On this episode, Conrad and Imani are joined by their fellow Sister in Law, Urooj Khan. Urooj shares her journey to becoming a public defender. She believes that public defenders must understand who they are at their core in order to do this work. They discuss the Scottsboro Boys and the role of communists and labor lawyers in the fight for against anti-Black racism. The talk about the importance of unions generally and also with respect to public defense. Hopefully, after this episode you will leave understanding the power that workers yield, the importance of unionizing, and have more insight into the nature and challenges of public defense.

In this episode, Imani and Conrad are joined by their fellow Sister in Law, Janae. Janae works as a supervising attorney in the Family Defense Practice. They discuss some of the collateral consequences as it pertains to your family that arise when someone is arrested. Janae explains how certain arrests can trigger the involvement of child protective services. She also shares how an arrest can result in family court proceedings that can lead to losing custody of your child. Hopefully, after this episode you will know a little more about how your family can be affected by an arrest.

In this episode, Imani and Conrad are joined by their fellow Brother in Law, Eli Northrup. Eli is a public defender in the Bronx and the Policy Director for the Criminal Defense Practice. They talk about the intersection of policy and criminal defense. They explore the ways in which the legalization of marijuana in New York is different from other states. Eli tells the story of Shamika Crawford and describes how her case changed the landscape of orders of protection in New York City. Lastly, Eli is running to serve as Assembly Member for the 69th District in New York City and he shares his platform and vision for his community. Hopefully, after this episode you will know a little more about how you can fight to change the laws that impact our everyday lives.

In this episode, Imani and Conrad are joined by their fellow Brothers in Law, Tyriek and Jamaal. They discuss the stereotypes of public defenders and share the ways in which they are sometimes valid and other times unwarranted. They talk about their experiences with racism and discrimination as Black male public defenders. Hopefully, after this episode you will better understand some of the challenges and rewards of this work.

In this episode, Imani and Conrad are joined by their fellow Brother in Law, Jorge. Jorge works as a public defender in the Immigration Defense Practice. Specifically, among other services, he represents those in need of deportation defense in Immigration Court removal proceedings. They discuss some of the immigration collateral consequences that arise when someone is arrested. Jorge explains how being arrested and/or being convicted can affect a citizenship application, result in removal proceedings, and lead to a milieu of negative consequences. Jorge shares the ways in which ICE (Immigration Customs Enforcement) has impacted people, particularly when fighting a criminal case. Hopefully, after this episode you will know a little more about how contact with the criminal system can affect immigrant communities.

In this episode, Imani and Conrad are joined by their fellow Sister in Law, Porsha. Porsha works as a supervising attorney in the Criminal Defense Practice. They discuss the value and importance of Black and Brown people participating in jury duty. Porsha explains what “Jury Nullification” is and shares how it should be used as a tool for abolishing the prison industrial complex. Porsha breaks down the difference between accountability and punishment as it pertains to our criminal legal system. Hopefully, after this episode you will be empowered to be on a jury and nullify the law. In other words…FREE THEM ALL!

In this episode, Imani and Conrad are joined by their fellow Brother in Law, Babatunde. Babatunde works as a public defender in the Civil Action Practice, AKA “CAP”. They discuss some of the civil collateral consequences that arise when someone is arrested. Babatunde explains how certain employment licenses can be suspended, revoked, or otherwise impacted by an arrest. He shares how an arrest can result in the eviction of someone who is living in government housing. Hopefully, after this episode you will know a little more about how your employment and housing can be affected by an arrest.

In this episode, Imani and Conrad are joined by their fellow Sisters in Law, Gina and Falon. They discuss the challenges that black women face as public defenders. Gina explains the importance of impact litigation. Falon talks about her work in the early defense practice. They explore some of the ins and outs of being arrested and encourage people to be aware of some of the tactics police use. Hopefully, after this episode you will know a little more about the Black woman experience when it pertains to being a public defender and will have a deeper understanding of what to look out for if you are ever arrested.