115: Is There a Better Way to Provide Public Defense w/James McDermott and Paul Chambers

Today, Hunter spoke with James McDermott and Paul Chambers, two Public Defenders from the Far West Texas Office, to discuss their vision for a better model for Public Defense Delivery. According to the ABA and basically every Public Defender organization, vertical representation is what all offices should strive for. Under this model, attorneys handle every aspect of the case from first appearance to disposition, but is this really the best model available? In their office, James and Paul have moved towards something they refer to as "ensemble representation". With more of a flat power dynamic, their model deemphasizes the role of the attorney in an effort to truly put the client at the center of the representation. Guest: James McDermott, Chief Public Defender, Far West Texas Public Defense Paul Chambers, Deputy Chief Public Defender, Far West Texas Public Defense Contact Hunter Parnell: [email protected] Instagram @PublicDefenselessPodcast Twitter @PDefenselessPod www.publicdefenseless.com

NOW PLAYING

0:00 1:08:10

1×

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

Bringing it all together.

Mar 31, 2026 ·54m

Why is the vendor role so contentious in the cyber ecosystem?

Mar 27, 2026 ·14m

But what do you really want?

Mar 24, 2026 ·42m

Strategic approaches to talent: A practical guide.

Mar 20, 2026 ·42m

Mid season reflection with Kim Jones.

Mar 17, 2026 ·41m

Is the role of the CISO adding to the confusion?

Mar 13, 2026 ·44m

Similar Podcasts

CISO Perspectives (public) N2K Networks This season on CISO Perspectives, host Kim Jones explores some of the challenges of leading through uncertainty. We explore the complexity of the changing nature of regulation and working with the federal government, the evolution of privacy and fraud, and how emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing are changing cyber. When you don’t know what questions to ask, you’re afraid to ask, or don’t know who to ask, CISO Perspectives provides the foundation for learning in this brave new world. PMA: Sculpture Garden - Art Tours Philadelphia Museum of Art The Sculpture,Garden presents a superb and versatile outdoor setting for the appreciation of art, offering a lively experience of sculpture for both the casual passerby and devoted art lovers. Gracefully integrated into the existing landscape, the Sculpture,Garden extends the Museum’s vast galleries to the outdoors while strengthening the Museum’s connections to the city and Fairmount Park. Its pathways and vistas, green space, and water feature create a variety of spaces for art while maintaining an open setting that invites Philadelphia’s public to explore a new expression of the Museum’s goal to make more art available to an ever-growing audience. You Bet Your Garden Lehigh Valley Public Media “You Bet Your Garden” touted as an hour of “chemical-free horticultural hijinks,” is a weekly, nationally syndicated broadcast hosted by Mike McGrath. It is produced in the studios of PBS39 in Bethlehem, PA. This weekly call-in program offers ‘fiercely organic’ advice to gardeners far and wide. East Asia Hotspots East Asia National Resource Center Contemporary politics, policy, and society in East Asia analyzed and explored. Join the NRC team as they interview experts, scholars, and public officials on the latest trends and hotspots in East Asia.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Public Defenseless?

This episode is 1 hour and 8 minutes long.

When was this Public Defenseless episode published?

This episode was published on May 4, 2023.

What is this episode about?

Can I download this Public Defenseless episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.

URL copied to clipboard!