236 | Molly Gilbert and Jason Schwarz: How Washington is Implementing Public Defender Workload Standards

Public Defenseless

May 16, 2024•1 hr 18 min

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Episode description

Today, Hunter is joined by Molly Gilbert and Jason Schwarz to discuss the plan to implement Public Defender workload standards across the state of Washington. Despite not being a centralized Public Defender system, the Public Defenders of Washington, spurred by the State Supreme Court, figured out how to work with the state bar to get workload standards. As they sit on the verge of getting enforceable standards approved by the State Supreme Court, Hunter, Molly, and Jason explore how these workload standards came to be and what other states can learn from this process.

Guests:

Molly Gilbert, Investigator and Union President, Department of Public Defense, King County Washington

Jason Schwarz, Director, Snohomish County, Washington

Resources:

News Coverage of New Workload Standards

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/washington-bar-approves-much-lower-caseloads-for-public-defenders/

https://www.king5.com/article/news/state/plan-ease-caseloads-public-defenders-bankrupt-some-counties/281-b67dcd4b-fe19-4608-ade5-4c297f29e0b4

https://www.wsba.org/connect-serve/committees-boards-other-groups/council-public-defense

Publicola- New Caseload Standards Aim to Improve Ailing Public Defense System, But Could Take a Bite Out of County Budget

Email Jason

Jason.Schwarz@co.snohomish.wa.us

Email Molly