Peter R. Mitchell

Peter R. Mitchell is a Lecturer at Yale Law School and serves as Director of Training for the Criminal Defense Practice at The Legal Aid Society of New York (LAS), the largest public defender organization in the United States. He has taught law courses in the U.S. and internationally in Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, and Panama, with a focus on criminal procedure, legal ethics, and advocacy for marginalized communities.

Education

• LL.M., New York University School of Law, 2009
• J.D., New York University School of Law, 1997
• A.B., Harvard College, 1992

Research and Expertise
Mitchell’s work centers on criminal procedure, statutory interpretation, and social justice, particularly addressing the needs of LGBTQ clients, race equity in jury selection (e.g., Batson challenges), and systemic legal reforms. He played a pivotal role in New York’s 2019 criminal procedure reforms and has developed training materials for over 700 attorneys.

Scientific Awards

• New York State Defender Association’s 2019 Service of Justice Award

Additional Contributions
Mitchell co-edited the 2002 book Understanding Power: The Indispensable Chomsky, blending legal scholarship with critical social theory. He has collaborated with international organizations such as the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative and Justice in Mexico.