University News

School of Law Hosts Color of Law Roundtable Discussion Series Featuring Chief Public Defender Attorney TaShun Bowden-Lewis

Published: January 31, 2024 | Categories: Faculty Grants
Attorney TaShun Bowden-Lewis photo

Western New England University School of Law is excited to announce the upcoming Color of Law Roundtable Discussion Series featuring Attorney TaShun Bowden-Lewis, Chief Public Defender of the State of Connecticut. The event is scheduled for Monday, February 12, 2024, from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. in the Blake Law Center faculty lounge. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy a complimentary lunch during the session. Given the limited seating, reservations are required. Interested individuals can secure their spot by contacting Dr. Bridgette Baldwin at bbaldwin@law.wne.edu.

Attorney TaShun Bowden-Lewis, the sixth Chief Public Defender of Connecticut and the first African American to hold this position, will share her experiences overseeing the Connecticut Division of Public Defender Services. Her leadership encompasses managing a diverse team of over 400 professionals, including attorneys, investigators, social workers, secretaries, and support staff. Attorney Bowden-Lewis, a native of Norwalk, Connecticut, holds a BA from Georgetown University (1994) and a JD from Quinnipiac University School of Law (1997). Her journey includes roles as an assistant clerk, deputy assistant public defender, and assistant public defender in New Haven's Superior Court, with a significant 15-year tenure in the Waterbury Judicial District. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Attorney Bowden-Lewis was named a Connecticut Bar Foundation James W. Cooper Fellow in 2023.

The Color of Law Roundtable Discussion Series, initiated in 2007, aims to bring accomplished attorneys of color, many of whom are School of Law graduates, to share insights into their educational, career, and personal experiences. The series provides students with a unique opportunity to engage in open discussions about various legal career paths, challenges, and decision-making.

This event promises to be an enlightening experience for attendees, offering a firsthand look at the diverse possibilities a legal education can provide. For more information about the Color of Law Roundtable Discussion Series, visit the Western New England University School of Law website at wne.edu/law.