In today’s episode, Chris and Eddie continue the discussion of justice and mercy with Federal Public Defender Merrill Nordstrom. Merrill is a lifelong member of Oxford University United Methodist Church, the church Eddie and Chris currently serve. She graduated from the University of Mississippi Law School in 2002, and worked as a public defender for Lafayette County until 2019, when she joined the federal court system as a public defender.

Merrill’s faith informs how she approaches her job. By getting to know her clients and digging into their histories, their families, and their motivations, she sees each client as a whole person--not just a statistic. Merrill helps them see that their worst day isn’t their last day. Her faith gives her hope, and she extends that hope to her clients in a moment when they need an advocate the most.