Ilana Kapah has long been recognized as a trailblazer in Brazil’s legal system, building a career defined by fairness, innovation and dedication to justice. As a state judge for the State Court of Amapa, she presides over a broad range of cases in a small city, addressing matters from family law to homicide. Her work requires both decisiveness and compassion, qualities that have allowed her to navigate complex issues while shaping outcomes that uphold the rule of law. Beyond her judicial responsibilities, she has also developed and led community-based programs that extend the reach of justice into everyday life.
Ms. Kapah’s educational background has been central to her career. She earned a Juris Doctor from Florida International University after completing a Master of Laws from Harvard University. Her acceptance to Harvard with two scholarships stands out as a milestone achievement, allowing her to expand her expertise in ways that continue to benefit her community. Earlier in her academic journey, she earned an economic law degree from Mackenzie Presbyterian University in Brazil, following her first Juris Doctor from the same institution.
Ms. Kapah’s work has been recognized through several honors, including the Jorge Lemann Fellowship, a full scholarship to Harvard University and the ceremonial judicial collar, symbols of both academic and professional achievement. These honors acknowledge not only her legal expertise but also her capacity to create meaningful change in the lives of others.
Before assuming her judicial role, Ms. Kapah practiced as a lawyer. That period provided a critical foundation in advocacy, sharpening her skills in analysis, argument and negotiation. These early experiences continue to inform her approach on the bench, where she balances strict adherence to the law with an understanding of the human realities behind each case. By entering the judiciary at a young age, she brought fresh perspectives and energy to the role, quickly establishing herself as a credible and respected authority.
An important element of Ms. Kapah’s legacy is her leadership in restorative justice. She pioneered a restorative community initiative designed to unite schools and families, with the goal of fostering accountability and education. Through this program, children and teenagers in public schools are introduced to entrepreneurial concepts, encouraged to take responsibility for their actions and empowered to envision broader futures. The impact has been visible in tangible changes within her community, as young people embrace new opportunities and families engage in building stronger support systems.
Ms. Kapah’s influence extends beyond the courtroom and her community programs. She is an active member of the Jorge Lemann Leaders Network and serves as chairperson of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences, Arts, History and Literature. These roles allow her to participate in policy development and thought leadership, ensuring that her contributions reach not only her immediate jurisdiction but also the broader legal community.
Motivated by personal experiences of injustice in her own family, Ms. Kapah chose to pursue a judicial career with the determination to prevent others from enduring similar hardships. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to justice, education and empowerment. By integrating her legal expertise with community-focused initiatives, she has built a career that goes beyond legal decisions to influence lives, families and institutions.