In a recent episode of the National Association of Women Lawyers podcast, Tara Lenich, founder of Liberty Advisors, LLC, sat down with Courtney Worcester to discuss her unique journey through the criminal justice system. Tara’s path from a prosecutor in New York City to a defendant facing federal prison time offers a rare perspective on the intricacies of the legal system.
Listen to the podcast here, or read the transcript of Tara’s conversation here.
Growing up in western Massachusetts and Wilton, Connecticut, Tara attended Colby College and later Emory University for law school. She spent a decade as a prosecutor in New York City, handling felony cases and supervising long-term investigations primarily focused on gun traffickers and gang members.
However, a series of personal challenges and bad decisions led Tara to experience the criminal justice system from the other side. Finding herself at the defendant’s table, she found herself overwhelmed and isolated. Tara pled guilty and was sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison, serving ten months at Danbury Prison Camp.
This experience was transformative for Tara. As a prosecutor, she was familiar with the legal system, but being a defendant provided a new perspective. She was shocked by the lack of basic medical care in prison and the challenges inmates faced daily. Despite the hardships, Tara found support and camaraderie among the women she met, forming lasting bonds and learning what level and type of support people going through the criminal justice system and prison needed
While awaiting sentencing, Tara began taking online classes in small business management and accounting. Her experiences in prison, combined with the inadequate services she received from prison consultants, inspired her to establish Liberty Advisors, LLC. Tara realized she could use her unique insights to help others navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system, from the legal proceedings to the challenges of prison life.
Tara’s story underscores the importance of understanding, compassion, and advocacy in the criminal justice system. Through Liberty Advisors, LLC, she aims to provide comprehensive support to those facing legal challenges, ensuring they and their families are well-informed and prepared for the journey ahead.
