Longtime Public Defender in the Ninth Judicial Circuit Robert Wesley, the current 24-year officeholder, endorsed candidate Lenora Easter to replace him and continue his legacy of advocating for people who cannot afford an attorney.
Wesley praised Lenora Easter’s exemplary record of service and leadership in his endorsement. “Ms. Easter’s career has been marked by her tireless advocacy for indigent clients, her role in training new attorneys, and her efforts in advocating for criminal justice reform on a national scale,” Wesley said.
Easter served five years as an assistant public defender, handling traffic, misdemeanor and felony cases. She served as a Civil Rights Fellow for the National Lawyers Guild and helped develop the Early Defense Team at the Bronx Defenders office. Easter is currently regional program director for Partners for Justice, a nonprofit that provides services to public defender offices.
“I will bring new programs to help our clients and reduce the cost of incarceration for taxpayers,” Easter said. “I have worked with law enforcement and prosecutors and know how to reach better outcomes.”
Wesley highlighted Easter’s professionalism, compassion and proven leadership as essential attributes for the next Public Defender. He emphasized Easter’s ability to foster collaboration, improve office morale, and enhance attorney retention rates.
He emphasized the critical importance of the Public Defender’s role as not merely a job, but a solemn mission to safeguard the rights of the most vulnerable.
“We need a leader who can build bridges and uphold the highest standards of justice,” Wesley said. “Lenora Easter is that leader.”
Lenora Easter received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida and her law degree from Barry University. She joined the Florida Bar in 2008, the New York Bar in 2015 and admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court in 2011. While at Barry, she represented young teens in the juvenile justice system through the Law Delinquency and Dependency Clinic. She received a “40 under 40” Award from the National Black Lawyers Association in 2017, and was honored as a Barry University distinguished alumni in 2021.
Easter is running against Melissa Vickers for Public Defender in the Ninth Judicial Circuit in Orange County and Osceola County. Wesley said that Vickers “worked in my office and was my Chief Assistant before she was asked to resign,” and said Melissa Vickers “did not have the collaborative and proven leadership qualities necessary that Lenora does.” He added that the office morale has improved in the years since Vickers was forced to leave and that retention rates have increased.
This election is on August 20th.
Dear Lenora Easter.
I wanted to extend my heartfelt congratulations on your candidacy for the Orange – Osceola Public Defender position. This is a significant achievement, and it speaks volumes about your dedication to justice and your commitment to serving our community.
Your experience and passion for defending the rights of all individuals are truly commendable. I am confident that your leadership will make a positive impact on the lives of many in our county. I wish you all the best as you move forward in this important role.
Once again, congratulations, and I look forward to seeing the great work you will continue to do.
Sincerely,
Rosemary Bannister.