From Westfield State to the Courtroom: How Attorney Thalita Neves Found Her Calling

When Atty. Thalita Neves arrived at Westfield State University, she had a clear vision for her future. As a Criminal Justice major, she was convinced she would pursue a career with the FBI and work to improve the criminal justice system from within. But as many students discover, college has a way of opening unexpected doors.

Graduating in 2021 with degrees in Criminal Justice and Communication, along with a concentration in Public Relations, Neves found herself drawn to a different path. A communication course focused on interpersonal relationships sparked a new passion and led her to add a second major. 

“I took a class with Professor Maddie Cahill called Intro to Human Communication.  It was all about interpersonal communications, and I just fell in love with it.  I became fascinated with the field, which really start me on the path to law school., and was very fascinated with the field.”

Another mentor was Dr. Perry, whose passion for civic engagement and the legal system inspired students to think critically about their role in society. Through Dr. Perry’s guidance and encouragement, Neves developed the confidence to pursue opportunities she had never fully envisioned for herself.

That confidence was reinforced through extensive involvement across campus. Neves served in numerous leadership roles, including as a member of the Westfield State Board of Trustees and president of a national honor society. Those experiences, combined with her academic achievements, helped position her for one of the most important opportunities of her life: a full scholarship to law school.

“Getting involved on campus made all the difference,” Neves said. “Those leadership experiences helped propel me forward, not only through the law school application process but throughout my career.”

Neves went directly to law school after graduating from Westfield and became an attorney at just 25 years old. Today, she works at Greater Boston Legal Services, where she practices family law and advocates for low-income survivors of domestic violence. Her work includes helping clients secure restraining orders, obtain custody of their children, and navigate divorces from abusive partners.

Looking back, Neves encourages current and future Westfield State students to remain open to new possibilities. While she entered college focused on one career path, the relationships she built, the courses she explored, and the opportunities she embraced ultimately led her to a profession where she makes a meaningful difference every day.

“Keep an open mind,” she advises. “You never know where you’re going to end up.”

Those experiences continue to shape her work as an attorney and advocate, proving that sometimes the path you never expected becomes the one that changes lives.