Rayza joined LatinoJustice PRLDEF in 2022. Prior to joining LJP , Rayza was a public defender at the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender in Hudson County, where she represented clients facing felony charges in criminal court. She was lead counsel to clients at every stage of the criminal process, including motions, trials and appeals. Her work included lengthy motion practice to remedy police failure to honor the rights of an indigenous language speaker. Rayza briefed several appeals, including one that established favorable law for criminal defendants in New Jersey.
Rayza earned her J.D. from New York University School of Law, where she was digital executive editor of the NYU Review of Law & Social Change. While in law school, Rayza supported incarcerated individuals preparing for their parole board meetings through the Parole Preparation Project. She also represented New York City students at suspension hearings through the Suspension Representation Project.
Rayza Goldsmith
Senior Counsel