Rena Stern Kates

Assistant State’s Attorney

Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office

Rena Stern Kates has been fighting for justice since she was 16 years old, when her family helped a neighbor’s nanny, a victim of human trafficking, escape and took her to Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (CAST).

“She has thrived and become an advocate for other victims, and I still work with CAST,” said Kates, who has organized pro bono training on trafficking and arranged pro bono legal services for victims. She is also working on a screening process to identify potential young victims who are facing juvenile delinquency charges. Kates received CAST’s Founder’s Award in 2013.

While working in a legal clinic at Columbia Law School in New York City, the 2011 graduate helped a client gain asylum. “It was one of the most meaningful moments of my career, and five years later, he sent me a photo of himself smiling in front of an American flag at his citizenship ceremony.”

Kates said by successfully prosecuting violent offenders, she has made a difference in the lives of victims and their communities. But she also seeks opportunities for rehabilitation, working with First District Court Judge Nicole Pastore Klein on a program that will educate and train ex-offenders so they can re-enter the work force. “We are confident this program will address a big problem in the criminal justice system.”