VIRTUAL EVENT - For Life: Behind the Scenes with the Creator of the Hit Show
JOIN ISAAC WRIGHT JR. Live AS HE SHARES BEHIND THE SCENES STORIES FROM THE SET OF ‘FOR LIFE’.
- BTS with Isaac Wright Jr.
- Stories and advice for wrongfully convicted
- Town Hall - VIPs access private digital experience
Join us on July 6th 5pm PST/8pm EST
Live Streaming Event
"I don't care what they say. I am not a number. I am a man, and I cannot let them forget that." -Nicholas Pinnock as Isaac Wright Jr.
About For Life
“For Life” is a compelling legal drama inspired by the real-life story of Isaac Wright Jr. The series centers around Aaron Wallace, a character portrayed by Nicholas Pinnock, who is wrongfully convicted and sentenced to life in prison for drug trafficking.
Aaron, a club owner who had previously stayed on the right side of the law, finds himself caught up in a complex drug bust that results in him being wrongfully convicted due to a mandatory minimum sentencing law. Once incarcerated, he becomes a licensed lawyer while still in prison and begins to work as a legal representative for other inmates, all while fighting his own case.
The show delves deep into the legal aspects of Aaron’s battle for justice. It showcases how he uses his newfound knowledge of the law to challenge his conviction, citing procedural errors and misconduct. In doing so, Aaron exposes the systemic flaws and corruption in the judicial system that led to his wrongful conviction.
Aaron also works tirelessly on behalf of his fellow inmates, taking their cases and fighting against injustices within the prison system. The show portrays the inner workings of the legal system, the challenges of litigating from behind bars, and the intricacies of court procedures and policies.
Moreover, ‘For Life’ examines the impacts of legal issues on personal relationships, particularly Aaron’s relationship with his wife and daughter, and his interactions with the progressive prison warden, Safiya Masry.
Overall, ‘For Life’ is a gripping exploration of the law and the pursuit of justice against seemingly insurmountable odds; offering a critical examination of the criminal justice system in the process.
Winner of the TV Best Drama series, African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) 2020
About Isaac Wright Jr.
Isaac Wright Jr. is a prominent legal figure whose life story served as inspiration for the television series ‘For Life.’ Born and raised in the United States, Wright’s journey into law was unconventional, driven by a deeply personal experience of injustice.
In 1989, Wright was wrongfully convicted on charges related to drug trafficking, due to a series of misconducts by police and the prosecution. He was sentenced to life in prison under New Jersey’s then newly implemented Drug Kingpin Law.
While incarcerated, Wright began to study law and worked as a proxy-lawyer, assisting other inmates in their cases. He also exposed the misconduct of the police and the prosecutor involved in his case, which eventually led to the prosecutor’s own arrest and a life sentence.
In 1996, after several years in prison, Wright managed to overturn his own conviction in a pro se representation (representing oneself), by challenging the legitimacy of the charges against him and the legal proceedings of his trial. His release marked a significant victory against a flawed justice system.
After his exoneration, Wright pursued a career in law to help others who were wrongfully convicted. He attended Saint Thomas University School of Law and graduated with a Juris Doctor degree in 2002. However, due to his criminal record, he initially faced challenges in being admitted to the bar. It took several more years of legal battles before he was finally admitted to the New Jersey Bar in 2008.
Since then, Wright has been actively practicing law, specializing in criminal law. His life story of resilience and justice served as the inspiration for the ABC legal drama series “For Life,” where the lead character, Aaron Wallace (played by Nicholas Pinnock), is based on Wright.
About LAEC
The Legal Advocacy and Education Commission (LAEC) is a non-profit organization committed to ensuring equal justice for all, regardless of socio-economic status or background. Founded on the principles of fairness, integrity, and transparency, we strive to create a legal landscape that is accessible, understandable, and equitable.
Our mission is to empower individuals and communities through legal education, advocacy, and resources. We believe that a clear understanding of the law can enable individuals to better navigate the legal system, protect their rights, and actively participate in our democracy.