The Bronx Defenders

Systemic advocacy: our proximity to the legal system and the experiences of the people we represent places us on the front line in the fight for fairness, justice, and equity. As a result, we partner with the people we serve to identify systemic problems and leverage our expertise to develop long-term solutions. Through impact litigation, policy reform advocacy, community organizing, and strategic communications, we push for systemic changes at the local, state, and national level.

Training and education: we help public defenders and other advocates incorporate the principles of holistic defense into their practices, at the individual or the organizational level. We also provide personal and professional growth opportunities for community members through mentorship. Specific ongoing and annual initiatives include the center for holistic defense, the defenders' academy (trial skills training), the robert p. Paterson, jr. Mentoring program, and clinics at columbia law school and cardozo school of law. Our office provided training, mentorship, and other related services both in person and virtually to hundreds of lawyers from defender offices, organizations, and community groups throughout the country.