From Navy Veteran to Public Defender: Phoenix Streets’ Inspiring Legal Career | Coopers' Code

Coopers' Code | Podcast | Episode 69: From Navy Veteran to Public Defender: Phoenix Streets’ Inspiring Legal Career

I’m thrilled to share today’s Part I of my conversation with Phoenix Streets.
Phoenix has served with the San Francisco Public Defender’s office for the last 24 years. In our civil world most lawyers are lucky to see a few trials a year. Not Phoenix. Within his first two years in practice, Phoenix received an official commendation from San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors for trying more misdemeanor cases than any lawyer in the last decade. His work was featured on PBS through a documentary, Presumed Guilty. Phoenix gives us a glimpse into criminal court trial work and how one focused individual can change lives. 

Phoenix grew up in the small southern town of Beebe, Arkansas, where he and his family experienced racist attacks and abuse. These experiences helped fuel Phoenix's drive to become a public defender. He did not take the easy route. Phoenix served our country with four years enlisted in the Navy, then attended UC Berkeley on the G.I. Bill, and finally law school at UC Law. 

As you listen today, I ask you to consider something Phoenix said when we initially spoke: “When things are at their bleakest, I remember I am a descendent of slaves, and I think about what they went through.” With that framing, I ask that you sit back and enjoy this interview with Phoenix Streets.

Episode Timestamps:
00:00:00 - 00:02:28 - Introduction to Phoenix Streets' Journey
00:02:29 - 00:07:29 - Childhood and Early Life
00:07:30 - 00:08:09 - Enlisting in the Navy
00:08:10 - 00:11:17 - Life in the Navy and Its Challenges
00:11:18 - 00:14:17 - Transition to College and UC Berkeley
00:14:18 - 00:17:13 - Law School and Becoming a Public Defender
00:17:14 - 00:20:31 - Early Legal Career in Housing Law
00:20:32 - 00:24:33 - Joining the Public Defender’s Office
00:24:34 - 00:26:29 - Handling Misdemeanor Cases and Early Success
00:26:30 - 00:27:38 - Taking on Challenging Cases
00:27:39 - 00:27:38 - Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two

More on Phoenix Streets:
LinkedIn - ⁠⁠  / phoenix-streets-0191479  
San Francisco Public Defender’s office: ⁠https://sfpublicdefender.org/⁠

Tune in next week for Part II!

Hosted by   / coopersllp-miles-cooper  
Produced by   / maurokenjiserra   | Kenji Productions⁠⁠⁠: ⁠https://www.kenjiproductions.com⁠⁠⁠
Recorded & Co-produced by   / zachmorvant  
Music by ⁠⁠⁠The Sure Fire Soul Ensemble⁠⁠

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