Category: Collaborative Justice Project

By Jovana Fitzgerald, PBI Law Clerk Partners in Minnesota are taking an integrated approach to serving those in need. In November 2025, the Minnesota Collaborative Justice Project, in partnership with Faegre Drinker*†, Adult Representation Services, Volunteer Lawyer’s Network, Bellis, and the Minnesota Department of Corrections hosted its third clinic at Shakopee Women’s Correctional Facility. The program was attended by 14 residents, and featured an educational session, conversations with a Juvenile Court Judge, and one-on-one brief advice sessions with an attorney. Parenting from Prison The Sentencing Project, a nonprofit that conducts research and advocacy for sentencing reform, reports sobering statistics about

By PBI Intern Anthony Simsecu Access to a driver’s license is a fundamental need for individuals reentering society after incarceration. In our car-dependent communities, reliable transportation is essential for securing and maintaining employment—a key factor in successful reintegration. A valid driver’s license also allows individuals to meet probation requirements, attend medical appointments, engage in civic life, and reconnect with their families and communities. However, many returning citizens face significant obstacles in restoring their licenses due to outstanding court fines, reinstatement fees, and bureaucratic barriers. These challenges can contribute to recidivism, as individuals struggle to fulfill their legal obligations and secure