Isis Misdary

Isis Misdary is a Clinical Professor at Seton Hall University's School of Law, directing the Criminal Defense and Community Advocacy Clinic and teaching Criminal Law. They previously served as a public defender at the Defender Association of Philadelphia, focusing on children's justice and participatory defense initiatives. Misdary holds a B.A. from Villanova University, an M.F.A. from UC San Diego, and a J.D. from Georgetown University. Their expertise includes community-based approaches to criminal justice reform, movement lawyering, and advocacy for marginalized groups.

Education:

• B.A., Villanova University
• M.F.A., University of California San Diego
• J.D., Georgetown University

Research Interests:
Misdary specializes in participatory defense models that empower communities to shape legal strategies. They advocate for systemic reforms addressing over-incarceration of youth and marginalized populations, leveraging storytelling through initiatives like the Digital Defense Project. Their work integrates theater arts, community organizing, and legal advocacy to challenge systemic inequities.

Awards:

• Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans
• National Endowment for the Arts Grant for Directing

Grants & Projects:
Led the Digital Defense Project documenting client narratives to influence judicial outcomes. Coordinated participatory defense networks with nine community organizations. Mentored public defenders in the West Bank remotely.

Labs/Teams:
Founder of the Digital Defense Project and core collaborator in the Participatory Defense movement with grassroots legal collectives.