Bar Number: 34341
Tanesha La’Trelle Canzater serves as an appellate public defender in Washington, while currently residing in Alexandria, Virginia. She has argued before the Washington Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, and is driven by the pursuit of fairness, due process, and making a meaningful impact.
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What is the most interesting case you have handled in your career so far and why?
The most interesting case I’ve worked on so far was one the media called the “Benton County Cornfield Killer” case, involving the 2014 discovery of three victims in a cornfield. I represented the accused in that case on appeal, and it was one of those cases that pushed me on every level. The facts, the forensic evidence, and even the backstories of everyone involved were incredibly complex. It really tested my technical skills.
Did you end up practicing in the area of law you expected? If not, where did you end up and why?
No. I was sure I was going to practice family law. But I ended up becoming a criminal defense appellate attorney, and it happened completely by chance. During law school, I had the opportunity to intern at the Washington Appellate Project, and that experience completely shifted my path. Once I got a taste of appellate work—the writing, the strategy, the impact of shaping how the law is interpreted—I was hooked. And it’s been game on ever since.
What is the biggest regret of your career?
I wouldn’t say I have a single biggest regret. Even after 21 years of practice, I’m still evolving in my career, and I try to learn from every mistake, experience, and missed opportunity. I’ve realized that growth comes from reflection, not regret. So I focus on developing and improving with every challenge I face.
What is your biggest success?
I’d like to think my biggest professional success is still ahead of me. I’ve been fortunate to achieve meaningful victories before the Washington Supreme Court and Division III Court of Appeals, but I view those as steps in a continuing journey. Even after 21 years of practice, I’m still growing as an attorney, and constantly striving to refine my skills, take on more complex challenges, and make a lasting impact through my work. For me, success isn’t a single moment. It’s a continual pursuit of excellence and purpose.
How would you be earning a living if you weren’t a lawyer?
Hands down, I’d be a United States diplomat.
LIGHTNING ROUND
If you had to give a 10-minute presentation on one topic other than the law, what would it be and why? “The Importance of Wearing Pantyhose in Closed-Toe Shoes.” Somewhere between business-casual Fridays and the era of Zoom meetings, pantyhose quietly vanished, and so did a certain kind of polish. Pantyhose aren’t just for pageants; they’re a small but powerful detail that can elevate how we show up in the world, particularly when wearing closed-toe shoes.
How do you unwind or recharge after a difficult day? I practice Bikram yoga.
What is one thing your colleagues may not know about you? I used to work as a corrections counselor at McNeil Island Corrections Center and at the Maple Lane School for Boys.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever ignored? The best advice I’ve ever ignored was to “just let it go.” When I faced micro- and macroaggressions early in my career, I chose to speak up instead of staying silent. It taught me that silence keeps the peace, but speaking up creates change.
Who is your favorite writer? My favorite writer is Toni Morrison, especially for Beloved.That book showed me that storytelling can do more than entertain. Storytelling can heal, teach, and change how we see the world. I try to bring that same purpose to my own writing at work.
What’s your go-to karaoke song? “Grown Man,” by King George.
What’s the best place you’ve ever traveled to? Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
What is the best movie you’ve ever seen? Beloved.
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