Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

In a historic moment at the New York Court of Appeals, Kayla Hardesty, a public defender from the Cortland County Public Defender's Office, successfully argued for the dismissal of the accusatory instrument against her client, Michael Bay. The court issued a unanimous decision in favor of Bay, marking a significant victory for transparency in the criminal justice system and a validation of the state legislature's 2019 discovery reforms.

"The Court's decision in Bay is a major victory for transparency in our criminal system, a vindication of the state legislature's 2019 discovery reforms, and a rejection of the gamesmanship culture that denied the accused critical evidence against them," says Professor Marty LaFalce, director of the Law School's in-house Defense and Advocacy Clinic.

Reflecting on her achievement, Hardesty expresses her gratitude for the support she received throughout the process. "I was lucky enough to receive assistance with the entire process from the New York State Office of Indigent Legal Service—Statewide Appellate Support Center, who were incredibly knowledgeable and supportive," she says. "I felt that the law was on our side, so I'm excited that we now have precedent on the topic."

Hardesty's dedication to her clients and the work of public defenders has been a defining characteristic of her career, which began at St. John's Law. She gained valuable experience as an intern at Queens Defenders during her 2L summer and later secured a full-time position with the organization after graduation. "I learned so much being in court, drafting motions, and doing hearings and trials," Hardesty shares. "Starting off my public defense career in such a diverse, high volume atmosphere like Queens, NY was the best preparation I could have received."

After several years, Hardesty returned to her hometown in Upstate New York to work at the Cortland County Defenders Office. Adjusting to the smaller office and caseload, she appreciates the opportunity to gain experience in various areas of law. "At a smaller office, attorneys are able to get more experience handling different areas of law, like family court, special proceedings, and appeals, which is what I enjoy most about my current role," she explains.

Offering advice to aspiring public defenders at St. John's, Hardesty emphasizes the importance of pushing oneself to try new things and gain hands-on experience. "Getting hands-on experience doing trials—even mock trials—is excellent preparation for a career as a public defender," she advises. "The knowledge and skills you build will be invaluable, as they have been for me as I've forged a career path that is incredibly fulfilling."

Kayla Hardesty's success in advocating for her client and contributing to the advancement of transparency in the criminal justice system serves as an inspiration for future public defenders. Her dedication to her clients and the pursuit of justice is a testament to the impact one individual can make in the legal profession.