Shows
Brothers in Law PodcastFrom the Block to the Ballot: An Uptown Convo with Zohran OkporoOn this live episode, Conrad, Imani, and Eli are joined by Mayoral Zohran Mamdani for a town hall in Harlem. Zohran is a New York State Assemblymember and democratic socialist running for Mayor. He shares his experience as an immigrant born in Uganda and raised in New York City. He talks about how he has fought for the working class in and outside the legislature. Zohran explains how the cost of living is crushing working people but he believes that the government can lower costs and make life easier in our city. He promises that he’ll use every to...2025-06-0550 min
Brothers in Law PodcastStand For Something, Or Fall For Anything: A Conversation With Edafe OkporoOn this episode, Conrad and Imani are joined by Edafe Okporo. Edafe is running for city council in New York City District 7, located in west Harlem. Edafe was born in Nigeria. Edafe shares how he migrated to the United States in 2016 as an asylum seeker and is now a refugee of the United States. He talks about his global activism and his concern with the issue of displacement. He wants to live in a world that is a place of welcome for LGBTQ displaced people. Edafe believes that New York City needs leaders who are willing to stand up...2025-06-0559 min
Brothers in Law PodcastLet My People Go: A Lesson On ClemencyOn this episode, Conrad and Imani are joined by Professor Steven Zeidman. Steven Zeidman is a Professor at CUNY School of Law and Director of their Criminal Defense Clinic. In this episode, Professor Zeidman shares his story from working as a public defender to pursuing his work seeking clemency. He explains that clemency is the process of a governor or other executive officer reducing or pardoning the punishment of someone convicted of a crime.. He describes it as an act of mercy, which is something the American legal system seems to lack entirely. Professor Zeidman acknowledges that there are...2025-03-311h 18
Brothers in Law PodcastLet My People Go: A Lesson On ClemencyOn this episode, Conrad and Imani are joined by Professor Steven Zeidman. Steven Zeidman is a Professor at CUNY School of Law and Director of their Criminal Defense Clinic. In this episode, Professor Zeidman shares his story from working as a public defender to pursuing his work seeking clemency. He explains that clemency is the process of a governor or other executive officer reducing or pardoning the punishment of someone convicted of a crime. He describes it as an act of mercy, which is something the American legal system seems to lack entirely. Professor Zeidman acknowledges that there are...2025-03-311h 18
Brothers in Law PodcastFreedom Ain't Free: The Realities of ParoleOn this episode, Conrad and Imani are joined by Anthony Dixon. Anthony is the Deputy Director of the Parole Preparation Projection (Parole Prep). Parole Prep provides critical advocacy and direct support to currently and formerly incarcerated people serving life sentences, with the goal of transforming the parole release process in New York State. More concretely, Parole Prep trains community volunteers to assist incarcerated people with their applications and appearances before the Parole Board; collaborates with advocates across the state to push for a more transparent, just and merciful parole release process; and supports currently and formerly incarcerated leaders of...2025-03-151h 05
Brothers in Law PodcastBlame Game: A Conversation About Voting and the ElectionIn this episode, Imani and Conrad are joined by a fellow Brother in Law Tyriek. They discuss the 2024 election and talk about their opinions on voting. They share a variety of perspectives which include decisions not to vote, considerations of supporting third-party candidates, as well as settling for the lesser year of two evils. The conversation seeks to unpack who is responsible for Trump winning the election. Voting is an important right - one that many people died for us to have. Hopefully, after this episode your thoughts and opinions about voting will have been represented, challenged, or reinforced.2025-01-211h 05
Brothers in Law PodcastKnuck If You BuckOn this episode, Conrad and Imani are joined by Hawk Newsome. Hawk is an activist in pursuit of Black liberation. Haw is a Bronx Native and has dedicated his life to fighting on behalf of vulnerable and marginalized communities. Hawk is a co-founder of Black Lives Matter of Greater New York alongside his sister Chivona Newsome. Hawk believes in empowering people to know more about the law than the police. Initially, Hawk planned on becoming a lawyer, but following the killing of Trayvon Martin, he chose a different path. In this episode, Hawk shares his story. They discuss the...2024-12-071h 06
