There's life after prison if one continues to persevere and someone just gives you a chance. I'm a living example. In 1978, I was convicted of armed robbery and sent to New York State prison for eight years. In 1982, I was paroled, but, within months, I was back in trouble. In 1983, I was convicted of two additional felonies and sentenced to twelve years. I was released for a second time in late 1988. Since that time, I worked as an advocate for the homeless. I completed college and law school at night. After law school, I worked for two years for a federal judge. I then managed a law office in the South Bronx that helped people with HIV/AIDS. I left that job to start my own criminal defense practice in New York City where I spent my days trying to ensure that people charged with crimes received zealous representation. A large part of my practice is devoted to assisting inmates in state and federal prisons challenge unfair or unconstitutional prison practices. Lots of people told me that with my background, I didn't stand a chance of being admitted as an attorney. I didn't listen to them. I tried my best, persevered and with lots of support and prayers, I succeeded. My experiences as a prisoner have helped me to become a better lawyer because I'm acutely aware of how my clients feel and what they are experiencing.