115: Is There a Better Way to Provide Public Defense w/James McDermott and Paul Chambers

Today, Hunter spoke with James McDermott and Paul Chambers, two Public Defenders from the Far West Texas Office, to discuss their vision for a better model for Public Defense Delivery. According to the ABA and basically every Public Defender organization, vertical representation is what all offices should strive for. Under this model, attorneys handle every aspect of the case from first appearance to disposition, but is this really the best model available? In their office, James and Paul have moved towards something they refer to as “ensemble representation”. With more of a flat power dynamic, their model deemphasizes the role of the attorney in an effort to truly put the client at the center of the representation.

Guest:

James McDermott, Chief Public Defender, Far West Texas Public Defense

Paul Chambers, Deputy Chief Public Defender, Far West Texas Public Defense

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