CUNY Law group opens doors for formerly incarcerated students
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A group of students at CUNY School of Law are working to destigmatize and support formerly incarcerated colleagues. Photo courtesy of FILSAA
By Rachel Vick
Colby Williams faced countless obstacles after a stint behind bars. Still, he managed to secure admission to CUNY Law School.
After arriving on campus, Williams got involved with a group for other formerly incarcerated students as well as other future lawyers looking to support those who have spent time in jail and prison.
The Formerly Incarcerated Law Students Advocacy Association, or FILSAA, helped him feel secure in his career path, he said.
“I didn't know if there was a future for students like me, but so far I've been over the moon about opportunities,” said Williams, who interned with the law firm Philips Black last year. “I can dream more and that’s really big.”
FILSAA works to promote equity in the legal profession, provide financial support and pursue opportunities for justice-involved students.
Before his admission to CUNY Law, Williams had been rejected and waitlisted at numerous schools, he said. His test scores and work experience weren't the problem; the admissions boards did not want to enroll formerly incarcerated students who might fail the character and fitness portion of the Bar exam, he said.
The evaluation disproportionately impacts prospective lawyers with criminal records, predominantly Black or Latino students, compared to predominantly white students who come out of undergraduate programs “squeaky clean,” Williams said.
FILSAA and like-minded organizations are working to amend the process, he added.
In the meantime, Williams has his sights set on engaging the next generation of future lawyers leaving prison who, like him, may just need a little mentorship and the reminder that they can succeed.
FILSAA has launched social media campaigns that highlight pathways for students with criminal records and they have already heard back from interested students across the country — one of whom is set to start at CUNY Law in the fall, Williams said.
The organization is committed to opening the door for law students with records, Williams said.
“I'm grateful to be doing [the work], I’m never going to be a jaded employee,” Williams said. “So many people are locked up for not doing bad things, imagine the fire someone like that comes out with; that’s someone I’d want on my team.”
Phil Miller, a second semester 1L and a FILSAA member, brings the same dedication to the legal work that he began before law school ever seemed possible.
Miller said he became a “jailhouse lawyer” during his time behind bars, helping others with paperwork and cases.
One brief he wrote for a fellow inmate saved the man from serving 14 years to life, he said.
Miller dove into criminal justice reform work after his release and helped write a Senate bill to empower the Correctional Association of NY to inspect jails and prisons. He then set his sights on CUNY Law.
He said he is motivated by the substandard counsel that many defendants receive.
“There were issues that could have meant lower sentences or dropped charges and the common denominator is ineffective representation,” Miller said. “I gave everyone the best i could, I was so thorough, and that built me up for the work that's being done now.”
He’s hopeful about passing the character examination on the first try after seeing a few friends succeed, but said he is vigilant about not committing any offenses that could further affect his chances.
Employers and the Bar should “view people as people, as they are and not just how they fit the ideal,” Miller said.
He said he has not yet decided what type of law or activism he will pursue.
“I do want to help people but I don't want to be typecast into a legal role,” Miller said. “I know I gravitate toward public interest and I've been good at it, but I want to prove that I can do whatever I want to do.”
“I want to see the limits, I want to break barriers and just keep going,” he added. “To set an example to the formerly incarcerated – don’t assume that you can’t do something.”
