What We Do
Media and Issue Advocacy
We draw on our unique experience representing the accused to advocate for reform on issues of consequence in the local criminal legal system. This involves, among other things, drafting substantive communications to local judicial officials and other decision-makers. We also work with media outlets to communicate our positions.
Impact Litigation
Our attorney members are looking to take on cases that have the potential to establish new precedent and/or have the potential to make an outsize impact on local or statewide practices, procedures, or laws. We will represent clients in appropriate cases regardless of ability to pay attorneys’ fees.
Data Collection and Analysis
There is too little public discussion or knowledge about the internal processes and outcomes of the local criminal legal system. This is so despite the fact that Allegheny County spends nearly half of its general fund on criminal legal-related costs, including over $100 million annually on the jail alone, and the criminal legal system significantly impacts tens of thousands of lives every year. We hope to help change that by establishing this clearinghouse for information and data focused on the local criminal legal system. We believe that by increasing transparency and educating the public and community leaders we can improve outcomes.