The Legal Aid Society is the nation’s largest public defense and civil legal services provider. The largest law firm in New York City is home to over 2000 attorneys, paralegals, social workers, investigators, and more. Each brings their unique perspective to the fight for justice in every borough.

What inspired you to work at Legal Aid?
I grew up in the South Bronx. I loved having the opportunity to work in the community that raised me. The Legal Aid Society is known for suing the city and fighting for its clients. The impact Legal Aid has on made on NYC led me to want to work here. You can work in public defense at other organizations; I just believe the impact we are making is powerful. We are the largest and best public defense law firm.

What’s a recent project or piece of work you’re proud of, and why?
I’m most proud of my advocacy for public defense workloads. I was happy to be selected by the National Association for Public Defense to write an article on public defenders’ excessive caseloads and I co-chair the workload committee.  Ending excessive workload is of the utmost importance to me, it is at the forefront of the work that I do. It’s a national issue that requires immediate change to retain and recruit into public defense. I’m proud that our organization is at the forefront of that advocacy here in New York State.

What’s the most challenging part of your job?
The most challenging part is remembering that you are battling a system. It’s an interconnected network of discriminatory practices and policies at play.

You can’t lose hope or the drive to impact it. Its very challenging but it is hands down the most rewarding career. Even on the hard days.

What’s something about your work that most people misunderstand?
Change is hard, you cannot waive a wand and change a system that is based on privilege.

We would be more effective by working together and not against each other. Our power lies in unity and connection for the common good. So much time and energy are wasted on internal battles.

What is the impact of your work on the lives of New Yorkers?
The impact is to change the narrative. You are not just a getting a “Legal Aid”. We are the best and brightest attorneys in New York City. We choose this work and this path. I want to assure every New Yorker when we are assigned to your case you can rest assured you are getting the best possible defense team in New York.

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Kawan Clinton is the Attorney-in-Charge of The Legal Aid Society’s Criminal Defense Practice Manhattan Trial Office.