Defend the Defenseless
In partnership with judicial leaders, we help expand pathways to representation and timely case resolution through public defense initiatives and collaborative prison projects.
Public Defender Pilot Program
In many justice systems, access to legal representation is limited, and plea bargaining is still a relatively new practice. As a result, individuals may not fully understand their legal options or how to pursue a resolution.
Therefore, we support public defender pilot programs to ensure a smooth adoption of plea bargaining and to help individuals navigate their legal options with clarity.
Prison Projects
Our Prison Projects bring teams of students, attorneys, and judicial leaders to partner countries across Africa for several days of focused, hands-on legal work. This is not hypothetical. Participants work through real cases alongside judges, prosecutors, and local counsel, engaging directly with individuals seeking resolution. Our teams review and support thousands of cases each year, helping move them toward fair and timely outcomes while expanding access to justice in a practical and measurable way. It is a rare opportunity to engage justice in practice, and for many, it becomes a defining and life-changing experience.
Participating in the Prison Project was the highlight of my time in law school.
Emma Joy McArthy
2026
