Jessica Willis serves as Special Counsel to the Director for Forensic Science at the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia. In this leadership role, she oversees PDS’s interdisciplinary forensic practice and works to ensure that attorneys across the agency are equipped to meet the evolving challenges posed by emerging and increasingly complex forensic evidence. Her work focuses on strengthening institutional expertise in forensic science through strategic litigation, intensive attorney training, collaborative case consultation, and the development of sustainable practice models that integrate scientific literacy into every stage of criminal defense advocacy.

Jessica leads the agency’s efforts on complex forensic litigation, including high-impact Daubert challenges involving DNA analysis, firearms and toolmark evidence, and probabilistic genotyping software. Under her leadership, PDS has continued to expand its nationally recognized forensic practice, developing innovative approaches to litigation, investigation, and expert consultation that have improved outcomes for clients and influenced courtroom practice more broadly. She works closely with trial attorneys handling serious felony matters to build sophisticated, evidence-based defense strategies and to strengthen the agency’s overall trial practice in cases involving forensic evidence.

In addition to her litigation and supervisory responsibilities, Jessica plays a key leadership role in the operational and strategic management of the agency’s forensic practice. She works closely with PDS’s Office of Budget and Finance to oversee expert services resources, manage contracting processes, and anticipate future budgetary and training needs related to rapidly developing forensic disciplines. Her work helps ensure that attorneys have access to the expert consultation, technological resources, and specialized training necessary to provide high-quality representation in increasingly science-driven criminal cases.

Before becoming an attorney, Jessica worked as a Parent Advocate at The Bronx Defenders, where she collaborated with interdisciplinary defense teams to support clients navigating the family court, criminal, and civil legal systems. Jessica earned her J.D., cum laude, from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, where she received awards for academic excellence in Evidence Law and Criminal Justice Policy and was recognized for outstanding trial advocacy. She received her B.A., cum laude, in Latin American Studies from New York University and is fluent in Spanish.