Program areas at The Bronx Defenders
Holistic defense: every person who comes to The Bronx Defenders for assistance is connected to a team of advocates, including criminal defense attorneys, family defense attorneys, civil attorneys, immigration attorneys, social workers, civil legal advocates, parent advocates, immigration advocates, and benefits specialists. Each of these teams fosters interdisciplinary skills, ensures compassionate and comprehensive representation, and supports a culture of innovative, zealous, and holistic advocacy. We also leverage The experience of these teams in an early advocacy program that acts as an offramp for those at risk of future system involvement.
TRAINING AND EDUCATION: WE HELP PUBLIC DEFENDERS AND OTHER ADVOCATE 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 DEFENDER' ACADEMY (TRIAL SKILLS TRAINING), THE ROBERT P. PATERSON, JR. MENTORING PROGRAM, AND CLINICS AT COLUMBIA LAW SCHOOL AND CARDOZO SCHOOL OF LAW. provided training, mentorship, and other related services both in person and virtually to over 1000 individuals from over 100 other defender offices, organizations, and community groups.
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 an strategic communications, we push for systemic changes at The local, state, and national level and are particularly active in fighting for legislative change.