Justice Reform Foundation

04/08/2026

Students from the Texas A&M University School of Law Spring 2026 Criminal Defense Clinic spent their Saturday morning screening Tarrant County residents for Clean Slate eligibility in partnership with the L. Clifford Davis Legal Association and Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas.

The clinic’s next step will be preparing petitions to non-disclose or expunge eligible criminal records, helping provide individuals with a second chance and greater access to employment and housing opportunities. 👏

03/26/2026

An incredible moment at Princeton—our founder Justin Magnuson sharing his story on a stage alongside some of the most influential voices in criminal justice. Joined by former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, CNN senior legal analyst and former federal prosecutor Elie Honig, founding director of the Policy Advocacy Clinic at Princeton Udi Ofer, and CEO of The Just Trust Ana Zamora, the conversation pushed forward the need for real reform in the media.

The symposium focused on ethical communication in the media and its powerful impact on the justice system. We are grateful to have his voice and story help shape such an important dialogue. The work continues!

03/19/2026

Honored to have our Founder, Justin Magnuson, take the stage at Princeton University today, addressing a room of district attorneys, judges, national media, and former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales at the Symposium on Ethical Communications in Criminal Cases.

Justin shared his firsthand experience navigating the criminal justice system—and the lasting impact of media narratives that can shape public perception long before the truth is fully understood. His message was clear: when communication lacks fairness and accountability, the consequences are not just reputational—they’re human.

This symposium, hosted by the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys with support from The Just Trust, brings together leaders across the justice system to confront one critical question: how do we ensure that the way we communicate about criminal cases upholds accuracy, dignity, and trust?

We’re proud to be part of this critical conversation shaping the future of justice.

03/11/2026

Hosted by Princeton University and the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, with support from Just Trust, we are proud to announce that our Founder, Justin Magnuson, will deliver the opening remarks at the upcoming Symposium on Ethical Communications in Criminal Cases.

During this day-and-a-half convening, justice system stakeholders, media leaders, advocates, and academics will explore how criminal cases are communicated to the public and discuss the shared responsibility of ensuring those communications are fair, accurate, and legally sound.

02/26/2026

In Tarrant County, thousands of low-income residents rely on a court-appointed “wheel” system because there is no public defender office.

When defense is under-resourced, constitutional rights are at risk and justice can depend on income.

Our Criminal Defense Clinic steps in to provide the time, advocacy, and representation every person deserves. ⚖️

Read full article here: https://tcu360.com/2026/02/09/spinning-the-wheel-indigent-defense-in-tarrant-county/

02/13/2026

Introducing the Texas A&M University School of Law students participating in the Spring 2025 Criminal Defense Clinic!

Yesterday, our founders had the chance to meet the students and share Justin’s story with them. The students learned about JRF and we discussed the real impact they are making in the lives of those who desperately need fair and sufficient representation.

We are thrilled for the semester ahead and incredibly proud of the meaningful work these students are accomplishing! 👏

01/28/2026

We are thrilled to announce our newest team member Isaac Nyberg who will serve as our Strategic Initiatives and Grant Specialist!

Isaac is from Wichita Falls, Texas, and is pursuing degrees in philosophy, corporate communications and public affairs, with minors in public policy, international affairs, law, and legal reasoning. Additionally, Isaac is a Rotunda, Pre-Law, and Armentrout Scholar, while holding leadership positions in the Mustang Band, Classical Studies Club, and UKirk Presbyterian Ministry, and serves as president of the SMU Philosophy Club.

One of Isaac’s favorite jobs is as a residential assistant at Thomas House, where he helps his peers pursue academic excellence. Isaac’s primary passion is criminal justice, and he plans to continue pursuing justice by earning a law degree and working in indigent criminal defense.

12/14/2025

Such a wonderful afternoon spent writing letters to those incarcerated over the holidays - thank you to all of those who came and spend their Saturday with us writing to those most often forgotten - your letter is a beacon of hope this holiday season ♥️🌲✨

11/27/2025

Grateful this Thanksgiving for our Criminal Defense Clinic students, whose dedication and compassion brought justice to clients facing the system with limited resources.

Your hard work in the courtroom and commitment to ethical advocacy made a real impact. We’re proud of the difference you’ve made—and the advocates you’re becoming.

And thank you to our generous donors, supporters, and partners, without you these law students wouldn’t be able to help those in desperate need of a fair defense - thank you for helping us carry our mission forward!

11/27/2025

10/22/2025

Earlier this month, student attorneys in our Fall 2025 Criminal Defense Clinic Texas A&M University School of Law spent their Saturday helping screen applications for Clean Slate opportunities for residents of Tarrant County in partnership with L. Clifford Davis Legal Association and Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas.

Now they will work on petitions to seal or expunge eligible criminal records to give applicants a second chance to increase job and housing opportunities. 👏

10/09/2025

Our founder and president Justin Magnuson & Jason Pye VP of help explain why second chance policies like benefit public safety

Read Here ➡️ https://www.cleanslateinitiative.org/updates/five-reasons-second-chance-policies-benefit-public-safety