August 14, 2024

Contact: Media Relations
(213) 654-3918
media@pubdef.lacounty.gov

LA COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER’S OFFICE COMMISSIONS RAND CORPORATION TO STUDY ATTORNEY WORKLOADS

Los Angeles County Public Defender Ricardo D. García has announced that the RAND Corporation will conduct a study of attorney workloads within the Public Defender’s office. The study will be the first of its kind specifically tailored to Los Angeles County and will utilize RAND’s vast experience with workload assessment techniques as well as data drawn from over 100,000 active cases. Having comprehensive data will be crucial in objectively measuring the Public Defender Office’s resource needs.

Although previous studies provided general guidance, the latest National Workload Study recognized that jurisdiction-specific, data driven approaches were the gold standard and encouraged local public defender agencies to conduct their own studies.

 “Our RAND study goes beyond a one-size-fits-all approach,” said García. “Using our AI-assisted case tracking system, RAND will help us build a model based on actual data, including time spent fighting clients’ cases, client needs, and results for the client.”

RAND’s study will analyze workloads by blending various research methods, which will include incorporating data from the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s $23.5 million AI-assisted Client Case Management System, which tracks cases at every stage and syncs with court calendars.

“A recent California Legislative Analyst report revealed that public defenders received 82% fewer budget dollars than district attorney’s offices across the state,” García said. “This data will enable us to make necessary adjustments and will provide Los Angeles County the information it needs to close a funding gap that often results in over-resourcing policing and prosecution.”

To kick off the effort, the Public Defender’s Office will invite attorneys, support team members, and managers to serve on a steering committee to provide input.

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