Meet Our Team
Damon Etawlyah
Primary Roles: Lawyer, Educator, O.R.G.s Program Lead
Damon Etawlyah, a descendant of stolen people, has lived on the stolen land of Teejop for his entire life. He attended Falk elementary school and graduated without distinction. He is deeply passionate about empowering the community he loves. He enjoys helping them to chase their dreams and live their lives free of state sponsored violence. He approaches the world with curiosity and humor, his work with care and intention, and his people with love and support. He helped start Small Axe Coop with the intention of forging a healthier, more respectful workplace that would support a fully ethical and engaged practice of the law in alignment with his values.
Marin Smith
Primary Roles: Lawyer, Educator, Land Retention Program Lead, Restorative Justice Practitioner
Marin was born in Chicago, raised in the Milwaukee suburbs, and has lived in Madison since 2016. In 2020 they completed their undergraduate degree at University of Wisconsin-Madison with majors in Community & Nonprofit Leadership and Spanish. While in undergrad, Marin worked with numerous local organizations focusing on projects ranging from deportation prevention, removing police from Madison schools, abolitionist teaching curriculum, and restorative justice for the community unlearning of white supremacy. Following their undergraduate education, Marin immediately proceeded to University of Wisconsin Law School. There, they worked for the Restorative Justice Project for two years, primarily conducting trauma-informed Victim/Offender Dialogues for serious and sensitive crimes. Today, Marin looks forward to working with people on issues ranging from restorative justice to bankruptcy and tax. In their free time, Marin enjoys finding new ways to be in awe of nature. They also enjoy live music, DIY projects, and spending time with their menagerie of critters.
Kennedy Allison
Primary Roles: Legal Intern, Educator
Kennedy was born and raised on the stolen land of Teejop (now known as Madison, WI). She attended UW-Madison to obtain an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Legal Studies. During this time Kennedy became passionate about abandoning the punitive nature of our legal system to better support the growth and healing of individuals and communities. After taking a short break from school, she chose to apply to the University of Wisconsin Law school to pursue a law degree. Through legal practice and education, Kennedy hopes to build a more equitable and prosperous future within her community. Through services and education, Kennedy works to advocate for and address issues within Indigenous Law, Restorative Justice, Criminal Defense, LGBTQ+ Issues, and protecting vulnerable people from the violence of an oppressive system.