AZ Public Defender Margo Cowan '85 Receives Outstanding Performance Award

Pima County (AZ) public defender Margo Cowan '85 received the Outstanding Performance Award at the 10th Annual Arizona Public Defender Association Conference in Tempe, AZ. The award recognizes performance and contribution from a member of a Public Defender Office who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, done outstanding work or made a significant impact for her clients. Margo received this award for her tireless commitment to her clients, particular those who are foreign-born. In Padilla v. Kentucky, the United States Supreme Court held that all non-citizens are entitled to advice regarding the immigration consequences of a guilty plea. While this case was a game-changer for many criminal law practitioners, it was business as usual for Margo. She has been providing this advice for years, and advocating for case resolutions that permit lawful residents of Arizona to keep their families intact and remain in Arizona. 

Read more about the 10th Annual Arizona Public Defender Association Conference in the Arizona Daily Star, "Public defenders bring home big awards"

Margo Cowan is a Pima County (AZ) public defender and champion of migrant rights for 25 years.  She is also a Sanctuary leader, board member of Derechos Humanos, and co-founder of the group No More Deaths.