My cousin, Carine Williams, a litigation lawyer based in New York, represents people and companies who are under government investigation or prosecution. Her pro bono work has included helping to overturn the convictions of people like Herman Wallace, who spent nearly 42 years in solitary confinement, longer than any other person in the United States, for a crime he didn’t commit. “I enjoy working with folks through what can be a very harrowing ordeal–the criminal legal process,” Williams shares.  Despite her heroic work, Williams remains modest: “There’s no single achievement I’m most proud of, but I am especially honored (and humbled) that my clients trust me, value my judgement, and seek my guidance with mammothly difficult decision-making.”

Click on link below to find out more about this crusader’s most prized fashion items after the jump.

Black Pants

I love clothes that remind me to feel good in the skin I’m already in. This most often involves figure fitting pieces in stretchy–forgiving–fabrics.  I’m also a sucker for any textile that feels rich and smooth to the touch. These pants are perfection.  I can wear them anywhere–as fancy as it gets or as grimey.  They’re completely comfy.  The leather patches along the leg are buttery soft.  Most often I wear them with a black top, which makes me feel both understated and kind of bad ass.

Lela Rose Dress

My most glamorous aunt–who was with me while I was shopping for work clothes–insisted that I buy favorite item #2.  Even though it was on the clearance rack of an outlet store, this Lela Rose dress is still easily the priciest article of clothing I own.  Not only was it inordinately expensive, I had no specific occasion in mind for wearing it.  But my aunt told me, have a dress like this hanging in your closet and the occasion comes to you.  I didn’t quite get it at the time, but went ahead and splurged.  And now I kind of see what she means.  Invest in beauty and joy, and life finds a way to pay you back and then some.  This dress has certainly done that. I’ve worn it now to multiple weddings, and to a gala benefit for a best friend’s non-profit, America Needs You. I was also wearing it the day I met Charles Barkley, whom I’ve adored since I was a little kid!

You’ll definitely catch me wearing it again, I’m sure: this dress fits perfectly, the silk feels amazing against my skin, and that fresh, new spring green makes me smile every time I’m in it.

American Flag Lapel Pin

It’s a ruby, sapphire and diamond American flag lapel pin that use to belong to my grandmother. I am not sure how it came to be in her possession–she emigrated from Haiti to the U.S. at the age of 60. But I wear it every time I have a big argument in the federal court of appeals.

When I pin it on, invariably in a hotel room before heading off to court, I think of her and of how she always encouraged me to pursue academic and professional success. Between her, my mom and dad, and my sister, I grew up in a home of incredible cheerleaders. I also enjoy wearing it because I like to remind the government attorneys at opposing counsel table that, when I work to hold them to our nation’s constitutional fair trial standards, I’m also a patriot.