Shomari Ward

Shomari Ward is an attorney and former professor affiliated with CUNY – Brooklyn College. He previously served as a professor in the Children and Youth Studies Program, teaching courses like 'The Criminalization of Youth of Color' and 'Children and the Law.' Currently, he works at the Legal Aid Society’s Juvenile Rights Division (JRD) as a staff attorney in the Special Litigation and Law Reform Unit, focusing on systemic litigation and legislative reform for children. He also facilitates trainings on race, class, and community issues.

Education: B.A. from State University of New York (SUNY) – University at Albany; J.D. from Howard University School of Law. Professional background includes litigation at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP and juvenile defense work.

Research interests center on intersections of youth criminalization, legal systems, and racial/class disparities. Active in advocacy through litigation and education, with a focus on protecting children’s rights through systemic change.