Linda Witong Abrahm
2024
Linda Witong Abrahm is a distinguished and accomplished professional, bringing to the table a wealth of experience and a commitment to justice, human rights, and the protection of women and girls. With a career spanning over three decades, Linda has proven herself as a tenacious, creative, and ethical advocacy specialist. Her dedication to enforcing the law with objectivity and fairness is evident in her role as a retired prosecutor, where she litigated hundreds of criminal cases and served as the Felony Expediter from 1991-2011. Linda continues to make a lasting impact through her volunteer services, including her role as the creator and coordinator of the CATCH Team, investigating unresolved homicide cases in Marin County.
Linda’s passion for global advocacy is underscored by her extensive involvement with the United Nations. Currently serving as a Board Member for the Alliance of NGOs on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Vienna, Linda has contributed significantly to the cause of victims’ rights. She is most recently involved in educating the public regarding acts of torture with impunity by non-state actors, and the impact of the climate crisis on human trafficking, gender related violence, and early and forced child marriage. Her role as a Research Consultant for the UN Commission on Women in New York and Soroptimist International reflects her commitment to advancing numerous rights of women and girls on a global scale.
A seasoned leader, Linda has held positions such as President, Delegate, and Board Member throughout her tenure with various organizations. Notably, she has been actively engaged as an NGO delegate in the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, where she has served as a research consultant in topics including the COVID pandemic; armed conflict; and the education, health, economic, social, cultural, or political rights of women. Throughout her years as an NGO Delegate to New York and Vienna, she has also spoken as a panelist or been a moderator on issues such as gender-related violence including femicide, education, climate change, human trafficking, early and forced child marriage, migration, and cybersecurity.
Linda’s expertise extends to program development, community relations, and criminal justice locally. As the Program Chair and Coordinator for the “What is Human Trafficking?” Day Forum in Marin County, she demonstrated her ability to organize impactful events. Her contributions as a Program Moderator at the Founder Region Conference and the creation of panels ranging from human trafficking, how poverty affects women or girls, the challenges of women and girls as caretakers for different generations simultaneously, to the effects of climate change, including water insecurity, further showcase her leadership and problem-solving skills.
In addition to her legal career, Linda has been a dedicated member of various boards, including Soroptimist International of Novato and Marin County, the Corinthian Yacht Club, and the Marin Humane Society.
Linda’s educational journey is a testament to her commitment to excellence and continuous growth in the field of law. She holds a Juris Doctorate from Golden Gate Law School, where she honed her legal skills and developed a solid foundation for her future endeavors including working as a law clerk preparing legal briefs including for the 9th circuit Court of Appeal for the U.S. Attorney’s office in San Francisco. Complementing this, Linda earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology from the esteemed University of California, Berkeley, showcasing her dedication to understanding the intricacies of criminal behavior and the broader implications within the realm of criminology.
As an active member of professional organizations such as the California Homicide Investigators and the California District Attorneys Association, Linda has consistently pursued continuing education. This proactive approach demonstrates her commitment to staying at the forefront of legal advancements and evolving practices within the criminal justice system. By staying abreast of the latest developments in her field, Linda ensures that her expertise remains cutting-edge and relevant, enabling her to navigate the complexities of the legal landscape effectively.
Furthermore, Linda’s commitment to knowledge dissemination is evident in her role as a visiting Instructor at Hastings School of Law Continuing Education. In this capacity, she played a role in instructing attorneys across the United States on the intricacies of litigating criminal cases. This teaching experience not only underscores Linda’s mastery of legal nuances but also highlights her dedication to contributing to the professional development of her peers.
Linda’s educational and instructional endeavors underscore her unwavering commitment to personal and professional development, positioning her as a dynamic and informed leader within the legal community. Her educational background and instructional roles serve as additional layers to the multifaceted professional portrait that defines Linda’s illustrious career.
A sought-after speaker, Linda has shared her expertise with numerous law enforcement organizations and business groups. Her commitment to community service is highlighted by her volunteer work with Soroptimist International of Novato and Soroptimist International of Marin where she supported women and girls locally.
Linda’s professional journey is distinguished by a series of prestigious awards and commendations, underscoring her exemplary contributions and commitment to excellence throughout her career. In 1996, she received the esteemed Outstanding Prosecutor of Marin County Award, a recognition of her exceptional legal proficiency and unwavering dedication to the principles of justice within her community. In 2003, the Marin County District Attorney’s Office conferred upon her the Excellence in Service Award, a testament to her outstanding contributions and commitment to public service within the legal profession.
In 2013, Linda’s enduring dedication to the pursuit of justice garnered further acknowledgment through an award specifically commending her efforts in the prosecution of cold case homicides in Marin County. This accolade not only attests to her legal acumen, but also highlights her commitment to resolving longstanding cases and delivering closure to those impacted.
Beyond the courtroom, Linda’s influence extends into the arena of advocacy, particularly in matters pertaining to women’s rights and leadership. In 2019, she received a Certificate of Appreciation from Soroptimist International President Mariet Verhoef-Cohen, recognizing her significant contributions in the areas of Women, Water, and Leadership. This acknowledgment underscores Linda’s commitment to addressing pressing global issues and advocating for the empowerment of women across diverse domains.
Most recently, in 2022, Soroptimist International of Novato bestowed upon Linda the Women of Vision Award, a prestigious accolade celebrating her enduring commitment to effecting positive change in the lives of women and girls. Linda has also been appointed as an SI Advocacy Consultant by five Presidents of Soroptimist International, representing a global scope. Soroptimist International is a global volunteer movement with a network of around 66,000 women in 120 countries which operates globally with diverse regions across the world. These recognitions encapsulate her multifaceted contributions, from her legal prowess to her advocacy efforts, demonstrating the breadth and depth of her impact on both local and international stages.
Linda’s distinguished and accomplished professional journey is interwoven with the compelling narrative of her family’s immigration experience, echoing a profound respect for justice, freedom, and human rights. As a first-generation arrival to the United States, Linda shares a parallel story that resonates with the spirit of resilience and determination evident in her own pursuits. Her parents, proud Americans, embarked on a transformative journey fleeing the oppression in Estonia during Stalin’s regime. In a quest for freedom and a better life, Linda’s father, compelled by the injustices witnessed firsthand, joined the US Navy, ultimately achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander. The urgency of her father’s departure was palpable when he was given a mere 24 hours to leave his family during a visit to Estonia, never to reunite with them again. Linda’s grandmother, facing the harsh realities of separation, sold her remaining silver to fund her mother’s passage to the US, holding onto the hope that it would grant her mother the human rights they dreamed of. This personal history serves as a poignant backdrop, emphasizing the deep-seated values that drive individuals like Linda and her family to advocate for justice, human rights, and a better future for all.
In summary, Linda’s professional journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of justice, advocacy for human rights, and unwavering dedication to the causes she believes in. Her leadership, integrity, and passion make her a standout figure in the legal and advocacy communities, both locally and globally.
