Federal public defender brings insights to AP Government students

By Ian Dinkins, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications

At a recent lunch and learn hosted by AP Government Teacher Cam Parsons, students at University School of Nashville got a rare look into the federal justice system through the eyes of Federal Public Defender Will Allensworth. The informal lunchtime visit turned into a deep dive into the intricacies of criminal defense, immigration law, and the constitutional amendments students are currently studying.

Allensworth, who represents clients in federal court, spoke candidly about the realities of the legal system, highlighting how plea negotiations are far more common than the dramatic courtroom trials often portrayed in the media.

“Most of our work never sees the inside of a courtroom,” he explained. “Negotiating pleas, educating judges and prosecutors, and making sure the rights of our clients are upheld is the bulk of the job.”

Binyam Dunne ’26 said he was excited to jump back into lunch and learns this school year.

“I’ve always enjoyed going to the AP Gov. lunch and learns,” Dunne said. “Mr. Parsons always chooses amazing speakers, and I knew that it would be a great way to hear from an expert on a topic that I haven’t had the opportunity to learn about yet.”

Students listened intently as Allensworth broke down the distinctions between working at the federal and state levels, noting that federal cases often involve more complex legal issues, higher stakes, and broader implications.

The visit was especially timely for students in Parsons’ AP Government class, who are studying the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments — those dealing with search and seizure, due process, and the right to counsel. Allensworth’s insights offered students a living example of how those constitutional protections function in real-world scenarios.

“Students heard from Allensworth about so many things, like the fight for due process and some of his noteworthy cases,” said Parsons.

One case in particular resonated with the students. 

Allensworth recounted his involvement in the defense of Kilmar Abrego, an immigration case that unexpectedly landed on his desk simply because it was his turn to take new cases in the office that day. What began as a routine assignment quickly escalated, garnering national media attention and shedding light on the gray areas in U.S. immigration enforcement.