Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Robert Watts
Hi Brandon, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in San Bernardino, California, one of the most dangerous cities in the state. From a young age, I witnessed firsthand how the criminal justice system affected my family and friends. When my father was incarcerated, I saw the devastating impact it had on our family, and that experience stayed with me. Many of my peers fell victim to the same system, reinforcing my belief that it disproportionately harms Black communities. These early experiences sparked my passion for justice and set me on a path toward criminal defense and reform.
In 2015, I moved to Washington, D.C. to attend Howard University. It was there that I truly began to explore how I could turn my personal experiences into advocacy. While at Howard, I had the incredible opportunity to work as a fellow for now Vice President Kamala Harris. That experience gave me invaluable insight into the world of politics and the importance of having diverse voices in positions of power. After graduating, I spent a year working on Capitol Hill with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, where I contributed to legislative efforts aimed at improving the lives of Black Americans.
However, in 2020, the murder of George Floyd was a turning point for me. Like many others across the nation, I was devastated and angered by what I saw, and it became clear that I needed to do more. I decided that going to law school would allow me to fight directly for those who were most affected by systemic injustice. During that same year, I also ran for office in Washington, D.C., hoping to advocate for change at the local level. Though I didn’t win, the experience solidified my commitment to my community and reinforced my belief in grassroots advocacy.
Now, as a student attorney at Howard University School of Law, I work closely with at-risk youth in both Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. These young people face many of the same challenges I saw growing up, and my goal is to help them see their potential and break the cycles of injustice that so often define their lives. Additionally, I mentor young Black students who aspire to become attorneys, encouraging them to pursue careers in law and showing them that they can be the change they wish to see.
Looking ahead, I plan to start my own criminal defense law firm after I graduate in May. I’m especially passionate about offering discounted services to low-income Black residents of Baltimore, because I believe that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, deserves access to a great defense attorney. And as a Black man, I believe that Black male criminal defense attorneys are essential to this mission. We bring a unique and much-needed perspective to the legal field, particularly when it comes to representing and advocating for Black defendants. Our presence in the courtroom helps ensure that the voices of marginalized communities are not only heard but understood. My upbringing in San Bernardino, my education, and my experiences in both policy and advocacy have all come together to fuel my passion for criminal justice reform. I want to be a part of creating a system that is fairer and more just for everyone.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the biggest obstacles I faced along the way was growing up with my father struggling with drug addiction. For much of my childhood, his addiction impacted our family deeply. But today, his story is one of resilience and transformation. After battling addiction for years, he’s now a year sober and working towards his AA degree. Watching his journey has been incredibly inspiring for me. It taught me that no matter how difficult life gets, change is possible if you stay committed to the process. His resilience reminds me daily that setbacks don’t define us, but how we overcome them does.
Another significant challenge I faced was growing up in a single-parent household. My mother raised me on her own, and while it wasn’t easy, it gave me a firsthand understanding of the struggles faced by many Black boys in this country. I saw how easy it is to get caught up in the wrong path, especially when opportunities are limited and the weight of systemic issues weighs on your community. My own experiences shaped how I view the world and drove me to fight for change—not just for myself but for others facing similar challenges.
These obstacles were difficult, but they helped shape my perspective. My father’s recovery and my experience growing up with a single mother taught me the importance of perseverance, family, and staying true to my purpose. They also fueled my passion for working with at-risk youth, because I know how quickly life can take a different turn. My experiences have made me more empathetic, and I bring that understanding to everything I do, whether it’s in the courtroom, in mentorship, or in advocacy work.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work focuses on criminal justice reform, mentorship, and legal advocacy. As a student attorney at Howard University School of Law, I specialize in criminal defense, particularly working with marginalized communities. I’m deeply involved with at-risk youth in both Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, helping them navigate challenges and make positive choices. Additionally, I mentor young Black students who aspire to become attorneys, guiding them toward a path where they can contribute to their communities and, hopefully, create meaningful change in the legal system.
What I’m most proud of is the mentorship work I do with young Black youth. I’ve been fortunate enough to guide and inspire them to see their full potential, something that was difficult for many of us growing up. These young people often face enormous obstacles, and knowing that I can be a positive influence in their lives is incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s through my involvement with the Thurgood Marshall Academy or the Nationals Youth Academy, watching these youth gain confidence and pursue their dreams has been one of my greatest achievements.
What sets me apart from others is the combination of my personal experiences and my professional expertise. I grew up in a single-parent household, and my father struggled with drug addiction. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of the challenges many of my clients and mentees face. I’m not just an attorney or mentor who talks about the issues—I’ve lived them. This gives me a unique ability to connect with people on a deeper level and bring an added layer of empathy and determination to my work.
In addition to my legal work, I’m committed to starting my own criminal defense law firm after I graduate in May. My goal is to provide quality legal representation to low-income Black residents of Baltimore, offering discounted services to ensure that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, has access to a great defense attorney. I firmly believe that everyone deserves a fair chance, and I’m committed to being part of that change.
What sets me apart from others is my unwavering commitment to fighting for those who have been left behind by the system. As a Black male criminal defense attorney, I understand the power of representation and how vital it is to have someone who not only looks like you but understands the challenges you face. My passion for criminal defense and justice reform comes from both personal and professional experiences, and I believe that combination makes me uniquely qualified to advocate for those most in need.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories is from 2010 when my mother took me to Africa. We traveled to Ghana, and that experience was truly life-changing. It woke up the conscious part of me, helping me to understand the deep and lasting impacts of slavery on Black people, both in Africa and here in the U.S. Seeing the history firsthand and witnessing how my people are still struggling with the aftereffects of slavery made me think differently about my identity and our collective experience as Black people.
It was a powerful moment in my life because it gave me a deeper understanding of the generational struggles we continue to face. It also instilled in me a sense of responsibility to not only educate myself but also to do something about these struggles. That trip was pivotal in shaping the way I view the world, and it plays a huge part in why I’m so passionate about advocating for my community today.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/brandonrobertwatts
