Baker McKenzie Supports Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth Report Highlighting Survivor Perspectives on Youth Violence in the US

Baker McKenzie has supported nonprofit organization The Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth (CFSY) in publishing Not a Monolith: Perspectives from Survivors of Youth Violence, a report showcasing the experiences and perspectives of community members impacted by youth violence, including those who have survived it and those who have lost loved ones.

CFSY advocates for fair and age-appropriate sentencing for children and supports community-led approaches to justice and healing. The organization works in the USA to advance policy reform and elevate the voices of those directly impacted by the extreme sentencing of youth, including life-without-parole.

A cross-practice team of Baker McKenzie volunteers from across North America contributed more than 300 hours of pro bono support to assist CFSY on a range of activities, including conducting interviews, designing profiles, and drafting and finalizing the report. The team was led by Vivek Patel, a Tax partner based in Baker McKenzie's Washington, DC, office.

"Working alongside the Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth on this report has been a powerful reminder that survivors of youth violence are too often missing from the public conversation. Their stories challenge assumptions that justice must be punitive to be meaningful, and instead highlight the importance of accountability, rehabilitation, and community-led healing," Vivek commented. "We are proud to have supported CFSY in amplifying these perspectives, which we hope will inform more balanced, compassionate, and effective approaches to youth sentencing."

By challenging public narratives that often amplify calls for punitive policies and lengthy prison sentences, the report shares survivors' stories that explore restorative justice, accountability beyond incarceration, and healing. The individuals featured in the report are members of CFSY's National Family Network (NFN), a community of families impacted by youth violence, and their Incarcerated Children's Advocacy Network (ICAN), which supports individuals who were sentenced as children and have since returned to their communities.

"We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to partner with the remarkable individuals featured in Not a Monolith: Perspectives from Survivors of Youth Violence," said Crystal Carpenter, Chief Operating Officer of the CFSY. "While survivors have endured deeply painful and life-altering tragedies, their identities are shaped by their strength, resilience, and healing - not just by their traumas. We hope you read the experiences in this report with respect and care. We also extend our sincere appreciation to our partners at Baker McKenzie, without whom this report would not be possible."