Chester Eduardo Fernández
Assistant Professor of Law
Chester Eduardo Fernández helps others learn about Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Criminal Procedure, and Sentencing, Prisons and Reentry. Fernández's research and writing focuses on some of the most marginalized communities impacted by the criminal legal system, specifically transgender defendants and formerly incarcerated individuals. Fernández serves as the Director of the Law School's Criminal Law and Advocacy Concentration, and as Faculty Adviser to the Muslim Law Student Association.
Before joining the Quinnipiac Law faculty, Fernández worked for the National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA) as their Director of Learning and Innovation. His work at NLADA centered on integrating the voices of people impacted by the American legal system, which disproportionately impacts BIPOC and other marginalized communities, into trainings for legal aid and public defender attorneys. He is also a certified racial justice trainer through the Black Public Defender Association.
Prior to NLADA, Fernández served as a Public Defender in both Massachusetts (Boston / Chelsea / Springfield / Holyoke) and Connecticut (New Britain). In Connecticut, he worked in the Training Unit, helping public defenders learn best practices in providing passionate, client-led representation that respects both the agency and humanity of defendants. He is a proud alumnus of the National Criminal Defense College's Trial Practice Institute.
Between his public defender roles, Fernández served as Courtroom Deputy for former U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant. Fernández loves working with students and has experience doing so as both a law school Career Counselor, as well as a Recruitment Coordinator for the law firm of Robinson & Cole LLP.
Committed to supporting student well-being, Fernández is a certified adult mental health first aider.
Fernández earned his JD from the University of Colorado School of Law, where he received the outstanding Latina/o graduate award. He also holds an MS in Criminal Justice and MPA from Suffolk University in Boston, which he completed while working full time as a Regulatory Specialist for the Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Energy. He is licensed to practice in Massachusetts state courts and Connecticut state and federal courts.
The son of immigrants from Costa Rica, Fernández grew up outside of Boston, speaks Spanish, loves 90s hip hop, and is the father of two amazing children.
Before joining the Quinnipiac Law faculty, Fernández worked for the National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA) as their Director of Learning and Innovation. His work at NLADA centered on integrating the voices of people impacted by the American legal system, which disproportionately impacts BIPOC and other marginalized communities, into trainings for legal aid and public defender attorneys. He is also a certified racial justice trainer through the Black Public Defender Association.
Prior to NLADA, Fernández served as a Public Defender in both Massachusetts (Boston / Chelsea / Springfield / Holyoke) and Connecticut (New Britain). In Connecticut, he worked in the Training Unit, helping public defenders learn best practices in providing passionate, client-led representation that respects both the agency and humanity of defendants. He is a proud alumnus of the National Criminal Defense College's Trial Practice Institute.
Between his public defender roles, Fernández served as Courtroom Deputy for former U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant. Fernández loves working with students and has experience doing so as both a law school Career Counselor, as well as a Recruitment Coordinator for the law firm of Robinson & Cole LLP.
Committed to supporting student well-being, Fernández is a certified adult mental health first aider.
Fernández earned his JD from the University of Colorado School of Law, where he received the outstanding Latina/o graduate award. He also holds an MS in Criminal Justice and MPA from Suffolk University in Boston, which he completed while working full time as a Regulatory Specialist for the Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Energy. He is licensed to practice in Massachusetts state courts and Connecticut state and federal courts.
The son of immigrants from Costa Rica, Fernández grew up outside of Boston, speaks Spanish, loves 90s hip hop, and is the father of two amazing children.
Education
- AS, MassBay Community College
- BA, University of Massachusetts Boston
- MS, Suffolk University
- JD, University of Colorado
Areas of Expertise
- Criminal Justice
- Criminal Law
Organization
- Law
Office Location
- School of Law and Education 160
Mail Drop
- LW-FAC
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