Brothers in Law PodcastKnuck If You Buck: The Fight For Black LiberationOn this episode, Conrad and Imani are joined by Hawk Newsome. Hawk is an activist in pursuit of Black liberation. Haw is a Bronx Native and has dedicated his life to fighting on behalf of vulnerable and marginalized communities. Hawk is a co-founder of Black Lives Matter of Greater New York alongside his sister Chivona Newsome. Hawk believes in empowering people to know more about the law than the police. Initially, Hawk planned on becoming a lawyer, but following the killing of Trayvon Martin, he chose a different path. In this episode, Hawk shares his story. They discuss the...2024-12-071h 06
Brothers in Law PodcastGuilty Until Proven Innocent: The Devastation of Wrongful ConvictionsOn this episode, Conrad and Imani are joined by Bruce Bryan. Bruce is a human rights activist, professional connector, and human justice ambassador. He currently works as a Senior Client Advocate at the Queens Defenders. Prior to this role, Bruce was wrongfully convicted of murder at the age of 23. Last year, after 30 years of incarceration, Bruce was granted clemency and released from prison. Bruce’s story is one of perseverance, and serves as a prime example of the flaws within the criminal injustice system. In this episode, Bruce shares his testimony. He talks about his experience and how it im...2024-11-091h 04
Brothers in Law PodcastFork In the Road: A Conversation About Career TransitionsOn this episode, Conrad and Imani are joined by their fellow Brother In Law Phillip Hamilton. Phil is a Managing Partner at Hamilton Clarke, LLP and Adjunct Professor at Cardozo School of Law. He is an experienced trial attorney and litigator whose practice includes a broad range of high-stakes civil and criminal matters throughout the nation’s state and federal courts. Phil tells his story of how his childhood led him to starting his career as a public defender at the Bronx Defenders, and he shares the reasons why he left to start his own firm. Phil encourages Imani an...2024-11-0954 min
Brothers in Law PodcastDriving While Black: A Way To Protect Yourself When Pulled OverOn this episode, Conrad and Imani are joined by Paulina Bryan. Paulina is the founder of the Live Lawyer App. And a mother and wife, Paulina Bryan is an advocate for mothers of murdered children. Inspired by her son Jordan Bryan, she invented the Live Lawyer App. Her son, Jordan Bryan, purchased a car and kept being pulled over by police. He called his mom and would complain about being pulled over and not knowing what to say. Paulina replied: "Too bad you couldn't Skype a lawyer." This is how the idea of how the Live Lawyer App was...2024-10-2639 min
Brothers in Law PodcastWhy Confess If You Are Innocent: The Truth About False ConfessionsOn this episode, Conrad and Imani are joined by Jeffrey. In 1990, at the age of 17, he was wrongfully convicted of raping, beating, and strangling his high school classmate. Jeffrey made a false confession that was immediately withdrawn, but became the basis for his conviction. He served 16 years, some in an adult "super max" as a minor, while maintaining his innocence. He requested post-conviction DNA testing, but the DA's office who refused to accept his request. In 2006, crime scene DNA testing led to proving that he was innocent, and the led to the man who was actually responsible for the...2024-10-201h 07
Brothers in Law PodcastWho Really Represents the People: Prosecutors or Defense Attorneys?On this episode, Imani is joined by Cherice McGlone and Che Van Eer. Imani is a criminal defense attorney at a public defenders office. Cherice and Che both work as prosecutors in a District Attorney's office. In this episode, we discuss the dynamic between defense attorneys and prosecutors. We have an honest conversation about how race plays into our roles and how it impacts our representation. We talk about how our life experiences led us to our respective careers. We critique and push each other to defend our beliefs and perspectives. We unpack the adversarial nature of our jobs...2024-10-121h 02
Brothers in Law PodcastBad Apple or Bad Tree: A Discussion About Law Enforcement in AmericaOn this episode, Conrad and Imani are joined by Roland Font. Roland is a twenty-five year highly trained Law Enforcement professional. He currently works as a New York State Court Officer. Additionally, Roland works as a Disaster Response Volunteer and an Independent Security Contractor. Roland shares his story and explains how he ended up pursuing a career in law enforcement. They discuss how race informs the ways in which he carries out his responsibilities. Roland describes both the challenges and rewards that come along with his job. They briefly address the history of policing in America and how it...2024-10-0356 min
