Stacey Young’s journey through the Department of Justice (DOJ) is a tale of commitment, resilience, and, most recently, reinvention amid political upheaval. After dedicating 18 years to the DOJ—13 in the Civil Division defending immigration laws, and five in the Civil Rights Division fighting employment discrimination—Young’s departure in January 2025 marked a turning point not just for her, but for hundreds of DOJ employees grappling with an uncertain future.
According to Business Insider, Young’s exit coincided with the start of the second Trump administration, a period she describes as fraught with intimidation for those advocating workplace equity and equality. "I knew before the inauguration that I was going to leave, and that I would be a target. I felt it was safer for me and the organization's thousands of members for me to get out," Young explained. On January 24, 2025, she shut down the DOJ Gender Equality Network (DOJ GEN), an organization she had founded after Trump’s first election, and resigned the very same day.
DOJ GEN was no ordinary employee group. Under Young’s leadership, it scored significant victories for federal workers. The network championed a bill, ultimately passed by Congress, that granted all federal employees three months of paid parental leave. It also successfully advocated for a new sexual misconduct policy and the creation of a centralized unit at DOJ to address such cases. "People would come to me all the time with questions and requests for help, like if they were being sexually harassed by somebody in their office and their supervisor wasn't doing anything, or if they realized that they were being paid less money than a white male counterpart because he had come in from a higher-paying job," Young recalled. DOJ GEN provided direct support to employees facing these and other workplace challenges, making it a lifeline for many.
But as the political winds shifted, so did the environment for advocates like Young. She observed a rising climate of intimidation against those involved in efforts to promote equity and equality, particularly after Trump’s return to office. "I understood organizations like DOJ GEN were going to be shut down, and so support for DOJ employees was going to have to come from the outside," she said.
That realization gave birth to Justice Connection, a new kind of support network for DOJ employees. Now operating independently, Young and her team have connected hundreds of current and recent DOJ workers to alumni who can offer advice, representation, or simply a sympathetic ear. "We've already connected dozens of DOJ employees to alumni, who are representing them pro bono and helping them when they're facing adverse employment actions, like termination, ethics crises, or criminal or congressional investigations," Young explained.
The need for such support is stark. As reported by Business Insider, the DOJ has lost more than 4,000 employees since the start of 2025—a mass exodus that’s sent shockwaves through the federal legal community. The impact has been especially hard on FBI, ATF, and DEA special agents, as well as civil rights lawyers. "There just really aren't equivalent positions in state and local law enforcement, and it's just not going to be as meaningful for a lot of people if they aren't in public service," Young noted. The job market is tight, and many law firms aren’t hiring as many white-collar litigators due to a slowdown in white-collar enforcement at the department. For civil rights lawyers, the purge has left only a handful of organizations and firms where they can continue their work.
For many, the transition out of the DOJ is not just a career move—it’s a leap into the unknown. "Some people are working on résumés for the first time in decades," Young said. She explained that many DOJ employees had planned to spend their entire careers at the department, so the prospect of seeking new roles, especially outside the federal government, is daunting. "Making a transition to the private sector or outside the federal government is really hard," she admitted.
Justice Connection is stepping in to fill the void. Beyond legal and emotional support, the organization is building an employment support network to help former DOJ employees find suitable job opportunities. "Right now, we're building out an employment support network. We plan to bring somebody to work on that full time and help find job opportunities that are suitable for DOJ employees and connect them to those roles," Young said. She believes that connecting current and recent employees with DOJ alumni is crucial—both for accessing networks and brainstorming new career paths.
The organization’s work doesn’t stop there. Justice Connection also offers media training for those thrust into the public eye, assists with whistleblowing, and provides a mental health support network. Clinicians have agreed to treat DOJ employees either for free or at reduced rates. "We have a mental health support network connecting DOJ employees to mental health clinicians who have agreed to treat them either for free or low bono," Young shared.
Despite the challenges, Young finds meaning in her new mission. "It's been a devastating seven months. I've watched my friends and former coworkers endure cruel and senseless treatment by their own government. It's been hard to watch. But I'm also glad I'm able to do something that provides tangible support to public servants who desperately need it right now," she reflected. The organization’s rapid growth and tangible impact have been a source of pride. "I'm glad this idea has really worked, and the organization has taken off, and we're having a significant impact that's growing every day," she said.
Looking back, Young regards her work with DOJ GEN as the most gratifying chapter of her career. "The work I did with DOJ GEN was the most gratifying thing I had ever done in my career. So I'm glad to be able to continue it with Justice Connection," she said. The transition out of practicing law was unexpected, but she feels confident in her new role: "I didn't expect to stop practicing law, so that's an unexpected shift. But I'm not lamenting it. I think what I'm doing right now is exactly what I should be doing."
The Justice Department did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment on Young’s departure or the broader exodus of employees. But for those left in the wake, Justice Connection has quickly become a vital resource, bridging the gap between public service and the private sector, and offering hope in a time of uncertainty.
As the DOJ continues to weather unprecedented turnover and shifting priorities, Young’s efforts stand as a testament to the enduring value of community and advocacy—even when the official avenues are closed.
