“Progressive Prosecutor” - Challenges (and Opportunities) for Defenders

Panelists discuss some of the unique challenges and opportunities defense attorneys face when working in jurisdictions with prosecutors seeking to re-shape the traditional role of prosecutors including how to maintain an adversarial relationship while pursuing shared goals for reforms; how to manage client, community, defender expectations of change; and more. 

Panelists include: Wesley Bell, Prosecuting Attorney, St. Louis, MO, Natasha Dartigue, Deputy Public Defender, Baltimore, MD, and Marissa Elkins, Bar Advocate, Northampton, MA.

Moderator: Tony Thedford, Thedford Garber Law, Chicago, IL

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Panelists discuss some of the unique challenges and opportunities defense attorneys face when working in jurisdictions with prosecutors seeking to re-shape the traditional role of prosecutors including how to maintain an adversarial relationship while pursuing shared goals for reforms; how to manage client, community, and defender expectations of change; managing circumstances where judges and police undermine reform efforts; and more.