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Our
Values & Operating Principles
The
following values and
operating principles form the foundation of our service philosophy:
Client
& Community
- With every client, we consider two
questions: "How do we help resolve our client's legal problems?" and
"How can we help our client address the underlying issues that led to
his/her involvement in the criminal justice system?"
- We treat every client with respect and
compassion. We are devoted to the well-being of our clients and their
communities.
- We work to rebuild communities and
relationships after the commission of an offense. Whenever
possible, we endeavor to avoid retributive justice in favor of
restorative justice.
Cultural
Specificity
- Our staff reflects the cultural and
racial diversity of
- We seek to improve awareness of
cultural and racial diversity within the juvenile and criminal justice
systems.
- We refer our clients to
culturally-appropriate social service providers and community
organizations for help with personal and social problems.
Equal
Justice for All
- We recognize the racial and monetary
prejudices that exist within the American justice system.
We provide services to those who may otherwise receive
unfair or inadequate legal representation.
- We defend the dignity and the
constitutional rights of all persons facing the juvenile and criminal
justice systems.
- We are disconcerted by statistics
reflecting racial disparity in arrests, convictions, and incarcerations. We fight to cultivate acknowledgement of and
to eliminate discriminatory practices wherever they exist.
Legal
Focus
- In order to positively affect people
whose lives have reached a critical juncture, we principally represent
juveniles and first-time adult offenders.
- We also serve adults with legal
problems in the criminal justice system when we believe we can
favorably affect their lives, when constitutional issues are at stake,
or when the case has particular significance to underprivileged
communities.
Team
Approach
- Our staff works as a unified team to
empower and assist our clients and their respective communities with
legal and related problems. We strive to
create an environment of open communication and mutual understanding,
recognizing the needs and sentiments of all clients, staff, and
community members.
- Working together, our staff creatively
addresses the personal and social contexts of a client's legal problems
in order to reduce the likelihood of a client returning to the system.
- Our attorneys and Community Advocates
collaborate with each other to achieve the best solutions in both legal
representation and social advocacy.
Advocacy
- We are vigorous and courageous
advocates for juveniles, the poor, and people of color.
- We act professionally and with
integrity. Our work is more than just a job. It's a passion and a
privilege.
- We are thorough and well-prepared in
all we do.