Abstract
This workshop asks a provocative question: If Jesus were a lawyer, what would his practice look like? Rooted in Matthew 25:31-46, it suggests that legal aid work reflects the core of Jesus’ ministry—a radical commitment to justice, mercy, and serving “the least of these.” Jesus prioritized the marginalized, confronted oppressive systems, and advocated for the poor, the sick, and the disenfranchised. If he were a lawyer, his practice would focus on those excluded from justice or condemned by systemic inequities. The workshop examines parallels between Jesus’ ministry and the work of legal aid and public defense lawyers. Themes such as giving voice to the voiceless, pursuing justice for the oppressed, and resisting corruption are analyzed through the legal profession’s lens. Drawing on scripture, the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the U.S. Constitution, the workshop illustrates how public defenders and legal aid attorneys embody Christ-like principles in their advocacy for the vulnerable. Addressing critiques, the workshop explores the tension between Jesus’ transcendent mission and professional legal roles, contending that legal aid uniquely aligns with Jesus’ call to serve others selflessly. Participants will gain a framework to view their work as both a professional responsibility and a spiritual vocation. Concluding with reflections on transformative justice, the workshop challenges professionals to embrace compassion, humility, and courage in their pursuit of justice, embodying the values central to Jesus’ teachings and mission.
Presenters
Craig TrocinoAssociate Professor of Clinical Education & Director Miami Law Innocence Clinic, School of Law, University of Miami Law School, Florida, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
Religious Community and Socialization
KEYWORDS
Service, Justice, Mercy, Christ's teachings
