Episode Summary

In Part 2 of this compelling conversation, defense attorney William Pernik reunites with his former client Adina, whose story of addiction, trauma, and transformation sheds light on what it really takes to break the cycle of incarceration. Host Kevin Rosenquist guides the discussion as William and Adina reveal how trauma-informed treatment, client-centered advocacy, and unwavering persistence can offer a path out of our criminal justice system and into recovery.

Together, Willian and Adina unpack how treatment, though more painful than jail, can unlock healing when it’s properly supported, why shame keeps people from reconnecting with loved ones, and how defense attorneys can better serve clients battling addiction and mental illness. This episode is a must-listen for anyone working in the legal, recovery, or advocacy space.

Key Timestamps

About the Show:

Counselor: Beyond Conventional Defense challenges the traditional approach to criminal defense. Hosted by attorney William Pernik, this podcast goes deeper into trauma, recovery, and the human stories that fuel transformation. It’s a show for people impacted by the justice system, for families seeking hope, and for legal professionals who believe in real, systemic change.

Episode Summary:

In this emotional and eye-opening episode of Counselor: Beyond Conventional Defense, host Kevin Rosenquist and criminal defense attorney William Pernik are joined by Adina, a former client whose journey defies every stereotype about addiction and crime.

William shares his pioneering approach to criminal defense, targeted solution advocacy, and explains why trauma-informed representation is essential for breaking the cycle of incarceration. Together, they explore Adina’s powerful life story: from a strict religious upbringing and childhood abuse to heroin addiction, homelessness, incarceration, and, ultimately, sobriety, redemption, and professional success.

This episode challenges assumptions about who becomes addicted, how recovery works, and what the justice system gets wrong. It’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we treat the human being behind the case.

Key Timestamps:

About the Show:

Counselor: Beyond Conventional Defense explores criminal justice through a trauma-informed lens. Hosted by Kevin Rosenquist and featuring attorney William Pernik, the show challenges punitive norms and lifts up real stories of advocacy, recovery, and healing. Each episode reveals how compassionate defense can rewrite futures and how the system must evolve to truly serve justice.

Episode Summary:

 Counselor: Beyond Conventional Defense – Episode 1

In this first episode, I open up about why I started this podcast—and why I believe criminal defense has to go far beyond just winning cases.

I share a personal story that changed me forever: losing a close friend who could have been saved. That moment lit a fire in me, and it’s why I fight for my clients the way I do. I don’t just look at the charges. I look at the person behind the case—their trauma, their addiction, their pain—and what it’ll take to help them heal.

This podcast is for people who want to rethink what justice actually means. Whether you’re in the legal field, supporting a loved one, or just curious—this is a conversation we all need to have.

 Real stories from the courtroom

 Mental health, addiction & trauma in the justice system

 A new model of defense: client-centered, healing-focused, human

If you’ve ever felt like the system is broken… you’re not alone.

#CriminalDefense #LegalPodcast #JusticeReform #MentalHealth #AddictionRecovery #LawyerLife #TrueJustice

Key Timestamps:

About the Show:

Counselor: Beyond Conventional Defense challenges the traditional approach to criminal defense. Hosted by attorney William Pernik and Kevin Rosenquist, this podcast goes deeper into trauma, recovery, and the human stories that fuel transformation. It’s a show for people impacted by the justice system, for families seeking hope, and for legal professionals who believe in real, systemic change.