Public Defender Spotlight

April 25, 2025 – Our Public Defender Spotlights shout out and celebrate the achievements of individual members of the PDAP community, whether past or recent. If you’d like to nominate a fellow Public Defender (attorney, social service advocate, investigator, mitigator, or support staff member) for a feature, reach out to Anna@PAPublicDefenders.com.

The job of a Public Defender is simultaneously full of rewards and challenges. Many recognize the impact of their work and find a real purpose in connecting with their clients, helping them rebuild their lives when the odds are often stacked against them. Despite that, overwhelming caseloads and lack of client resources can make it difficult for Public Defenders (PDs) to feel like they can make a difference. 

According to an opinion piece published in City & State PA in February, written by Blair County First Assistant Public Defender Julia Burke, “[w]ithout proper funding for public defenders or the programs and services that support their work, it can be nearly impossible for public defenders to serve their clients effectively.” On the flip side, the article says that providing more funding can benefit not only PDs and their clients, but larger communities. 

“This is a conversation I love to have because there’s aspects to this work that I think a lot of people just don’t think about… even [judges, DAs, etc.] just don’t realize the additional factors we need to consider,” said Julia. “I always say I’m 90% social worker, 10% lawyer.”

In an interview with PDAP, Julia discussed how her personal experience drove her to write this piece, titled “Investing in public defenders is essential for justice to be served.” She also spoke about some benefits of increased funding for public defense, such as better access to social services for clients, reduced taxpayer dollars, and a positive effect on client families and communities.

When clients lack access to resources like transportation, housing, or substance use treatment, they are more likely to end up with new charges even after they’ve been released. This increases Public Defender caseloads, making it harder for them to give each case the attention it deserves. It also results in wrongful convictions, which cost taxpayers more money. On the other hand, setting a client up for success by providing these necessary resources reduces their risk of recidivism and better helps them reintegrate into society.

“There’s an opportunity cost as well, because if somebody is set up for success, they can contribute back to their community,” Julia said.

Though Pennsylvania still has a long way to go when it comes to indigent defense funding, there is always hope for progress. Once Julia’s article was published, she got a positive response. The first two people who reached out to express support for her message were district attorneys from her county. This strengthened her belief that mutual empathy for the struggles faced by Public Defenders and their clients can lead to change, even if it’s not overnight.

“I’m not asking prominent people in the community to have to figure this out. Don’t worry about it,” she said. “Just give us the support that we need to be able to do it for you, because it is better for everybody if we do.”

You can watch our full interview with Julia Burke below, and read her full opinion piece here.