Behind every successful organization is someone making sure the details never fall through the cracks. At LCCR, that’s Roxanne “Roxy” Sutfield. As a paralegal and office manager, Roxy has spent more than a decade helping attorneys, advocating for children behind the scenes and building the systems that keep LCCR running. We sat down with Roxy to learn more about her journey, what keeps her motivated and why she believes every child deserves someone in their corner.
Tell us about yourself and your journey to LCCR.
I was born and raised in New Orleans and graduated from Southern University with a degree in criminal justice and a minor in psychology. I also received a paralegal certification from Loyola University. I wanted to advocate for kids that were in the same situation that I was in. I came from a dysfunctional background. I wanted to be there for children that came from the same circumstances, in which I came from because there were people in my community that advocating for me. After Hurricane Katrina, I was determined to finish school, and eventually that path led me to the Juvenile Justice Project of Louisiana before joining LCCR, where I’ve been ever since.
What does your role at LCCR involve?
I wear a lot of hats. I help manage DefenderData, support our attorneys, process juvenile expungements, handle office operations and make sure everyone has what they need to serve our clients. A lot of what I do happens behind the scenes, but it all plays a role in helping our kids.
You’ve become LCCR’s expert on juvenile expungements. Why is that work so important to you?
A decision that I made as a child, hindered me from getting employment with NOPD due to my Juvenile arrest. It gives children a second chance in life who made bad decisions whether through necessity or neglect.
What accomplishment at LCCR are you most proud of?
Building DefenderData into what it is today and helping develop our juvenile expungement work. We’ve built systems that help our attorneys better represent children, and I’ve completed more than 800 juvenile expungements. Knowing those kids have a fresh start means everything to me.
What has kept you motivated after more than a decade at LCCR?
Helping children and their families.
What do you wish more people understood about the youth LCCR serves?
They’re kids. They need guidance, support and someone willing to ask why instead of judging them. Every child has a story, and when you understand what’s happening in their life, you can start helping instead of just punishing.
What qualities help you succeed in your role?
Consistency, attention to detail and adaptability. Every day is different, and every attorney works differently, so I have to stay organized while making sure nothing falls through the cracks.
What are you looking forward to for the future of LCCR?
I want to see a strong, stable team that has everything it needs to continue providing the highest quality representation for children. When we’re fully supported, we can do even more for the kids and families who rely on us.
What might people be surprised to learn about you?
Outside of work, I’m a chef and previously owned a successful keto meal-prep and catering business. I love cooking, and one day I’d like to return to it while continuing to expand juvenile expungement work across Louisiana.
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