Zu Eklhansa ’23 named to Equal Justice Works national committee

Zu Eklhansa ’23 has seen firsthand how barriers like language, income, and immigration status can prevent people from getting the help they need.

“As someone who grew up in Charleston, West Virginia, in an immigrant household, I understand how overwhelming the legal system can be for families,” said Elkhansa, who majored in global studies at Randolph.

“Coming from a region where access to justice can be limited by geography, poverty, or lack of resources, I’ve seen how deeply those barriers affect real lives,” she added. “I’ve always been passionate about ensuring that underserved and underrepresented communities have a voice in the legal system.” 

Elkhansa recently finished her first year of law school at Northern Kentucky University’s Chase College of Law. 

She was also just chosen to serve as a member of the Equal Justice Works National Advisory Committee, joining a diverse group of law students and professionals from across the country. 

Elkhansa will represent the south region—Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia—during her two-year term, providing feedback on programs and initiatives, engaging in outreach activities, and helping shape efforts that support aspiring public interest lawyers. 

She’ll attend the organization’s annual meeting, as well as conference calls throughout the year, while also learning from peers and contributing to projects that support law students navigating careers in service-oriented legal work. 

“Equal Justice Works’ mission to mobilize the next generation of public interest lawyers deeply resonates with me,” Eklhansa said. “I saw the National Advisory Committee as an opportunity not only to give back, but to help shape the future of public interest law in a way that reflects the needs of communities like mine: rural, immigrant, and working-class.”

Her time on the committee will build on the experience she’s already had since graduating from Randolph. Elkhansa spent a year working as a legal assistant for the West Virginia Division of Highways before starting law school. 

This summer, she’s been working as a law clerk for the Dearborn-Ohio County Prosecutor’s Office in Indiana, drafting motions, conducting legal research, and observing court proceedings. 

“It’s been a great way to build practical skills and see how the law is applied day-to-day,” Elkhansa said. “What I’ve found especially meaningful is how prosecution work directly impacts the safety and well-being of the community. Prosecutors play a critical role in ensuring accountability, protecting victims, and promoting fairness in the justice system. 

“Being part of that process, particularly in a smaller community where the effects of each case are deeply felt, has shown me how much this work matters,” she added. “I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to serve the public while learning how to approach cases with both integrity and compassion.”