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Paulette M. Pagán: Defensing the Underserved in the Criminal Justice System
Paulette M. Pagán, a career criminal defense attorney and current partner at Price Benowitz LLP, shares her passion for justice and a remarkable track record of success. From her early days as a Public Defender in St. Louis County, where she secured a complete dismissal of first degree murder charges for her innocent client during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, to her current practice in Washington, D.C., Paulette’s commitment to her clients is unwavering.
She shares stories from her time serving the indigent community, her experiences as with opposing parties, and how her Puerto Rican heritage influences her bilingual work. Beyond her legal expertise, Paulette’s heart for giving back shines through in her role on the Board of Directors for My Little Patient, Inc., and her volunteer work in rural Kenya. Tune in to hear Paulette’s inspiring journey and insights into the world of criminal defense.
STORY:
00:00 Introduction
01:00 Paulette's Background and Career Journey
03:42 Law School and Early Career Aspirations
09:54 Turning Point: From Prosecutor to Public Defender
13:01 Challenges and Realities of Criminal Defense
22:21 The Importance of Self-Care and Community Involvement
28:31 Legal Rights and Public Awareness
31:16 Client Consultations and Rights Education
32:10 Challenges Faced by Spanish-Speaking Clients
33:14 The Role of a Defense Lawyer
35:34 Interdisciplinary Approach to Client Care
43:28 Differences Between Jail and Prison
46:28 Experiences and Challenges in Jail Visits
51:06 Passion for Criminal Defense
51:48 Advice for Aspiring Criminal Lawyers
55:33 Public Defenders vs. Private Lawyers
57:23 Concluding Remarks
BIOGRAPHY:
Paulette M. Pagán is a criminal defense partner at Price Benowitz, renowned for her unwavering dedication and proven track record across a wide spectrum of cases—from violent crimes to complex white-collar litigation. A fearless advocate in the courtroom, she has successfully defended clients facing charges such as murder, fraud, and major financial crimes, including securing a not-guilty verdict for a client facing life imprisonment. Paulette’s expertise extends to high-profile and international matters, leveraging her bilingual fluency (English/Spanish) and collaborating across borders. Her exceptional work has earned her numerous accolades, including Rising Star honoree by Super Lawyers and the Cathy O’Neil Mentoring Award from the Women’s White Collar Defense Association.
LINKS:
Website: https://pricebenowitz.com/our-team/paulette-m-pagan/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulettempagan/
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By Kelby Ballena, Margarita Rosa Arango
5
99 ratings
Paulette M. Pagán, a career criminal defense attorney and current partner at Price Benowitz LLP, shares her passion for justice and a remarkable track record of success. From her early days as a Public Defender in St. Louis County, where she secured a complete dismissal of first degree murder charges for her innocent client during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, to her current practice in Washington, D.C., Paulette’s commitment to her clients is unwavering.
She shares stories from her time serving the indigent community, her experiences as with opposing parties, and how her Puerto Rican heritage influences her bilingual work. Beyond her legal expertise, Paulette’s heart for giving back shines through in her role on the Board of Directors for My Little Patient, Inc., and her volunteer work in rural Kenya. Tune in to hear Paulette’s inspiring journey and insights into the world of criminal defense.
STORY:
00:00 Introduction
01:00 Paulette's Background and Career Journey
03:42 Law School and Early Career Aspirations
09:54 Turning Point: From Prosecutor to Public Defender
13:01 Challenges and Realities of Criminal Defense
22:21 The Importance of Self-Care and Community Involvement
28:31 Legal Rights and Public Awareness
31:16 Client Consultations and Rights Education
32:10 Challenges Faced by Spanish-Speaking Clients
33:14 The Role of a Defense Lawyer
35:34 Interdisciplinary Approach to Client Care
43:28 Differences Between Jail and Prison
46:28 Experiences and Challenges in Jail Visits
51:06 Passion for Criminal Defense
51:48 Advice for Aspiring Criminal Lawyers
55:33 Public Defenders vs. Private Lawyers
57:23 Concluding Remarks
BIOGRAPHY:
Paulette M. Pagán is a criminal defense partner at Price Benowitz, renowned for her unwavering dedication and proven track record across a wide spectrum of cases—from violent crimes to complex white-collar litigation. A fearless advocate in the courtroom, she has successfully defended clients facing charges such as murder, fraud, and major financial crimes, including securing a not-guilty verdict for a client facing life imprisonment. Paulette’s expertise extends to high-profile and international matters, leveraging her bilingual fluency (English/Spanish) and collaborating across borders. Her exceptional work has earned her numerous accolades, including Rising Star honoree by Super Lawyers and the Cathy O’Neil Mentoring Award from the Women’s White Collar Defense Association.
LINKS:
Website: https://pricebenowitz.com/our-team/paulette-m-pagan/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulettempagan/