Fighting for the innocent takes persistence, empathy, and a deep belief in fairness. These are the qualities that define Matthew A. Jacober’s career both in and beyond the courtroom. A partner at Lathrop GPM and Chair of the firm’s Pro Bono Committee, Matt has built a respected career as a litigator, guiding clients through complex disputes and advocating for systemic reform.

His partnership with MIP has included work on landmark cases like Lamar Johnson’s exoneration, nearly 30 years after a wrongful conviction, and Faye Jacobs’ fight for justice after her release, as well as the Marcellus “Khalifa” Williams case, which underscores both the weight of loss and the unwavering commitment required to pursue justice even in the hardest cases.

As Board President, Matt helps steer MIP’s mission to free the innocent and strengthen the systems that failed them. In this month’s Dispatch, he shares what keeps him grounded in this work and how each of us, in our own ways, can help build a more just and compassionate system.