As a young girl, Sharra Gardner ’24 was captivated by stories of justice restored and fascinated with criminal defense law. As a teenager, she recalls following stories of individuals exonerated after years of unjust incarceration, which ultimately planted the seed for her eventual career in law. Today, as a LMU Loyola Law School (LLS) post-graduate fellow with the Loyola Project for the Innocent (LPI), Gardner is fulfilling that calling, leveraging her unique background, unwavering determination, and a profound sense of empathy to advocate for those who have been wrongfully convicted.
Gardner’s journey to LPI began with a dream and a decision. Drawn to innocence work, she chose to attend Loyola Law School because of LPI’s nationally recognized efforts in freeing wrongfully convicted individuals. “Innocence work was what drew me to the field of law, and Loyola Project for the Innocent is what led me to choose LLS for my law school,” she says. From her first internship with LPI during her 1L summer, it became clear that innocence advocacy was not just a passing interest but her life’s purpose. She immersed herself in the clinic as a student throughout her law school career, gaining invaluable hands-on experience that would shape her approach to advocacy and justice.
One of the most impactful moments of Gardner’s time with LPI came in a courtroom, where she witnessed the culmination of years of advocacy. “I was present when our client was declared factually innocent and released from custody,” she recalls. The immediacy of the client’s release, facilitated by LPI’s coordination with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, was a rare and emotional victory. “There were many tears from everyone present. Seeing him walk away a free man, surrounded by his family and loved ones who had stood by him for decades, was truly special.” These moments of triumph fuel Gardner’s commitment, reminding her of the transformative power of her work despite the slow and often frustrating realities of correcting injustices in the legal system.
Still, Gardner acknowledges that the work presents significant challenges. “The biggest challenge is feeling frustrated with how unfair, slow, and illogical the system can be,” she shares. From lost evidence to deceased witnesses, the obstacles to proving innocence in decades-old cases are immense. Moreover, the emotional toll of working closely with clients who are innocent but remain imprisoned weighs heavily. “It is difficult knowing they are innocent but remain in a prison cell. And turning down cases due to resource constraints or legal limitations is heartbreaking,” she says. Yet, through it all, Gardner draws inspiration from the resilience and positivity of her clients, whose strength motivates her every day.
Looking ahead, Sharra’s fellowship with LPI will focus on expanding LPI’s capacity to take on additional clients by creating and supporting a network of private law firms to donate their pro bono time. Through an expansive network of experts, LPI hopes to amplify its impact and reach, ensuring that no case of injustice goes unheard. Sharra’s work will be instrumental in building this coalition, fostering collaboration, and securing the resources necessary to bring freedom and hope to more individuals in need.