r/publicdefenders

I'm a new PD. I've been at my office a few months. I chose to be a PD primarily because it allows me to help people get their lives on track at vulnerable moments. The intersection of social work and law was the sole reason I chose to become a PD. And I make that clear in my interviews -- that that's the part I look forward to the most.

Lately, though, I'm starting to feel like this isn't the right job for me. I worry that my office just wanted SOMEONE so they picked me. Because whenever I look into something social work-y, my supervisor and the other senior- most attorney just tell me all the reasons it won't go well. They'll tell me that a lot of clients don't do well at treatment or tell me "there's nothing you can do" about certain social work related issues.

It's getting to the point that I really can't tell if I'm even doing the job I was hired to do anymore.

Clients give me nice compliments. They say I'm bad ass. They say they can tell I really care. One even said he told a friend about me and is hoping I get his friend's case because he believes I'd be able to help his friend. And all of this just because I try to get them connected with treatment and keep them updated on the process. Which only stems from the fact that its what I'd want if i was them. I wouldn't want someone who is JUST focused on the case.

But when my supervisors don't seem to value those efforts, it feels like I'm literally doing the wrong job. I also focus my time on researching and writing and preparing arguments and viewing discovery when necessary. But idk I just feel discouraged. Like I'm focused on the wrong thing? But it's just like why hire me if the very thing I said I want the job for was something I shouldn't be prioritizing?

Also, I'm starting to get the feeling that my office is very into taking pleas. In law school, I had professors who very obviously against that. And I admired it so I decided I didn't want to be the lawyer that's quick to push someone to plead. But it just seems to be the solution the other PDs in my office jump to. I'm so lost.

This bothers me every day. I'm getting tired. If not this then idk what I'm supposed to be doing. I'm too adversarial to be a social worker lol

Edit: After reading responses, I've come to the conclusion that I definitely dont want to be a public defender anymore. Does anyone know of any areas of law for people who kind of struggle with having this kind of personality? Or these issues? Or if you've known someone who quit being a PD for similar reasons, where did they go instead? Thanks to all who have helped!! 🩷

Hi, I posted a few times in this sub before. I ended up as a judicial clerk on the civil side but a close friend asked that I post this to see what you guys thought:

Hello, I’m a 3L who has been lucky enough to receive offers from the Colorado State Public Defenders and the New Hampshire State Public Defenders. I have heard great things about both of their development, and New Hampshire has a more extensive training program on paper, but the consensus on this page and from the people I’ve talked to seems to be that Colorado is one of the best at growing PDs. I am looking for any insight anybody can give on the differences between these two programs, or even just on what makes Colorado such a force.

It would be easier logistically for me to go to New Hampshire, so I’m essentially just trying to figure out if I would be doing a disservice to my career if I did not take the Colorado offer. For reference, I want to stay in the PD or public interest world, maybe working in a more underserved community once I get training, or even switching to death penalty work.

Wondering if ppl have had any non traditional routes to AFPD roles. Or any substantial criminal defense experience that doesn't require the PD route.

Currently working my first job out of law school in Civil Legal Aid, and love my job. Work life balance is by far the #1 reason, and I still get to help indigent clients and "fight the system" in unique ways.

But my long term career goal is AFPD/ federal criminal defense work.

I've thought about starting my own practice (still an option) to gain experience first. My overall concern is that I just can't imagine going from my flexible WFH calendar and current work life balance I have now, to a PD's schedule with crazy hours and a huge caseload for years before building a resume to apply to the feds (which ik can vary by office, but the concern is there).

I'm looking at Research and Writing roles, but it seems like not every office has that role. For example, the Federal PD office I interned with in law school no longer has the position.

Looking to spark my creativity as I evaluate my career options as an attorney :)

I’ve been practicing far too long to be as confused as I am as often as I am. Generally speaking, am I the only one walking around feeling like I don’t know wtf I’m doing? How have you filled in the gaps?

