2L Joshua Johnson Advocates for Clients in Court During Immersive Pro Bono Experience

2L Joshua Johnson reflects on his experience appearing on behalf of clients in court and helping others apply to clear criminal records with the Contra Costa County Public Defender’s Office during spring break. 

• Represented clients in live court hearings with the Contra Costa County Public Defender’s Office, arguing for expungements and trial continuances while also drafting motions to expunge convictions. 
• Observed client interviews in county jail and learned how to identify key mitigating factors that could support pretrial release. 
• Said the Alternative Spring Break experience reinforced the difference legal advocacy can make in clients’ lives and reaffirmed his interest in working as a public defender after law school. 

2L Joshua Johnson:

For Alternative Spring Break, I joined six fellow law students in doing pro bono legal work at the Contra Costa County Public Defender’s Office in Martinez, California. I worked alongside public defenders specializing in probation and felony matters. 

A major highlight of the week was representing two clients in live court hearings—my first time appearing on the record. I informed the judge of our goals: either to expunge a criminal record or to continue a trial date. I also worked on two written cases, researching and drafting a motion to expunge a criminal conviction, as well as another motion related to the California Victims’ Bill of Rights Act, also known as Marsy’s Law. Through this process, I learned how to review criminal rap sheets.   

Another standout moment was visiting the county jail, where I observed client interviews as attorneys gathered information to prepare for arraignments. This experience helped me better understand what to look for when interviewing a client—such as mitigating factors that might persuade a judge to grant pretrial release. These factors can include stable employment, strong community ties, and family obligations. 

I thoroughly enjoyed working with the public defenders. Even within just one week, I learned a tremendous amount—from courtroom etiquette and client interactions to negotiating with opposing counsel. Most importantly, I gained a deeper understanding of what it means to be a zealous advocate. 

This work matters because it ensures that people—who may be experiencing the worst day of their lives—know they have someone in their corner. No matter the charges against them, they deserve dignity, respect, and a fair fight in court. Too often, society treats those accused or convicted of crimes as less than or as second-class citizens. At the very least, when I step into the courtroom, my client knows they will get their twelve-round bout with the prosecution—and that it will be fair. 

This experience was especially meaningful because it was my first time advocating for a client on the record in court. The gratitude I received for even my small role in helping them meant a lot to me.   

It reaffirmed that the legal field is the right path for me. Making a meaningful difference in someone’s life—helping them retain their freedom or move forward with their life—was incredibly fulfilling. This work is tough, but it’s worth it. There’s nothing I’d rather do.

The Evidence of Success series highlights UC Law SF students as they share how the college’s opportunities equip them with the experience, skills, and confidence to excel in the legal profession.