Kellie Mannette

Kellie Mannette has consistently championed the rights of the accused throughout her legal career. During her time at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she served as co-president of the Innocence Project. Her commitment to justice was further demonstrated through her internship at the North Carolina Center on Actual Innocence, where she investigated post-conviction innocence claims.

Ms. Mannette also gained valuable experience interning at the Wake County Public Defender’s Office, where she assisted in representing indigent clients in district court. Her dedication to juvenile justice was evident as she defended juveniles in delinquency proceedings through the Juvenile Justice Clinic.

Upon graduating from law school, Ms. Mannette joined the Fair Trial Initiative as an Obsorn Fellow. In this role, she contributed to the defense of individuals facing the death penalty, participating in two first-degree murder trials and helping to achieve favorable outcomes in several capital cases. Additionally, she represented clients in district and juvenile courts in Durham County.