04/24/2025
April 24, 2025
Sara G. Innamorato
County Executive for Allegheny County
101 County Courthouse, 436 Grant Street
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219
Madam County Executive:
I write on behalf of the members of the Pittsburgh Black Lawyers Alliance to express our steadfast support for our founder and the Chief Public Defender of Allegheny County, Lena Bryan-Henderson, Esquire. Chief Bryan-Henderson has devoted more than three decades to advocating for indigent clients and advancing justice within the legal system. Her distinguished
career reflects a deep commitment to public service, legal excellence, and transformative leadership.
It is deeply troubling that Chief Bryan-Henderson was placed on administrative leave in such a public and unprecedented manner by being escorted from her office without prior notice
or a transparent explanation of the allegations under investigation. This course of action departs
from established norms and signals a disturbing lack of due process and equality. Such treatment is not only personally unfair, but it also undermines the integrity of the office you
appointed Chief Bryan-Henderson to lead. Investigations into leadership should be handled with professionalism, transparency, and a respect for the reputations of all involved— especially
when the person at the center has a decades-long record of ethical and effective service. Chief Bryan-Henderson deserves more.
Since joining the Allegheny County Office of the Public Defender in 1991, Chief Bryan-Henderson has represented countless indigent defendants in jury trials and non-jury trials, supervised trial attorneys, and advocated tirelessly on behalf of underserved populations. She also founded her own private practice in 1991, focusing on criminal defense for both juveniles and adults. Chief Bryan-Henderson’s legal acumen is matched by her commitment to mentorship and systemic change, particularly through her co-founding and leadership of the Pittsburgh Black Lawyers Alliance—a vital organization supporting Black legal professionals and
addressing systemic inequities in the legal system.
As Chief Public Defender, Chief Bryan-Henderson implemented critical reforms to expand pretrial representation, strengthen social work support, and improve community engagement through the hiring of a community liaison. These steps reflect her forward-thinking approach to public defense and her holistic understanding of the needs of indigent clients.
Chief Bryan-Henderson's courage and resilience during this time speak volumes about her character. Despite the anonymous complaints and unclear process, she has vowed to continue fighting for justice and standing on the values that have defined her career.
Chief Bryan-Henderson’s leadership is not only needed, it is necessary. We urge a fair and swift resolution to this matter, so that the underserved citizens of Allegheny County can be confident their legal matters are given top priority without any further distractions.
Sincerely,
/s/ Kelvin Morris
Kelvin L. Morris, Esquire
Pittsburgh Black Lawyers Alliance, President
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