Welcoming Marissa Balonon-Rosen to the Vladeck, Raskin & Clark Team as an Associate
11/15/2024We are thrilled to welcome Marissa Balonon-Rosen to Vladeck, Raskin & Clark, P.C. as an Associate, where she will bring her skills, experience, and dedication to our criminal defense and employment law practices. Marissa joins us with a rich background in public defense and an unwavering commitment to advocating for justice on behalf of those facing significant legal challenges.
A Proven Advocate in Public Defense
Marissa’s career reflects a deep commitment to defending the rights of vulnerable individuals in high-stakes situations. Prior to joining our team, Marissa practiced public defense for over five years across multiple states, representing clients from a variety of backgrounds and circumstances. She served as a Staff Attorney with the Bronx Defenders, one of New York’s leading public defender organizations, where she worked with clients from the South Bronx community. In this role, Marissa defended hundreds of juveniles and adults charged with a range of offenses, from misdemeanors to serious felonies, including DUI, kidnapping, and homicide cases.
Her public defense experience extends beyond New York. Marissa served as a Staff Attorney with the New Hampshire Public Defender in Manchester, New Hampshire, and as a Rule 44b participant with the Alaska Public Defender in Ketchikan. Her work across these different regions has provided her with a unique perspective and depth of knowledge in navigating complex legal systems and advocating vigorously for each of her clients.
Mentorship and Leadership
In addition to her courtroom experience, Marissa has contributed to the legal community through mentorship and guidance of new attorneys. She has served as a mentor and supervisor to law students from prestigious New York institutions, including Columbia Law, CUNY Law, and Brooklyn Law. Marissa’s commitment to training and guiding the next generation of legal advocates underscores her dedication to public service and justice.
Recognition and Accomplishments
Marissa’s professional accomplishments are matched by her involvement in the legal and local communities. She is a member of the New York American Inn of Court and has received notable awards, including the Graduating Student Award from the William Wayne Justice Center for Public Interest Law. She has contributed as an Associate Editor of the Texas Journal on Civil Liberties & Civil Rights and served on advisory boards for organizations like the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence and The Coffee Connection, which supports formerly incarcerated women. Marissa’s community involvement reflects her dedication to addressing social justice issues both in and out of the courtroom.
Educational Background
Marissa’s educational background is both broad and impressive. She earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Texas at Austin School of Law, where she was recognized as an Equal Justice Scholar. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Rochester, graduating with honors, and a Bachelor of Music from the prestigious Eastman School of Music. Her diverse educational experiences have helped shape her unique approach to the law, balancing technical skill with compassion and creativity.
Looking Ahead
Marissa’s depth of experience in criminal defense and her commitment to advocating for clients facing some of life’s toughest legal battles make her an invaluable addition to the Vladeck, Raskin & Clark team. We are excited to see the impact she will have on our clients and our community as she continues her mission of justice and equality.
Please join us in welcoming Marissa Balonon-Rosen to the Vladeck team!