Brothers in Law PodcastIt's Levels to This - A Lesson on Police EncountersOn this episode, Conrad and Imani talk about the law of police encounters as it pertains to New York. Are the police allowed to approach you and ask for your ID? Are the police allowed to ask you for your name, where are you going, and where are you coming from? What happens if the police violate your rights? What should you do if the police engage with you in an unlawful manner? The answers to those questions are complicated and nuanced. Imani and Conrad provide surface level answers and guidance to these circumstances. The information provided in this...2024-10-0343 min
Brothers in Law PodcastWho really represents the people: Defense Attorneys or Prosecutors?On this episode, Imani is joined by Cherice McGlone and Che VanEr. Imani is a criminal defense attorney at a public defenders office. Cherice and Che both work as prosecutors in a District Attorney's office. In this episode, we discuss the dynamic between defense attorneys and prosecutors. We have an honest conversation about how race plays into our roles and how it impacts our representation. We talk about how our life experiences led us to our respective careers. We critique and push each other to defend our beliefs and perspectives. We unpack the adversarial nature of our jobs. Hopefully...2024-10-011h 02
Brothers in Law PodcastIt's Levels to This - A Lesson on Police EncountersOn this episode, Conrad and Imani talk about the law of police encounters as it pertains to New York. Are the police allowed to approach you and ask for your ID? Are the police allowed to ask you for your name, where are you going, and where are you coming from? What happens if the police violate your rights? What should you do if the police engage with you in an unlawful manner? The answers to those questions are complicated and nuanced. Imani and Conrad provide surface level answers and guidance to these circumstances. The information provided in this...2024-08-2843 min
Brothers in Law PodcastClosed Mouths Don't Get Fed - The Power of Labor OrganizingOn this episode, Conrad and Imani are joined by their fellow Sister in Law, Urooj Khan. Urooj shares her journey to becoming a public defender. She believes that public defenders must understand who they are at their core in order to do this work. They discuss the Scottsboro Boys and the role of communists and labor lawyers in the fight for against anti-Black racism. The talk about the importance of unions generally and also with respect to public defense. Hopefully, after this episode you will leave understanding the power that workers yield, the importance of unionizing, and have more...2024-07-2752 min
Brothers in Law PodcastFamily MattersIn this episode, Imani and Conrad are joined by their fellow Sister in Law, Janae. Janae works as a supervising attorney in the Family Defense Practice. They discuss some of the collateral consequences as it pertains to your family that arise when someone is arrested. Janae explains how certain arrests can trigger the involvement of child protective services. She also shares how an arrest can result in family court proceedings that can lead to losing custody of your child. Hopefully, after this episode you will know a little more about how your family can be affected by an arrest.2024-07-2750 min
Brothers in Law PodcastPushing P (Policy) - The Intersection of Policy and Criminal LawIn this episode, Imani and Conrad are joined by their fellow Brother in Law, Eli Northrup. Eli is a public defender in the Bronx and the Policy Director for the Criminal Defense Practice. They talk about the intersection of policy and criminal defense. They explore the ways in which the legalization of marijuana in New York is different from other states. Eli tells the story of Shamika Crawford and describes how her case changed the landscape of orders of protection in New York City. Lastly, Eli is running to serve as Assembly Member for the 69th District in New...2024-06-181h 07
Brothers in Law PodcastPublic PretendersIn this episode, Imani and Conrad are joined by their fellow Brothers in Law, Tyriek and Jamaal. They discuss the stereotypes of public defenders and share the ways in which they are sometimes valid and other times unwarranted. They talk about their experiences with racism and discrimination as Black male public defenders. Hopefully, after this episode you will better understand some of the challenges and rewards of this work. 2024-06-0452 min
