For the past several months, I've been trying to find the language for a tension that keeps showing up in my life and work. It appears in courtrooms and classrooms. In ministry and in writing. In conversations about crime, poverty, trauma, faith, and justice. I knew what the tension felt like, but I didn't yet… Continue reading Both Things are True: Why I Refuse to Choose Between Justice and Mercy
Category: Faith & Advocacy
Reflections at the intersection of scripture and justice
Silence as Structure: What the Church Has Been Allowing
Back in March, I wrote: The tradition I come from has a lot to say about mercy. About the image of God present in every human being. About what it means to stand before judgment and find grace on the other side. But the church has been largely silent on what happens when the state… Continue reading Silence as Structure: What the Church Has Been Allowing
Women Behind Bars: Seen, Named and Not Yet Free
This month we have shed light on women. And illuminating, if we are not careful, can become its own way of looking without seeing. When Michelle Alexander sat down to write what would become one of the most important books of our generation, she did so in the shadow of a historic moment. A Black… Continue reading Women Behind Bars: Seen, Named and Not Yet Free
Standing in the Gap: Reflections From a Defense Attorney
As I thought about how to close out this year, I kept thinking about the moments that stretched me, steadied me, and pulled me deeper into the work — in the courtroom and beyond it. This year reminded me that practicing law is never just about statutes or strategy, but it’s about people. Real people.… Continue reading Standing in the Gap: Reflections From a Defense Attorney
Justice: The Bridge Between Faith and Advocacy
As the holiday season unfolds, I’ve been reflecting on the deeper rhythms of faith. Beyond the lights and traditions, this time of year reminds me that justice is the heartbeat of scripture and that advocacy is one way we live that faith out loud. Justice in Scripture From the prophets to the gospels, justice is… Continue reading Justice: The Bridge Between Faith and Advocacy
When Justice and Compassion Collide
Reflections on balancing duty, empathy and humanity in the hardest cases I’m currently handling a case involving child sexual abuse material (CSAM). CSAM refers to images or videos that depict the sexual abuse of minors. Preparing for trial in a matter like this has been one of the most emotionally challenging experiences of my career.… Continue reading When Justice and Compassion Collide
No Conviction, No Peace
Memoir from the margins of justice He was charged with assault. The court granted a personal recognizance bond. But he didn’t go home. A parole hold kept him in custody. From day one, he maintained his innocence. And from day one, the system stalled. No pending date from parole. That was contingent on the case… Continue reading No Conviction, No Peace
Faith, Justice & the Sacred Work of Advocacy
I didn’t choose criminal defense because it was easy. I chose it because something deeper demanded it of me—something holy. Before any law school lecture or courtroom appearance, I was already being prepared for this work through the Word. Proverbs 31:8–9 is not a side note in my theology—it’s the mission statement: “Speak up for… Continue reading Faith, Justice & the Sacred Work of Advocacy
On (In)justice 