Alumni Spotlight: Sarah Tibbitts

I am a public defender. To me, this work is of the utmost importance, because I firmly believe that everyone is entitled to strong legal representation and advocacy, no matter what resources they may have or life circumstances they may have experienced. I am especially proud to work in an office that emphasizes holistic representation — we connect clients to social services, housing resources and drug treatment programs, in addition to helping them fight their criminal cases. The law is a powerful tool, and I am doing my best to use my training to help others around me.

The Glenn College prepared me for a career in public service both from inside the classroom and also through the values that were fostered in Page Hall. From my classes, I learned about social disparities that undergird the criminal legal system as well as public policy changes that could help impact these issues. From my classmates and professors, I learned the importance of centering community in your work, meeting others where they’re at, and the very real-life implications that policies and laws can have on members of our community.

One project I’m particularly proud of having participated in was the Second Chance Re-Entry Clinic I was part of in law school. We helped clients in the community seal and expunge past criminal convictions as they worked to better their lives and move forward. We also participated in information sessions for currently incarcerated individuals to help spread the word about sealing their records down the line.