JOHN LOPEZ, Esq., MSW

Legal Director

pronouns: he/him

John is the Legal Director at YSRP, where he is responsible for integrating, planning, and supervising the day-to-day operations and long term direction of our legal work. John brings years of experience advocating for people in the criminal legal system and is passionate about showing up for the client partners he works with and his coworkers.

Before joining YSRP, John worked with the Defender Association of Philadelphia, focusing on direct representation of people facing criminal prosecution in Philadelphia. His background includes trial advocacy, mitigation, supervision, teaching and attorney wellness.  His work is rooted in a commitment to trauma-informed care and healing-centered practices. 

John holds a Juris Doctorate from the Drexel School of Law and a Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. Outside of work, he enjoys connecting with people through photography and boxing, and believes deeply in beloved community.

Contact: jlopez@ysrp.org