DSG | Koya partnered with Maryland Legal Aid on the search for its next Chief Legal Director.

Maryland Legal Aid is a nonprofit organization providing free civil legal services to low-income individuals and families across the state of Maryland. With a strong commitment to protecting the rights of historically marginalized communities, Maryland Legal Aid aims to expand access to justice and create a more equitable society.

The search resulted in the appointment of Dr. Kevonne Small as the new Chief Legal Director.

A seasoned civil rights leader, Small brings over two decades of experience in civil rights enforcement, litigation, and policy leadership. Prior to joining Maryland Legal Aid, she spent 18 years at the U.S. Department of Justice, where she litigated cases involving human trafficking, hate crimes, and police misconduct, and enforced Title VI civil rights obligations. Most recently, she served as Director of the Office for Civil Rights within the Office of Justice Programs, leading efforts to improve productivity and compliance through team building and systems reform.

Throughout her career, Small has remained deeply committed to protecting the rights of historically marginalized communities. She has led legal and policy initiatives as well as negotiated solutions to complex problems involving environmental justice, language access, and other multi-layered civil rights violations. Her blend of legal expertise, policy insight, and collaborative leadership makes her a vital force in expanding access to justice.

A dedicated advocate for social justice, Small has also made significant contributions to research and academia. She holds a PhD in Justice, Law and Society from American University and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Policy. Her research has focused on civil justice issues impacting low-income and marginalized communities, including examining intake procedures for legal services programs.

Small earned her Doctor of Philosophy from American University, her Doctor of Law from Villanova University, and her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Columbia Union College. She is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar and the District of Columbia Bar.