Unsung Heroes 2022: Kelly Locher

in February 2021, Locher took on the representation of an adult victim of online sexual exploitation. When Locher’s client (referred to by the pseudonym “Jane”) was 10 years old, Jane was sexually abused by a near-stranger who documented the abuse through photographs and videos. In 2020, Jane learned that these child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) were accessible on the internet and would be widely available—indefinitely—for all to access. Jane was in her late 50s at this time. Jane also did not know that her child pornography series would become one of the oldest—and most widely traded—series on the internet today.

Locher represents Jane in a nationwide effort to collect criminal restitution from more than 250 defendants who have accessed Jane’s images. Kelly tracks all active prosecutions, researches applicable federal and state laws, develops expert testimony, briefs the client’s case for damages, appears in court at restitution hearings, negotiates restitution with opposing counsel, and handles matters relating to asset forfeiture and award collectability. She also provides trauma-informed representation to Jane, whose victimization is distinct in scope and impact from other types of personal injuries. Together, Locher and Jane have achieved significant financial success for Jane, who has also strengthened her personal support network by opening up to her family about her history of abuse.