About the Defender's Circle


With a contribution of $650 or more annually, you become part of an elite circle of NACDL Life Members who are deeply committed to advancing justice and excellence within the criminal defense bar. Your support directly fuels our mission to create a fairer, more humane criminal legal system—one that upholds the rights and dignity of all.


Your generosity will be recognized with exclusive benefits, including a digital badge (displayed below) that you can proudly display on your website, showcasing your leadership and dedication to the cause.

 

 

 

Stand with us. Support justice. Join the Life Member Giving Society today. 

You have the flexibility to make a one-time gift or spread your donation over time—whichever option suits you best. Additionally, you may want to consider making a contribution through a Donor Advised Fund, stocks, or retirement distributions to further support this important cause. By choosing a recurring contribution, you play a crucial role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of this vital work.


2025 Defender Circle Members


Andrew S. Birrell 
Jonathan M. Brayman
Drew Findling
Ryan P. Garry
Dominic Gentile
Nina J. Ginsberg
Leonard C. Goodman
Michael P. Heiskell
Stephen Ross Johnson
H. Eugene Oliver, III
Cynthia Eva Hujar Orr
C. Melissa Owen
Todd S. Pugh
Justin N. Rosas
David Rudolf
Barry C. Scheck
Lawrence J. Zimmerman

Nellie L. King
Gerald B. Lefcourt
Martin G. Weinberg

Ray de la Cabada
Kobie Flowers
William D. Massey
Theodore Simon
Vicki Young

Michael Curtis
Peter Goldberger
Robert Herz
Richard S. Jaffe
P. Darrell Kimbrell
Benjamin LaBranche
Marci A. LaBranche
Daniel Monnat
Norman R. Mueller
Melinda M. Sarafa
Addy Schmitt
Kathleen Stilling
Christopher A. Wellborn
Richard D. Willstatter
Timothy Zerillo

Douglas R. Beam
L. Barret "Barry" Boss
Bruce Carmicle
David Chesnoff
Terrence Connors
Daniel Gerdts
John Wesley Hall
Michael Piccarreta
Robert Ruffner
Gail Shifman
Colin Stephens