My mission is to support individuals and transform systems--through legislation, policy implementation, litigation, and training--to ensure justice and equality for all. I carry the light of my mentor, the late Professor Cheryl Hanna, who believed that lawyers bear a special obligation to help ease the suffering of others. My approach to criminal justice policy utilizes a harm-and-repair lens that centers individual lived experience, including personal and intergenerational trauma, victimization, poverty, and oppression. In my family law work, I strive to center family compositions and experiences that aren't adequately represented in the law.I build coalitions across stakeholder groups and translate complex issues and concerns into action. Through research, drafting, testimony, and authentic conversation, my efforts have contributed to successful passage of dozens of bills addressing domestic and sexual violence, firearm possession, law enforcement accountability, and victim/survivor rights. As a trained mediator, I also know how to create space for deep listening that allows for common ground to emerge from conflict.Email me and let's collaborate! caracookson@gmail.com