Justin Wax Jacobs is a lifelong Queens resident and activist. Growing up in the borough, Justin attended PS 99 Kew Gardens, Russell Sage JHS in Forest Hills, and the Academy of American Studies in Long Island City. While in High School, Justin received the NY1 Scholar Athlete of the week award in recognition of his athletic and academic achievement, as well as his work in the community.
After attending the State University of New York at Albany for undergrad, Justin returned to the community to attend law school at St. John’s University. Living in Briarwood, Justin was one of the founding members of a local community group, and spearheaded voter registration and information drives in the neighborhood.
As an attorney, Justin has dedicated his career to the Public Interest; representing, assisting, and advising the elderly, disabled, and poor in administrative actions against government agencies seeking to terminate or deny lifesaving benefits and assistance. All clients are represented free of charge.
Prior to his legal career, Justin had served in positions with the offices of Democrats: Congressman Gregory Meeks (NY-5), and former State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer. He also worked on environmental sustainability projects with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) in Beijing, China.
The son of Andrew Wax, a professor of history and former yellow taxi cab driver, and Mindi Jacobs, an HR professional, Justin has strived to learn from and emulate his parent’s examples of hard work, integrity, and fortitude.