Sometimes to Fix a Public Defender System, You have to be Willing to Let it Fail w/James McDermott and Paul Chambers

Feb 20

Today, Hunter is once again joined by James McDermott and Paul Chambers from the Far West Texas Regional Public Defender Office. This time, James and Paul are discussing how they utilized the new National Workload study to double their attorney staff. While the use of data was extremely important into winning over county commissioners, James’ and Paul’s willingness to let the system fail proved to be the catalyst in securing more funding.

Guests:

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

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

Resources:

National Workload Study

https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA2559-1.html

Far West Texas Regional Public Defender

https://far-west-texas-regional-public-defender.business.site/

Contact Hunter Parnell:

Publicdefenseless@gmail.com

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