Caseload relief and quality improvement are intrinsically connected. When attorney caseloads are reduced to a manageable number, attorneys can spend more time on cases, attend more trainings to hone their craft, and can have more frequent and fulfilling conversations with clients. When attorneys have access to resources necessary for effective representation such as investigators, social workers, mitigation specialists, experts, and interpreters, they can thoroughly advocate on behalf of each client. Finally, when attorneys have appropriate supervision, mentoring, and other supports, they can rely on these supports to ensure quality representation.
Paragraph IV (B)(1) of the Settlement required ILS, “in consultation with the Executive, OCA, the Five Counties, and any other persons or entities ILS deems appropriate,” to determine the appropriate numerical caseload/workload standards for each provider of mandated representation in each County, for representation in both trial and appellate-level cases. To do so, ILS contracted with the RAND Corporation to conduct a caseload study in the five counties and consulted with counties, public defense providers, and other stakeholders. In December 2016, ILS established caseload standards for seven categories of cases as detailed in this chart. These standards make sure public defense attorneys have the time and resources needed to represent each of their clients competently and in compliance with established ethical and professional principles.
Paragraph V(A) of the Settlement addresses the five key areas of quality improvement, including effective supervision and training, having access to and appropriately utilizing investigators, interpreters, and expert witnesses, effective communication with clients (including in-person meetings and confidential meeting space), having the necessary qualifications and experience to handle criminal cases, and in the case of assigned counsel attorneys, assigning cases consistent with their level of experience and caseload/workload. Hurrell-Harring providers continue to develop their quality initiatives and much progress has been made in this area, as seen in the update quality improvement reports below.
Quality Improvement Plan, Updated November 2016
Final Quality Improvement Plan, November 2015
Paragraph IV (B)(1) of the Settlement required ILS, “in consultation with the Executive, OCA, the Five Counties, and any other persons or entities ILS deems appropriate,” to determine the appropriate numerical caseload/workload standards for each provider of mandated representation in each County, for representation in both trial and appellate-level cases. To do so, ILS contracted with the RAND Corporation to conduct a caseload study in the five counties and consulted with counties, public defense providers, and other stakeholders. In December 2016, ILS established caseload standards for seven categories of cases as detailed in this chart. These standards make sure public defense attorneys have the time and resources needed to represent each of their clients competently and in compliance with established ethical and professional principles.
Paragraph V(A) of the Settlement addresses the five key areas of quality improvement, including effective supervision and training, having access to and appropriately utilizing investigators, interpreters, and expert witnesses, effective communication with clients (including in-person meetings and confidential meeting space), having the necessary qualifications and experience to handle criminal cases, and in the case of assigned counsel attorneys, assigning cases consistent with their level of experience and caseload/workload. Hurrell-Harring providers continue to develop their quality initiatives and much progress has been made in this area, as seen in the update quality improvement reports below.
Caseload Relief
Final Caseload Standards Report, December 2016Quality Improvement
Quality Improvement Plan, Updated October 2017Quality Improvement Plan, Updated November 2016
Final Quality Improvement Plan, November 2015