Brennan Center for Justice

Traditionally public defenders have viewed their role as focusing exclusively on the legal issues a client faces. But many defenders do much more. They recommend clients for jobs, attempt to help their clients’ family members get help, and try to change laws and policies that hurt their clients. More and more defenders are beginning to focus on these aspects of their work – what they do outside the four corners of a complaint or indictment – to represent clients and entire communities, and improve peoples’ lives.

Robin Steinberg and David Feige, veteran public defenders, summed up the transformation this way: “Nationwide public defenders are beginning to reassess the most fundamental questions of what it means to provide effective representation for clients. Frustrated by the limitations traditionally imposed by government funders who seek to satisfy minimal constitutional requirements, public defenders are asking themselves if there is more they can do for the clients and communities they represent.” In short – defenders are reinventing the culture in their agencies and throughout the field.

• The Public Defender's Role in Meeting Client Mental Health Needs
• Papers from the Executive Session on Public Defense
• Reaching Through the Prison Walls: Social Work in an Appellate Defender Office
• Knoxville Public Defender's Office Concept Paper
• Knoxville Public Defender's Office Organizational Strategies