Rashida Ayers is a graduate of Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University, and John Jay College of Criminal Justice She holds both a master’s and bachelor’s degree in Forensic Psychology, and a law degree with concentrations in both Criminal Law and Civil Litigation.
Rashida received clinical legal training at the Innocence Project, a national litigation organization that uses DNA testing to exonerate wrongfully convicted individuals. She developed sophisticated litigation, advocacy, and negotiation skills under the tutelage of Barry Scheck, world-renowned attorney, author, and founder of the Innocence Project.
Rashida received training from a team of the most skilled trial attorneys in the field and worked on highly complex criminal matters including death penalty cases
Rashida received rigorous clinical training in Forensic Psychiatry at Bellevue Hospital Mental Health Service under the skilled supervision of Dr. Eraka Bath, board certified forensic psychiatrist and associate professor at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute, and daughter of esteemed medical pioneer Dr. Patricia Bath. Rashida conducted psychiatric evaluations, diagnoses, and treatment planning for children entering the foster care system.
Rashida is a tireless advocate for criminal justice equality and began her legal career as a private trial attorney, focusing exclusively on felony level criminal cases. Rashida is particularly passionate about legal representation of historically underrepresented and marginalized populations and has provided significant pro bono legal services to low-income New Yorkers who could not afford to pay.
Rashida transitioned to Entertainment Law after hanging up her trial shoes, and currently represents Talent in the entertainment field, with a focus on the music industry. Rashida brings the same vigor and passion to the entertainment arena, providing zealous advocacy and sharp negotiation skills to safeguard the best interests of her clients.
IN ETERNAL LOVING MEMORY OF TRAYVON MARTIN. OUR ENDURING MISSION IS FIGHTING FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE EQUALITY.