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 Hennepin County. We strive to offer culturally sensitive, racially specific and language appropriate services.
• 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.