Public Defender Resource Research with Harris County Indigent Defense Committee

Students will work under the supervision of Professor Andrea Marsh to conduct research concerning public defender office operations, including training programs, supervision and evaluation systems, and recruiting and retention programs. Students will research academic resources as well as practitioner-developed resources from public defender offices around the country. Students also may help draft memos summarizing their research results. Professor Marsh is working in collaboration with the Harris County Indigent Defense Committee, which is working to improve Harris County’s public defense system and develop a plan to expand the Harris County Public Defender’s Office.

Organization

Harris County Indigent Defense Committee

The Harris County Indigent Defense Committee has been charged by the Harris County Commissioners Court with creating a model public defense system that ensures that all people in Harris County, regardless of wealth, have their rights equally protected, access to effective legal representation, and access to holistic defense services.

Project Details

Project Start Date

September 2024

Approximate hours of work requested
20-30 hours over the course of the fall semester
Training
Training and ongoing supervision will be provided by Professor Andrea Marsh
Skills used
Legal research/writing
Project location
Students may perform much of the required work at a location of their choice
Number of student volunteers requested
3
Class year preference
1L, 2L, 3L, LLM
To Apply
Submit email containing a brief statement of relevant experience and/or interest to amarsh@law.utexase.edu ; emails received by Wednesday, September 11 will receive priority consideration