Jonathan Gradess

In case you don't know it, the world of public defenders just received its very own patron saint—no, not Sir Thomas More, he's for all attorneys. I am speaking specifically about our public defenders who are on the front lines advocating and defending individuals who need it most. Jonathan Gradess, a giant in the field, died on Oct. 2 after an extensive life of service for people navigating the criminal justice system that too often is stacked against them.

What most people don't realize about Jonathan is that aside from his duties running the New York State Defenders Association, he was the staunchest advocate—perhaps the father—of the criminal justice reforms we passed this year. He worked tirelessly to even the playing field for defendants. As a matter of fact, Jonathan knew how to get to legislators and was relentless on important issues.  It was very common for him to wait until just after our administrative assistants would leave for the day—and then innocently walk all the way back into my office.  Then he would proceed to review all his concerns—which quite frankly were always valid.  Jonathan had a great impact on shaping and changing my views on criminal justice issues.  When as chair of the Codes Committee, I lead the vote to kill the death penalty—Jonathan was behind the scenes working that process. Not only did he lead the way in abolishing the death penalty, he was always fighting for the downtrodden and disenfranchised.

Jonathan began his legal career in 1973—the same year I began my political career. We both have seen the great progress that our state has made in criminal justice reforms and I largely attribute this to Jonathan. He truly made a difference in this world. One of his colleagues said it best, Jonathan brought us to this transformative moment and he has repaired our world. After a 43-year legal career, Jonathan retired in 2017, but he left his colleagues with the following quote:

"Come to the work with your eyes and heart open. People charged with crime and parents faced with losing their children need caring advocates who are not afraid in the public arena to challenge governmental power and not afraid in the private arena to be humble and kind with clients. Most of the work in this field is representing low-income people who have lived through vast inequity with lives propelled toward the margins of our culture. Criminal and parental defense are civil and human rights, and client-centered caring representation is a noble and unique calling. The field needs imaginative, committed, long-distance runners filled with compassion, skill and commitment. If you possess these qualities, the work and the client community both need you."

I am happy that two weeks before Jonathan's death, I had the opportunity to speak with him, thank him for his work and tell him I would pray for him during his final days with us. No one will fill his shoes because he was one of kind.  But, other great advocates will move us forward on criminal justice issues because they now have someone of saintly power urging us on until the job is done.

 

Joseph R. Lentol (D-North Brooklyn), is a member of the New York State Assembly representing the 50th District.