Public Defenders, Prosecuting Illegals, Domestic Violence, Bail Reform, and Beyond with Yolanda Mack

In the heart of a busy city, amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life, stands a crucial pillar of society: the judicial system. Often unnoticed in the flurry of activity, its importance cannot be overstated. It serves as the backbone of fairness and accountability, ensuring that justice is upheld and rights are protected. This article explores the essential role of a strong judicial system in fostering a society built on equality and the rule of law.

In this article, Janelle King delves into the world of justice and advocacy with Yolanda Mack, DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Candidate and a seasoned legal professional with a passion for serving victims of sexual assault. They discuss the nuances between public defenders and private attorneys, shedding light on the commitment and hunger for justice that drives individuals in the legal profession. Discover how Mack’s experiences shape her views on justice, government, and making a difference in the legal system on this episode of Candid{ate} Conversations.

Welcome to Candid{ate} Conversations, a unique platform for candid discussions with elected officials and individuals striving to be elected. We embark on insightful conversations that explore the challenges, aspirations, and visions of political leaders and aspiring candidates. Whether you prefer to listen to podcasts or read about our discussions, we aim to provide valuable insights into the political landscape, policies, and the people driving change in our communities and nation.

[Below, you’ll find an edited snippet from our conversation, streamlined for clarity and ease of reading. This excerpt is taken from various parts of the discussion, not necessarily from the beginning.]

Enjoy!

Janelle King: What has that done to shape the way you view law and Justice in government?

Yolanda Mack: I advocate for women and young adults, specifically college-aged individuals, who have been victims of sexual assault. Before this, I was recruited from the Dekalb District Attorney’s office by District Attorney Willis. I served as the deputy overseeing the domestic violence and sexual assault unit there. Then, during DA Boston’s first term, Willis was elected and asked me to head her sexual assault unit. That’s what I’m currently doing.

Janelle King: I interviewed attorney Robert Patillo, and we discussed the differences between being a public defender and a private attorney. He praised individuals who have worked in that role.

Yolanda Mack: You know what since I’ve been running for judge,…

Yolanda Mack: I have realized that was almost the best thing that I could have done starting my career…

Yolanda Mack: because I started my career learning a lot about people who are charged with crimes and even as a prosecutor learning that there’s more than one side to a story.

Janelle King: As a public defender, how can you allocate enough energy and resources to each client with such a heavy workload?

Yolanda Mack: As a public defender or prosecutor, victims often express concern about your workload. I reassure them that I am fully dedicated to their case, despite being busy or overwhelmed.

Yolanda Mack: And if I wasn’t working on your case,…

Yolanda Mack: I would be working on someone else’s case and that always eases a person’s mind because I think everyone thinks everyone’s too busy to do a good job.

Janelle King: Would you agree that there aren’t any Disparities between having a private attorney versus a public defender…

Yolanda Mack: What I will say is that I think in government a lot of times we all feel like we’re overworked right and…

Yolanda Mack: underpaid and…

Yolanda Mack: I think but as a public defender you learn…

Yolanda Mack: how to Manage your cases. Being committed to what’s in front of you. Many times, you’re handling cases, whether it’s a trial, as I call it, or others refer to it as managing cases. I am fully committed to this case currently, and people understand this level of commitment because they want the same dedication when it’s their case. Could I use more help? I believe there are many positions that could really assist me if I had fewer cases, but I can confidently say that the quality of work as a public defender or prosecutor does not suffer because of the number of cases. Many individuals are dedicated and committed to their work.

Yolanda Mack: The best lawyers I face as a prosecutor or public defender are experienced, handling thousands of cases and trying hundreds. They build relationships with us, and we understand their methods. People often overlook public defenders as unpaid lawyers, but many are dedicated and passionate about their work. They could run their own practices but choose this path due to their passion and commitment.

Janelle King: I was taught, to have this hunger when you come out of school to go and make a difference and to do something and be something; that mindset. I’m hearing if you have a public defender, it’s a possibility that you’re going get somebody who’s hungry to make a name for themselves and to prove that they’re good at what they do…

I hope you’ve enjoyed this snippet of my discussion with Yolanda Mack. To hear the entire interview, please click on the link below. https://youtu.be/UKiB0wfMH6w