is an attorney, former Public Defender, and author whose work is shaped by her lifelong interest in criminal justice and civil rights.

After beginning her legal career in Los Angeles courtrooms, she turned to storytelling as a way to examine the moral complexity behind crime, justice, and systemic inequality.

Her writing blends sharp legal insight with emotionally driven narratives inspired by real-world events and cultural reckoning. Tamara lives in Los Angeles, where she continues to advocate for justice through both law and literature.

TAMARA SHAYNE KAGEL

"The Influencer” was the winner of Best TV Pilot in the Blockbuster Screenwriting Contest, Culver City Film Festival, Florida Script Challenge.  It was also a Quarter Finalist in the Vail Screenplay Contest, Page Turner Screenplays, Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards Diversity XIII, Creative Screenwriting Unique Voices Screenplay Competition and a Semi Finalist in the Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards, The Santa Barbara International Screenplay Awards.  It was a finalist in Final Draft's Big Break Screenwriting Competition and Cinema Royale: Paris Edition.  It was also an official selection at the following: Los Angeles Short Film Awards 2025, UK Film Festival London, Hollywood Best Indie Film Awards, New York Film and Female Actress Award, Best Hollywood Day Short Film Festival, New York Film and Cinematography Awards, Hollywood International Indie Film and Screenplay Awards, Hollywood Stage Script Film Competition, Alpine International Film Festival.

"The Harvest” was a finalist in the American Gem Screenwriting Competition.

Screenwriting Awards and Honors

About

BLOCKBUSTER SCREENWRITING CONTEST

AMERICAN GEM SCREENWRITING COMPETITION

join the movement

The American criminal justice system affects millions of lives yet, much of what happens behind courtroom doors remains unseen. As both an attorney and a writer, I believe storytelling will open conversations about justice, accountability, and where our system can be improved.

If you would like to learn more or support organizations doing meaningful work in this space, I encourage you to join the movement.

explore

This novel was inspired in part by the conversations surrounding justice, inequality, and the human impact of our legal system. If you feel compelled to take action, the organizations below offer meaningful ways to support incarcerated individuals, advocate for reform, and strengthen public defense.

support

gideon's promise

Trains and supports Public Defenders across the country.

some people press

Shares stories centered on justice, incarceration, and social change.

adopt an inmate

Provides support and encouragement to people currently incarcerated.

write a prisoner

Supports connection, education, and rehabilitation for incarcerated individuals.

watch
gideon's army documentary

A powerful look into the lives and challenges of Public Defenders across America

Ear Hustle Podcast

The daily realities of life inside prison shared by those living it, and stories from the outside, post-incarceration.

AUTHOR'S NOTE