We are thrilled to announce the addition of three exceptional new summer fellows to our team as part of the Pauli Murray Diversity Leadership Initiative: Kate Azu, Nathaniel Robinson, and Micah Yarbray. These talented individuals bring a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to advancing justice for all. The Pauli Murray Initiative honors the legacy of the renowned civil rights activist, lawyer, and advocate for equality, and we are excited to see how our new fellows will contribute to our mission (learn more about Pauli Murray here.)
The Pauli Murray Diversity Leadership Initiative is a partnership between the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) and the Association for the Public Defender of Maryland (APDM) with support from the Maryland Bar Foundation and private donors. The program aims to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion within the field of indigent defense. Along with supporting summer fellows, the Initiative also provides support to OPD's diversity recruitment efforts as well as programs designed to expand the cultural competency of OPD's volunteer interns and law clerks. Named after Pauli Murray, a trailblazer in civil rights and gender equality, this initiative seeks to empower the next generation of leaders who will champion justice and equality for all. Our new fellows will engage in rigorous training, mentorship, and hands-on experience in providing legal defense to those who cannot afford it.
Meet Our New Fellows
Kate Azu
Kate Azu is a rising 3L at the University of Baltimore School of Law. Born to Nigerian immigrant parents and raised in Prince George's County, Maryland, Kate earned her Bachelor's degree in Political Science with minors in Creative Writing and Legal Studies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Before law school, she worked as a production coordinator at Trustpoint in Washington D.C. In her spare time, Kate enjoys writing poetry and fiction and training in martial arts. This summer, she will be working with OPD's Baltimore City Felony Division where she hopes to develop her skills as a future attorney and gain practical experience in criminal cases. Kate is committed to helping marginalized communities with less access to legal counsel.
Nathaniel Robinson
Nathaniel Robinson is a rising 3L at Howard University School of Law and holds a bachelor's degree in History and Political Science from the University of Maryland Global Campus. A former competitive swimmer, Nate remains active in the sport as a swim coach. This summer, he will be working in the Juvenile Division at OPD's Prince George's County office, the same county where he was raised. Nate is passionate about using his legal skills to help others and is eager to explore public interest work with OPD. He hopes this experience will help him decide if this is the career path he wants to pursue while giving back to his community.
Micah Yarbray
Micah Yarbray is a rising 2L at the University of Maryland, Carey School of Law and serves as the President of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) for the 2024-25 academic year. She is also a member of the Thurgood Marshall Trial Team. Micah graduated summa cum laude from Alvernia University in Reading, PA, with a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology and a minor in Addictions & Mental Health. This summer, she will be working with the Forensics Division at OPD. Micah is dedicated to public service and looks forward to gaining practical experience, strengthening her legal research skills, and making meaningful connections with OPD staff and the community.
Looking Ahead
As we welcome Kate, Nathaniel, and Micah to our team, we are excited about the positive impact they will have on our community. Their dedication and passion for justice align perfectly with our mission, and we look forward to seeing their contributions in action.
Please join us in welcoming our new fellows and stay tuned for updates on their work and achievements as part of the Pauli Murray Diversity Leadership Initiative.
Support Our Mission
Your support makes initiatives like the Pauli Murray Diversity Leadership Initiative possible. Consider donating today to help us continue providing critical legal defense services to those in need. Together, we can make a difference.
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