Nick Trenticosta runs the Centre for Equal Justice in the US, a non-profit, post-conviction law firm representing people on death row. He has been giving talks in London, Brighton and Cambridge for Pro Bono Week, and encouraging people to join Amicus, which sends interns to the US to assist capital defence attorneys. He is presently acting for Manuel Ortiz, whose spiritual adviser is Sister Helen Prejean; next February there will be a post-conviction hearing with fresh evidence for a retrial.

What are the main challenges in recruiting volunteers for cases such as Manuel Ortiz?

There are many students and young lawyers who want to assist death row prisoners. Amicus does a remarkable job but the charity could do so much more with more donations.

What was your worst day as a lawyer?

February 29, 1996, the day my client, Antonio James, was executed. He was a deeply spiritual man who I believe was innocent.

What was your most memorable experience as a lawyer?

Winning a case in the US Supreme Court that led to the exoneration of my client, Curtis Kyles. The case involved misconduct by the prosecution and the decision has since helped scores of wrongfully convicted death row prisoners. It stands as a check against unethical prosecutors who seek victory over justice.

Who has been the most influential person in your life?

Wow, that’s a very tough question because I have been blessed to be influenced by so many dear people. I could say Sister Marcello, my sixth-grade teacher, but I would not be recognising others in my early life. Today, the most influential person is my wife, partner and best friend Susana.

Why did you become a lawyer?

I was a social worker and community organiser when one day I had a chance meeting with Antonio James on death row. I had not really considered becoming a lawyer, but after the visit I drove from the prison to the law school and picked up an application form. I realised that Antonio and other men condemned to death needed lawyers who could plead their cases competently.

What would your advice be to anyone wanting a career in law?

You will have great power to change people’s lives. When a law is working against the interests of poor and oppressed, challenge it. Work to reform and revolutionise unjust laws and never accept the status quo.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

My goal is to work myself out of a job by helping to end the death penalty. Unfortunately, for my clients’ and society’s sake, I do not see a change in circumstance.

l_tsang@hotmail.com

Explore Law

• Corporate Law

• Public Law

• Columnists

• Law Panel

• Student Law

• Law Reports

Times Recommends

• City law firms prepare for painful year ahead
• Welcome to 2009: the year of the regulator
• Thacher Proffitt is latest US legal casualty