I am a 3L graduating in May. I’ve thankfully done well in school - currently ranked 3rd in my class. The entire reason I went to law school was to become a PD.

I was wondering when the appropriate time to start applying to jobs is. I have found mixed reports, mostly saying that it’s office dependent. I live in Metro Atlanta and would be looking at offices in the Atlanta/North GA area, as well as offices in Middle TN around Nashville.

Is it appropriate to start applying and job hunting now, or should I wait until grades from this semester are out (i.e. early next year).

I fear both applying too early and getting a rejection which may affect an application in a few months, and applying too late to secure a job with the rash of graduates.

TIA!

Curious how other PD offices handle attorney advancement and promotion criteria. Our office has always put a lot of weight on trial numbers, like hitting specific thresholds of misdo/felony trials, prelims, etc., and lately there's been a lot of internal conversation about whether that's really the best way to assess attorney development and readiness for promotion.

My concern is that when numbers are the only visible metric and way to increase one’s salary, it can quietly motivate people to take cases to trial that probably should have resolved, or away from spending time on motions, client communication, or negotiating good outcomes. It also kind of ignores how some really talented attorneys contribute in ways that don't show up in trial counts at all, like mental health diversion work or appeals. And ironically, it can also push out the attorneys who are genuinely dedicated trial lawyers by creating a culture where the pressure and expectations around numbers become unsustainable. We're seeing it affect retention.

Obviously trial experience matters. Doing less serious trials is how you get ready for a homicide or bad sex case. But there has to be a more well-rounded way to assess attorneys that also looks at quality of advocacy, client relationships, motion practice, and how cases actually resolve. Would love to hear if offices are measuring attorney growth differently and what that looks like day to day.

I have ~150 cases and I feel like most of my time is spent trying to figure out what im supposed to be doing instead of doing what im supposed to be doing.

I feel like every day im going at a snails pace while somehow I get everything I think needs to be done done before 5pm.

Im really scared that every day im not doing things I should be and im about to start drowning because of it.

I went to law school to do this. I passed the bar, and I have no reason to think that I am uniquely bad at this job compared to my coworkers. But at the same time every day I feel like an idiot because im not feeling the stress and overwhelming dread that I was told would be part of this job especially with 150 misd cases.

Could use some encouragement that what im feeling is normal and ill he okay.

Thanks in advance.

I'm a 3L who is passionate about public defense. My partner and I have a lot of family in Colorado and are interested in moving there post-grad. I do not want to live in the Denver metro area and would actually prefer a more rural placement.

I plan to take the bar in February 2028 and will not be able to start working until March 2028. I'm having a baby next year and intend to take some time off.

Should I apply to positions now and request a delayed start date if I get hired? Or should I apply for positions next year? Is it possible to start working as a junior PD after the February bar exam (as opposed to the July exam?

Any insight from current or former Colorado PDs is appreciated! Thank you!

Hey need some advice

How difficult is it to lateral to a major city pd office from a rural office? Does the particular rural office matter? Is there anything I can plan to do while at a rural office to make the lateral more likely (like getting moved up to felonies or getting published, etc)

I am having difficulty answering this online and I dont want to ask my PD network and communicate a lack of commitment to their rural offices or make it seem like I am planning on leaving from the jump

I am about to graduate (December) and have a ton of interviews for PD offices all over

I would like to be Mid-Atlantic in NY, Philly, or DC but I know I may not get an offer there.

I also genuinely have reasons to go for some rural offices because of connections to the area and I may want to live my life there

But I cant help but think of a worst case scenario where I dont like it in a rural place or I miss the cities too much

If I desperately want to come to NYC, DC, or Philly after 2 years in a rural office, can I ? Or will it be like I’m in the little league and they wont consider me seriously

also would the office matter? New Mexico vs Oregon vs New Hampshire- would Brooklyn Defenders care for one more than another?

I would love somebody’s advice!