People
Shana O'Toole
Jonathan Blanks
Jonathan Blanks
FOUNDER + PRESIDENT
Prior to founding Clause 40 Foundation and its sister organization, Due Process Institute, Shana O'Toole served for nearly a decade as a Policy Director for the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) where she led many of their criminal reform strategies + strategic partnerships with other organizations.
In addition to leading Clause 40 Foundation + DPI, Shana frequently serves as a consultant to other criminal justice partners on a wide variety of research, writing, and reform efforts.
Prior to moving to D.C., Shana practiced for many years as a criminal defense lawyer + served as pro bono counsel for political refugees seeking asylum. She also enjoyed a previous career of writer + adjunct professor.
When she’s not fighting on behalf of fundamental fairness, Shana enjoys snowboarding, watching the Washington Nationals play baseball, hiking with her French bulldogs, and listening to live music (particularly in New Orleans).
Favorite Fun Fact: George Washington established the nation's largest whisky distillery + Thomas Jefferson brewed his own beer. But Abraham Lincoln was the only President to work as a licensed bartender.
Follow Shana on Twitter @ShanaOtoole
Jonathan Blanks
Jonathan Blanks
Jonathan Blanks
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
For more than 12 years, Jonathan Blanks was a researcher + writer at the Cato Institute, where he focused on criminal law, policing policy, and civil liberties. In late 2019, he left the think tank world to pursue independent writing projects + other ventures outside of the strictly libertarian mold.
Jonathan is thrilled to work with Clause 40 Foundation to explore the ways the due process principles of Magna Carta can inform + protect individual rights today.
Before coming to D.C., Jonathan worked full-time as a bartender to put himself through Indiana University-Bloomington, where he earned a B.A. in political science with minors in history + African-American studies. He was persuaded to forgo law school but is nevertheless mistaken for a lawyer at dinner parties + on the Internet.
Jonathan lives with his better half--an immigration journalist + podcaster--and their adorable grey tabby. In his spare time, Jonathan watches entirely too many sporting events (MLB, professional + college football + basketball, open-wheel auto racing, Premier League soccer). He also plays poker + absurdly complicated board games when given the opportunity.
Favorite Fun Fact: Cleopatra’s reign is still far closer in time to present day than it is to the building of the Great Pyramid of Giza.
Follow Jonathan on Twitter @BlanksSlate.
Alumni
Carolyn Iodice
Carolyn Iodice served as Clause 40 Foundation's first Senior Counsel. Carolyn received her J.D. from the New York University School of Law and her B.A. in English and Secondary Education from Cabrini University.
Carolyn also worked as Representative Justin Amash's legislative director until his retirement from Congress in 2021. As part of her role, Carolyn was responsible for the office's policy work on civil liberties and national security surveillance.