OUR THEME

A Kaleidoscope of Transformative Justice

Wednesday, September 25 - Friday, September 27

Open Call for Contributors

The Social Work and Law Symposium exists to harness energy, passion, and wisdom to advance the field of forensic social work and the capacity of forensic social work practitioners. This is a future forward event bringing together educators, researchers, community practitioners, justice-oriented leaders, and students for synergistic learning collaborations. We are seeking dynamic contributors to use our virtual spaces to engage audiences in thought-provoking presentations, workshops, interactive discussions, inspirational talks, and exhibits. Click the button below to submit your proposal for this year's event TODAY!

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The Speakers

Coming Soon

Special Session

https://innocenceproject.org/cases/christopher-ochoa/

Christopher Ochoa

Attorney

Christopher Ochoa is a remarkable individual who has overcome tremendous challenges and emerged as a beacon of justice and resilience. Wrongfully convicted in 1989 in Austin, Texas, after being coerced into a false confession, he pleaded guilty to a murder he did not commit, and was sentenced to life. Mr. Ochoa spent years behind bars before being exonerated in 2001.

Driven by his own harrowing experience with the justice system, Christopher Ochoa pursued a law degree at the University of Wisconsin, graduating in 2006. He dedicated the early years of his legal career to advocating for justice as a criminal defense attorney from 2006 to 2011, passionately defending the rights of the marginalized and wrongfully accused.

Currently, Christopher Ochoa serves as the Director of Legal Affairs for a prominent New Mexico oil company, where he brings his legal expertise and commitment to ethical practices to the corporate world. In addition to his role in the corporate sector, Mr. Ochoa remains connected to his passion for justice as a consultant with the Illinois Innocence Project, lending his insights and experience to the pursuit of exoneration and reform within the criminal justice system.

Christopher Ochoa's journey from wrongful conviction to legal advocate and corporate leader is a testament to his unwavering determination, resilience, and commitment to promoting justice and integrity in all aspects of his life and work.

Special Session