PubDef-Fall 09
The University of Iowa College of Law Citizen Lawyer Program Pro Bono Opportunities, Fall 2009 Name of Agency/Project: State Public Defender Office, Iowa City The State Public Defender coordinates provision of legal representation to indigent persons under arrest or charged with a crime, in juvenile cases, and on appeal in criminal and post-conviction relief cases. This legal representation is provided through State Public Defender Offices or through private attorneys who contract with the State Public Defender or who are appointed by the Court. By specializing in criminal defense work and juvenile matters, Public Defenders, investigators, and support staff of the State Public Defender Offices provide high-quality, efficient, cost-effective legal representation to indigent clients. For more information, go to: http://spd.iowa.gov/ Project Information: Students assist the office by collecting information about persons in custody at the Johnson County Jail for use in determinations about conditions of release. Students also assist with the operations of the office as needed, including covering phones, calling defendants regarding court hearings and work on cases. Student Coordinator for the Project: TBA Agency Contact: Steve Exley-Schuman, Investigator. 351-1327; fax: 351-0042. sexley@spd.state.ia.us Duration of the Project: September 14 – December 4, or as arranged. Volunteer Responsibilities: Following a set protocol, student volunteers will conduct telephone or inperson screening interviews with persons under arrest and in custody in the Johnson County Jail. Additionally, student volunteers verify and collect other information about persons in custody for use by Public Defender staff in seeking bond review and release in the district court. Students may phone defendants one afternoon a month regarding upcoming contempt of court hearings for failure to pay fines. Students will assist PD staff as requested with filing, other case management tasks, and answering phones. Agency Responsibilities: Provide student with orientation to pre-trial release and other applicable procedures of the office. Provide guidance as needed about protocol and investigative procedures. Be available to the student and law school as agreed upon (email/phone/in-person) for periodic progress check-in. Contact the law school coordinator to discuss any concerns with the volunteers or the program. Expectations/Time commitment/Scheduling : Three to five hours per week, usually on a set day, with Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays preferred. Reports about persons in custody are due to the Public Defender Office by 4 p.m. on the same day the case is assigned. Special Skills/Information: Availability early afternoon up to as late as 4:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or some combination. Ability to be flexible, provide feedback and recommendations, and participate in an evaluation of the project at the end of the semester. Number of volunteers needed: Three.