Bridging the Gap Between Clients and Public Defenders: Introducing a Structured Shadow Method to Examine Attorney Communication

Problem

The Problem Addressed: 

Public defenders face challenges in maintaining effective attorney-client communication, compounded by resource constraints and systemic barriers, leading to mistrust and dissatisfaction among clients.

Impact on System and Public: 

Poor communication can undermine the attorney-client relationship, reduce trust, and lead to less effective legal representation for indigent defendants, affecting broader criminal justice outcomes.

Research Questions:

1. What factors define quality attorney-client communication?
2. How can these factors be operationalized and measured?
3. How do both attorneys and clients perceive the effectiveness of communication?
   
    

Method and Analysis

Program Evaluated/Gaps Addressed: 

Introduced a two-phase structured shadowing method to observe and assess attorney-client communication directly, addressing the lack of tools to conceptualize and measure this dynamic interaction.
 

Data and Sample Size: 

• Phase I: Surveyed 13 public defenders (response rate: 54%).
• Phase II: Observed 11 attorney-client meetings and surveyed 9 clients post-meeting.
   

Analysis Used:

Mixed-methods approach combining surveys, direct observations using a communication checklist, and client feedback to triangulate data and validate findings.
 

Outcome

Key Findings:

• Effective communication includes trust-building, active listening, minimizing legal jargon, and fostering client involvement in case planning.
• Attorneys emphasized the importance of frequent and meaningful communication, while clients valued being respected, listened to, and informed about their cases.
• Observations revealed variations in communication quality, with areas for improvement including addressing clients’ short-term goals and involving them more actively in case planning.
  
   

Implications or Recommendations: 

• Public defense agencies should institutionalize communication strategies like using checklists to ensure consistent quality.
• Training programs for attorneys should include modules on client-centered communication.
• Systemic challenges, such as high caseloads, must be documented and addressed to enable public defenders to prioritize communication quality.
• The shadowing method provides a replicable framework for evaluating attorney-client interactions and identifying areas for systemic reform.
   

This study advances the understanding of attorney-client communication, offering actionable insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers aiming to enhance public defense quality.