NYSDA Honors Public Defenders for Helping Keep the "Blindfold" Off

Lawyers Fight Threats of Legislative Rollbacks and Systemic Obstruction of Discovery

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NYSDA ED Susan C. Bryant presented its 2023 Jonathan E. Gradess Service of Justice Award to Steuben County Public Defender Shawn Sauro, who accepted the award on behalf of his Office

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY (08/10/2023) (readMedia)-- Public defenders in Steuben County and New York City were feted by the New York State Defenders Association (NYSDA) on July 31st for their roles in keeping off the legal "blindfold" removed by legislation in 2019. Discovery reform has allowed people accused of crimes to timely learn what evidence the prosecution plans to use against them; the reform has faced repeated threat of legislative rollbacks and obstructive legal interpretations by prosecutors and others. This year, NYSDA recognized three lawyers for their advocacy work to stave off rollbacks, and a public defender office for its persistent insistence that discovery requirements be met in every case. All received the Jonathan E. Gradess Service of Justice Award, recognizing individuals and organizations that have uniquely supported NYSDA and the defender community.

The Steuben County Public Defender Office was honored for "working continuously to ensure that the intent and letter of the discovery reforms are fulfilled in Steuben County and beyond" NYSDA's Executive Director Susan C. Bryant said. Addressing the head of the office, Shawn M. Sauro, Bryant said that NYSDA was "proud to support you in this fight" and lauded the office for achieving "successful outcomes for your clients" in the face of constant efforts to thwart the reforms. The Steuben County defenders have availed themselves of the backup support NYSDA offers to all public defense teams and have in turn shared their successes for the benefit of others. A Steuben County inquiry about the new discovery laws appeared at NYSDA even before their effective date as defenders prepared to counter prosecution claims that the law would not apply to cases that had already begun. Since then, NYSDA's legal staff have responded often to both questions and suggestions from the office about discovery matters and look forward to that continuing.

Kalle F. Condliffe and Amanda E. Jack, both Staff Attorneys at The Legal Aid Society (LAS) Criminal Defense Practice, were honored for their instrumental roles in the ultimately successful fight to stop legislative rollbacks of discovery reform this year. Bryant gratefully acknowledged their partnership with NYSDA and others, and praised their work that "laid the foundation for a successful coalition as we move forward." Jack "remained optimistic and determined and kept the group motivated," Bryant noted, and NYSDA Deputy Director Natalie Brocklebank praised Condliffe's skill in explaining to Legislators and their staff the detrimental real-life effect of certain innocuously-seeming proposed changes. NYSDA thanks LAS for sharing their invaluable time and skill.

Yung-Mi Lee, Legal Director, Criminal Defense, Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS), was also key to stopping the threatened discovery rollbacks. In Bryant's words, Lee "brought unparalleled expertise and energy to the fight." Lee is well known to lawyers who have benefitted from her sessions at NYSDA training events, often covering legislative developments. Her generosity, and that of BDS, are deeply appreciated.

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