Douglas Wicks

i have a demonstrated strong work ethic and commitment to serving the indigent. i have been a member of the los angeles county bar indigent criminal defense appointments panel since 1997. i have represented over 1200 indigent clients under california penal code section 987.2 appointment. i have tried criminal jury trials to verdict. i have assisted clients with the preparation and filing of petitions for expungement of their criminal conviction record. since 2010, criminal defense work in the los angeles superior court has evolved into a very substantial practice of holistic advocacy requiring a team approach to working with social workers, mental health professionals and probation officers. many clients are veterans and i work with veterans affairs professionals on my clients’ behalf. in the past, my va partners have been pamela davis csw with veterans justice outreach, jonathan j. clark jr. lcsw assigned to vjo/health care for reentry veteran program, and jail outreach worker gregory cain. i have enthusiastically and compassionately worked as a team player to divert clients who are homeless with mental health issues from the criminal justice system. i help them to obtain resources, including public benefits, to successfully navigate society and remain free of the snare of the criminal justice system. the end result of economic and housing instability for some all too often leads to involvement with the criminal justice system. i desire to contribute my skill and passion to the frontline of the battle. my civil legal experience includes representing low income families in three civil class action cases. the plaintiffs were emotionally harmed and financially taken advantage of by mortuaries and cemeteries. i served on the steering committee on one of the class action cases. financial and injunctive relief was obtained on behalf of the class plaintiffs. i have excellent negotiation skills. i have tried many civil cases, including three ud eviction cases on behalf of the tenants. i can assume responsibility quickly, work independently, and perform my duties as part of a team. i am passionate and committed to keep families facing eviction in their homes; connect people living with disabilities with public benefits, put homeless veterans in touch with va benefits and resources; sue slumlords; and remove legal barriers to stable housing for at risk clients