10 Years with the Federal Court

By: Wyatt Lim-Tepper

I coordinated an alumni gathering at the Oakland Courthouse a few years into my work with the Northern District of California. We wanted to create a space for graduates to reconnect with staff and share updates on their lives. About 35 people—graduates and court staff—packed into a small attorney's lounge at the Oakland Courthouse. We arranged a haphazard circle of chairs, and the event felt like a group session where everyone was encouraged to check in and support one another. Just being there was a powerful sign the program had made a lasting impact.

A graduate brought his teenage daughter, who sat quietly on a couch in the corner absorbed in her phone seemingly uninterested. As the gathering continued, over a dozen graduates shared their stories of life after the program. The room was filled with pride and encouragement. Suddenly, the bored teenager stood up, phone down, and asked to speak. With a bravery that captivated the room, she said, "I just want to thank you all for having this program because I get to see my dad every day, and he's here for me instead of being in prison." Her words were the most powerful testament to the program's success.

Moments like this are strong reminders of why I do the work I do. It's surreal to think I've been with the court for 10 years. My first year, the direction was challenging yet simple. "Go learn about issues for the reentry population and find resources for our clients." That has been the foundation of how I've approached the coordination of collaboration courts and built A Curiae to provides opportunity to bring expertise and intervention into the justice system.

A few things I'm proud of over the last decade:

• Developed A Curiae to provide services and opportunity for clients, court staff, and students at various levels of study.

• Taught my toddler it was better to say "let's go to therapy" as opposed to "let's go to jail" during playtime as a consequence for bad behavior.

• Spoke as an expert for collaborative court conferences.

• Spoke at a judicial investiture and was able to highlight the successes of our graduates.

• Gave presentation at Berkeley Judicial Institute and Berkeley's Criminal Law & Justice Center to discuss A Curiae's work.

• Built academic partnership to bring in public health students with little to no experience in the criminal justice system to improve and elevate our approach to clients.

• Went back to graduate school after an unsuccessful attempt at law school.

• Graduated with a Master's of Science in Behavioral Health and became an adjunct professor at my alma-mater, University of San Francisco, teaching program planning and stakeholder collaboration to public health students.

• Observed her problem solving courts around the country.

• Created a community day bringing together clients, court staff, and their families to build social connection.

• Participated in the Jesuit Prison Education Network, travelling to Notre Dame meeting academics doing inside/out work.

• Organized celebration of problem solving courts 10th and 15th anniversary in Northern District of California.

• Presented to other nonprofits about the challenges and complexities of working in the criminal justice system.

• Implemented a mentorship program that partners with large organization and individuals to provide support for our clients to build confidence and professional growth through virtual meetings.

• Hired professionals with lived experience and past utilization of our services to work for A Curiae.

I was at a problem-solving court graduation a few months ago where court stakeholders recognized a client's incredible journey. He stood there, confident and resolved, having made a clear commitment to be present for his young daughter. As judges and attorneys began to speak, his daughter, holding a Minnie Mouse doll and with a pacifier in her mouth, started to cry, wanting to be with her dad. Her cries grew loud enough to interrupt the speeches. Rather than an interruption, it was a profound testament to how our work impacts families and communities. The client went on to say that his mission was to be present for his family, which he would do by working in behavioral health and leaving behind a lifestyle that could have led him back to prison.

These moments are gentle reminders of why we do this work. Some days are difficult; dealing with relapses and new indictments is overwhelming. But when we get to celebrate a person's success, when we see system change, when we feel and celebrate impact, we aren't just seeing someone who is doing better "for a person who has been to prison." We're celebrating a good person, and I'm lucky to be a part of their journey. Thank you to the Court for giving me a sense of purpose, a career path, and the opportunity to grow. And a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years, your guidance, collaboration, and connection have motivated me to do more than I knew I was capable of; there is so much more to do.