From Wrongful Conviction to Champion of Justice: JJ Velazquez to Deliver Keynote at ClioCon 2025

JJ Velazquez joins ClioCon 2025 as a keynote speaker, sharing his extraordinary journey from wrongful conviction to justice reform advocacy and the power of resilience.

Clio today announced that Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez, justice reform advocate, public speaker, and one of the most compelling voices on wrongful convictions, will deliver a keynote at ClioCon 2025, taking place October 16–17 in Boston.

At just 22 years old, Velazquez was wrongfully convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. He spent more than 27 years navigating the harsh realities of the U.S. penal system before being fully exonerated at the Manhattan Supreme Court in 2024. His extraordinary journey, from the walls of Sing Sing to the pursuit of national justice reform, offers a rare firsthand perspective on the human cost of wrongful convictions and the systemic flaws that perpetuate them.

During his incarceration, Velazquez became a certified paralegal, earned two degrees, and mentored countless others while spearheading transformative initiatives such as TEDxSingSing, the CHOICES youth intervention program, and the peer-led arts collective Voices From Within. Known as a “one-man innocence project,” he not only fought for his own freedom but also helped others reclaim theirs. His work has been featured in the Pulitzer Prize finalist podcast Letters from Sing Sing, the A24 film Sing Sing, and the Emmy Award-winning MSNBC docuseries The Sing Sing Chronicles.

Velazquez’s keynote, From Sing Sing to the Supreme Court: Resilience, Reform, and the Power of Gratitude, will take attendees on an intimate journey through the emotional and psychological toll of wrongful conviction, not just on himself but on families and communities. He will share how gratitude became his lifeline, how purpose fueled his advocacy, and how his story can inspire legal professionals to drive meaningful change.

“JJ Velazquez’s story lays bare the deep flaws in our justice system and the devastating human cost of getting it wrong,” said Chris Stock, VP Legal Content and Migrations at Clio. “It is also a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of purpose. His keynote will challenge every attendee to confront hard truths, reimagine what justice can be, building a more just, equitable, and compassionate legal system.”

Velazquez’s work continues today as Program Director for the Frederick Douglass Project for Justice and Executive Director of Voices From Within, where he leads initiatives that connect incarcerated individuals with the public, dismantle stereotypes, and foster empathy-driven reform. His advocacy has influenced policymakers, inspired communities, and sparked national conversations about access to justice.

ClioCon is widely recognized as one of the most influential events in the legal industry, known for challenging convention and spotlighting voices driving systemic change. The 2025 conference will feature a forward-looking agenda with tactical workshops, product innovation sessions, and thought-provoking conversations from leaders shaping the future of law. This year’s keynote lineup includes renowned psychotherapist and bestselling author Esther Perel, global authority on the future of legal services Professor Richard Susskind, and justice reform advocate JJ Velazquez. Together, these voices will offer attendees an unparalleled blend of insight, inspiration, and actionable ideas. Velazquez’s keynote in particular promises to leave participants motivated, informed, and ready to take meaningful steps toward a more just and equitable legal system.

Don’t miss the opportunity to see the legal industry’s brightest minds take the stage. Reserve your spot now at cliocon.com.