Jawara Griffin joined the District of Nevada Office of the Federal Defender as an Assistant Federal Defender in May of 2021. Prior to going to Nevada, Jawara was in the Western District of Tennessee Federal Defender Office as an Assistant Federal. Prior to starting in Federal Court, Jawara was a Public Defender at The Committee for Public Counsel Services in Massachusetts and the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (Baltimore City). He practices under the theory that every human being has the right to competent and effective legal representation regardless of their socio-economic status.

Jawara is a native of Philadelphia, PA where he was groomed to be mentally tough and resilient. He received his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from Mansfield University in Pennsylvania. After working as a Juvenile Social Worker with the Defender’s Association of Philadelphia and a Probation Officer with the Philadelphia Adult Probation and Parole Department; he decided to continue his education at UMASS Dartmouth School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor. While in law school Jawara was a member of Law Review, President of Student Government and President of the Black Law Student Association.

Jawara has earned the reputation of being an aggressive trial attorney ready and willing to fight every legal issue that arises. Moreover, he travels the country as a motivational speaker helping youth realize their greatness and assuring them that they can overcome any obstacle. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Northern Children Services in Philadelphia.