The Bronx Defenders : Who We Are : A Winning Approach

Who We Are (Home) · The Importance of Holistic Advocacy · A Winning Approach · A History of The Bronx Defenders · Staff Biographies · A Letter From Our Director

A Winning Approach

It is our fervent belief that a public defender office fails its clients unless it provides for them outstanding legal, social work and investigative staff. Our teams work together to ensure that each client is defended vigorously, treated compassionately and provided the support services that many so desperately need.

As a result, the Bronx Defenders works in interdisciplinary teams, and always assigns two lawyers to every felony proceeding. No Bronx Defenders client has the experience of sitting at the defense table, unable to consult with their lawyer during a trial. With the co-counseling arrangement, someone is always available to provide an explanation, encouragement or support to the client in the crucible of trial.

The Bronx Defenders has always practiced an integrated team approach. Investigative and social work advocacy is seamlessly integrated into teams. This innovative model enables The Bronx Defenders to foster close relationships between the attorney and non-attorney staff, while demonstrating that each of the positions within the teams are integral components of effective advocacy.

Team leaders coordinate the work load and ensure that the attorneys are using the services that social workers and investigators provide. In our view, social work and investigation are routine parts of the process of representing an indigent defendant -- not extraordinary or heroic measures. As a consequence, the Bronx Defenders has a higher ratio of social workers and investigators per attorney than any other provider. It is precisely because of the team structure that the social workers and investigators at The Bronx Defenders are so well coordinated.

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