“No matter what kind of law you practice, all of us should remember we’re civil-rights attorneys.”
Some may think this idea is a brush too broad to paint with, but as someone who has served clients on either side of the “vs.,” I couldn’t be in more agreement with this humanistic approach to the practice of law.
I’d love to take credit, but this insight is that of my guest this week, Brittany K. Barnett.
With a Masters in Finance, she began her professional life as an Associate Auditor for Pricewaterhouse Coopers before deciding to attend law-school at SMU.
She became an attorney.
Practiced at the corporate levels I know some of my law-clerks dream of.
But this is only one side of the coin.
It’s safe to say that Brittany is one of the leading advocates of clemency for federal prisoners convicted under the draconian drug-laws of the 80’s & 90’s.
She has secured freedom for more than 30 individuals – many facing life in prison for a first time non-violent offense, including clemency from both the previous & current administrations.
Brittany is also the author of the bestselling book, “A Knock At Midnight,” which the Washington Post called, “an engrossing memoir…both powerful & devastating.”
Oh... and she's gone on to found organizations like the Buried Alive Project & GEM, just to name a few of her initiatives.
It’s rare to have conversations that are both difficult & inspiring, but this is definitely one of them.
Enjoy the show.
