Tana Sachs Copple: Winner New Leader Award, Alpert Jewish Family and Children's Service

Growing up in a family of lawyers, Tana Sachs Copple was determined at an early age not to become one herself.

"I saw how hard they work," says Sachs Copple, who also knew at an early age that whatever she did, she wanted to help others. When she got older, she realized that by becoming an attorney like her parents she could help a lot of people.

"I've always been a very passionate person and a voice for the underdog," says Sachs Copple, who grew up in Boca Raton.

Sachs Copple, an attorney and partner in the law firm Maynor Sachs Copple, specializes in family law. Recently, she won the 2010 New Leader Award from Alpert Jewish Family and Children's Service, given to those who embody the spirit of volunteerism and philanthropy.

She has been involved for a few years in the agency's fund raising through her participation on the committee for the No Excuse for Abuse luncheon, of which she and her law firm have been sponsors. This year, she brought both her professional expertise as a former domestic violence prosecutor and her passion as an advocate to her role as co-chairwoman of the agency's Kolot (voices) Coalition, educating the community about domestic abuse. She is also a member of the board of directors for Alpert Jewish Family and Children's Service.

Sachs Copple began her career as a prosecutor in the Broward County State Attorney's Office in Fort Lauderdale. Her training and work as a domestic violence prosecutor gave her insight into the legal obstacles and emotional hurdles families in crisis experience.

"I feel lucky to be able to help others," she says.