal defense is rooted in a deep sense of justice and a commitment to challenging systemic inequities. She is driven by the belief that the law should be a force for fairness and accountability, not just a tool of those in power. Melat is a 3L at USF School of Law.