Isaias Pedraza works as a public defender at Bridgeport Judicial District defending people charged with the most serious charges within the state. Isaias began their legal career after graduating from Pace University School of law and being licensed to practice law in November of 2015. They began their practice at a private law firm where they focused on criminal defense, habeas corpus litigation, appellate work, and pardons. During their time as a private attorney, they were able to secure over 100 pardons for clients who have been convicted of crimes throughout the State of Connecticut. In 2019, Isaias began to work at the Bridgeport Public Defenders where they would assist clients with negotiating plea deals, apply for programs, and in protecting the rights of their clients and helping them overcoming their situations to the best of their ability. In 2022, Isaias moved to the public defender’s office at the Bridgeport Judicial District where they mainly try cases such as murders, sexual assault, and other serious crimes that occur within the Bridgeport Judicial District. This past summer and fall, Isaias tried a murder case and a very serious sexual assault case by themselves.  During his time at the Public Defender’s Office, they were a member and Tri-Chairperson, along with Attorney Tashun Bowden-Lewis, of the Racial Justice and Cultural Competency Committee where they would assist in educating the division on racial issues, help in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion within the division in our recruitment efforts, and advocate on behalf of racial minorities within the State of Connecticut. They are a self-published fiction author, they enjoy writing poetry, drawing, cosplay, and being creative. They are also perfectly fine with just being called Isaias.