Brothers in Law PodcastICE, ICE, BABY: The Intersection of Criminal and Immigration LawIn this episode, Imani and Conrad are joined by their fellow Brother in Law, Jorge. Jorge works as a public defender in the Immigration Defense Practice. Specifically, among other services, he represents those in need of deportation defense in Immigration Court removal proceedings. They discuss some of the immigration collateral consequences that arise when someone is arrested. Jorge explains how being arrested and/or being convicted can affect a citizenship application, result in removal proceedings, and lead to a milieu of negative consequences. Jorge shares the ways in which ICE (Immigration Customs Enforcement) has impacted people, particularly when fighting...2024-05-2054 min
Brothers in Law PodcastA Voice for the Voiceless: The Power of the JuryIn this episode, Imani and Conrad are joined by their fellow Sister in Law, Porsha. Porsha works as a supervising attorney in the Criminal Defense Practice. They discuss the value and importance of Black and Brown people participating in jury duty. Porsha explains what “Jury Nullification” is and shares how it should be used as a tool for abolishing the prison industrial complex. Porsha breaks down the difference between accountability and punishment as it pertains to our criminal legal system. Hopefully, after this episode you will be empowered to be on a jury and nullify the law. In other word...2024-05-0346 min
Brothers in Law PodcastThat’s CAP (Civil Action Practice)In this episode, Imani and Conrad are joined by their fellow Brother in Law, Babatunde. Babatunde works as a public defender in the Civil Action Practice, AKA “CAP”. They discuss some of the civil collateral consequences that arise when someone is arrested. Babatunde explains how certain employment licenses can be suspended, revoked, or otherwise impacted by an arrest. He shares how an arrest can result in the eviction of someone who is living in government housing. Hopefully, after this episode you will know a little more about how your employment and housing can be affected by an arrest.2024-04-2645 min
Brothers in Law PodcastBail is Ransom In this episode, Imani and Conrad are joined by their fellow Sisters in Law, Gina and Falon. They discuss the challenges that black women face as public defenders. Gina explains the importance of impact litigation. Falon talks about her work in the early defense practice. They explore some of the ins and outs of being arrested and encourage people to be aware of some of the tactics police use. Hopefully, after this episode you will know a little more about the Black woman experience when it pertains to being a public defender and will have a deeper understanding of...2024-04-1352 min
Brothers in Law PodcastYou Have a Right to Remain Silent....So Use It!In this episode, Imani is joined by a fellow Brother in Law Tyriek. They discuss a variety of topics that come up in a criminal case. They talk about what an I-Card is, briefly address the right to remain silent, and explain what a certificate of compliance is. Hopefully, after this episode you will be a little more knowledgeable on each of those concepts. 2024-03-3051 min
Brothers in Law PodcastDon't Be Stupid - A Lesson on Orders of ProtectionsIn this episode, Imani and Conrad discuss orders of protection. They break down the different modifications of orders of protection which include: limited orders of protection, orders of protections subject to incidental contact, and full orders of protection. They briefly explain what a Crawford Hearing is, which is an opportunity to have a judge change or remove an order of protection. Hopefully, after this episode you will be a little more knowledgeable about orders of protection and if you ever encounter one, you will have the language necessary to understand it fully.2024-03-3039 min
Brothers in Law PodcastFree GameIn this episode, Imani and Conrad join Shaq with the Primarily Colors Podcast to discuss their experiences as public defenders. They explain what inspired them to become public defenders. They also talk about some of the difficulties they encountered. Imani and Conrad have been working as public defenders for over 5 years and have a wealth of knowledge they are eager to share. Hopefully, after this episode you will know a little more about public defenders and the nature of their work.2024-03-291h 09