File talk:2024 Ryan Forbes 5x7.jpg

Early Life and Education

Ryan Forbes, born from two Jamaican Immigrant parents Heather Forbes and Patrick Campbell, pursued his undergraduate degree at Towson University, majoring in Philosophy, Law, and Politics, and graduated with a deep commitment to using the law as a tool for positive societal change. While at Towson, Forbes was actively involved in community service, particularly through his leadership role in the Black Student Union, where he coordinated community service projects and spearheaded initiatives like the creation of a community garden and mentoring programs for high school students.

Fueled by his passion for civil rights, Forbes went on to attend Albany Law School, where he honed his legal skills and deepened his understanding of civil liberties. He graduated in May 2023 with a Juris Doctor, earning a Certificate in Criminal Law with Honors. Forbes's time at law school was marked by significant achievements, including his active participation on the Albany Law Moot Court Travel Team and his involvement in national moot court competitions.

(JustiaLaw) 20:57, 13 March 2024 (UTC)

Legal Career and Advocacy

After graduating from law school, Attorney Forbes took the bar exam in July 2023 and passed on his first attempt, a testament to his dedication and legal acumen. He quickly began his career focusing on areas where he felt he could make the most impact: criminal defense, governmental investigations, and civil rights claims. Forbes has been instrumental in investigating and defending clients in complex felony matters, demonstrating a deep commitment to justice and fairness. His trial experience is extensive, having participated in several trials to verdict, and he has been actively involved in drafting and researching motions and appeals that have significant implications for his clients' lives. Beyond his paid legal work, Forbes devotes a substantial amount of time to pro bono efforts, including representing non-profit organizations in civil litigation and plaintiffs in § 1983 civil rights cases. His work in this area reflects his profound belief in access to justice for all, regardless of one's financial situation.(JustiaLaw) 20:59, 13 March 2024 (UTC)

Judicial Internship and Community Engagement

Before his graduation, Forbes served as a judicial intern for the Honorable Judge Richard Rivera, where he dealt with family offenses, juvenile delinquency, and prisoners' rights cases. This experience provided him with a unique perspective on the intersection of civil rights and the judiciary. His commitment to community service has not waned since entering professional practice. Forbes has worked with the Albany County Community Police Review Board to develop disciplinary matrices for police misconduct, aiming to foster accountability and improve relations between law enforcement and the communities they serve. (JustiaLaw) 21:00, 13 March 2024 (UTC)

Inspiration

Often citing inspiring figures such as Johnnie Cochran and Bryan Stevenson, civil rights attorney and author of the critically acclaimed memoir "Just Mercy." Ryan has dedicated his career to carrying the legacy of notable civil rights and criminal defense attorneys of the past. His personal and professional life is a testament to his belief in the power of law to effect change and protect the rights of the marginalized. As he continues his career, Attorney Forbes's influence and contributions to civil rights and the legal community are expected to grow, marking him as a pivotal figure in the ongoing fight for justice. (JustiaLaw) 21:04, 13 March 2024 (UTC)