Passionate Advocate Becomes State’s Top Public Defender
In July 2022, TaShun Bowden-Lewis was appointed as Connecticut’s new chief public defender – the first African American woman to hold the role. With over two decades of experience as a public defender, Bowden-Lewis brought immense passion, skill and dedication to advocate for underserved communities.
Described by colleagues as “brilliant” and a “team builder”, Bowden-Lewis demonstrated strong leadership throughout her career. She provided rigorous defenses for thousands of clients over the years, driven by her deep commitment to social justice.
As head of the state’s Division of Public Defender Services, Bowden-Lewis now oversees 400+ employees and decision-making regarding legal services for disadvantaged groups. It’s a position she had aspired to take on since childhood.
Vocal On Issues Of Equity And Inclusion
For Bowden-Lewis, issues of equity and fairness have always been paramount. She recognizes that people of color are disproportionately incarcerated in Connecticut, making up over 42% of the prison population despite being only 13% of state residents.
Bowden-Lewis also understands first-hand the heavy caseloads and emotional toll public defense work entails. As a Black woman who was often the lone person of color in courtrooms, she aims to diversify recruitment and make staff feel valued.
As chief public defender, Bowden-Lewis has been vocal that “representation matters” for inspiring young people of color. She hopes her groundbreaking role shows that with perseverance, they can achieve top positions too.
Early Visionary Saw Law As Avenue For Change
TaShun Bowden-Lewis set her sights on public defense from a young age, seeing law as a way to make positive change. She attended Georgetown and Quinnipiac Law School to prepare for a career helping those unable to afford private attorneys.
Her passion and work ethic quickly set Bowden-Lewis apart. As a law student, she provided mentorship to peers of color and advocated tirelessly for clients as a public defender before rising to manage New Haven and Waterbury offices.
Even with her heavy responsibilities as chief public defender today, Bowden-Lewis makes visiting new attorneys for their first trials a priority. She leads by example, showing her commitment to securing the best outcomes for all clients.
With her appointment as Connecticut’s top public defender, TaShun Bowden-Lewis shattered a monumental barrier. But perhaps more importantly, the state now benefits from her unrelenting drive to serve vulnerable communities and advance social justice.
