In more than a decade as an attorney with the New Hampshire Public Defender, Julian Jefferson, JD ’11, has successfully handled hundreds of cases, from misdemeanors to juvenile offenses to felonies. Now, after several years of teaching part-time at his alma mater, Jefferson will join the law school on a full-time basis beginning in the fall 2023 semester.
“I’m looking forward to the myriad opportunities to serve the law school, the students, and the larger community,” Jefferson says.
As a member of the full-time faculty, Jefferson will become an assistant clinical professor of law, teaching criminal-law-related courses and overseeing the UNH Franklin Pierce trial practice program as chair.
“I’m particularly excited to work with students in the Criminal Clinic, representing clients in the courtroom,” Jefferson adds. “I’m also looking forward to the challenge of learning new systems, new ways of teaching, and the demands of self-governance.”
In addition to his work as a public defender in the state, where Jefferson has participated in more than 30 jury trials, he was appointed in 2014 by the State Supreme Court to the Complaint Screening Committee of the Attorney Discipline Office. He became chair of the group in 2021. He was the 2019 recipient of the Champion of Justice Award from the New Hampshire Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and, in 2020, was appointed by Governor Chris Sununu to the Commission on Law Enforcement, Accountability, Community, and Transparency (LEACT). Jefferson’s work on that commission resulted in Governor Sununu’s endorsement of all recommendations to further study how New Hampshire treats juveniles in the criminal justice system.
“The law school is fortunate to have a talented practitioner like Professor Jefferson join the faculty,” says Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor of Law Rebecca Purdom. “His commitment to justice in New Hampshire, and his ability to teach both criminal justice and trial advocacy skills, make him uniquely positioned to train and support our students.”
In his new role, Jefferson will teach trial advocacy, criminal procedure, criminal law, professional responsibility, and evidence. He looks forward to sharing his professional experience with law students and witnessing their drive to succeed in a collaborative environment.
