
معرفی
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.




