Jared Kawalsky earned his juris doctor at the University of Chicago Law School. Jared Kawalsky’s volunteer activities at the latter institution included engaging with the Exoneration Project through the Mandel Legal Aid Clinic. He interviewed witnesses and reviewed trial transcripts, with an aim of reassessing criminal convictions.
Emphasizing an awareness that innocent people can be convicted for crimes they did not commit within the current criminal justice system, the Exoneration Project seeks to mitigate the devastating long-term effects of a wrongful conviction on those sent to prison and their families.
In addition to supporting the claims of clients within a court setting, the clinic’s attorneys, many of whom are lecturers at the University of Chicago, bring focus to systemic issues standing in the way of fair and balanced legal outcomes. This involves advocating for greater accountability within the justice process. In addition, the clinic coordinates with community-based groups in ensuring that exonerees receive the support that they need when they return to society and their former lives.
