Nikole Bordokas
Juvenile Innocence and Fair Sentencing Clinic
Nikole (Nikki) Bordokas distinguished herself in her two years as a JIFS student by her exceptional preparation, her courtroom abilities, and her enduring compassion and care for her clients. Nikki’s first and most important achievement was her work with a client sentenced to life without the possibility of parole (LWOP) for a crime he committed as a juvenile. Nikki successfully achieved the transfer of her client’s case to juvenile court and, shortly after, to release from prison. Because of Nikki’s strong relationship with the client and her ongoing holistic representation, her client continues to thrive and successfully navigate the difficulties of freedom. Demonstrating that she also has the defense attorney’s ability to fight another day, she also represented a long-time client in a hard-fought but unsuccessful parole hearing. Finally, Nikki represented two clients in collaboration with the LA County District Attorney Resentencing Unit. Both clients are now free and successfully navigating life on the outside. Even in a JIFS class full of impressive students, Nikki stood out.