"Where a white legal professional might see stats, I see people. Because, after all, the systemic issues that affect my clients have also affected me."
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Houston, TX – The Harris County Public Defender’s Office received the 2024 Partners for Justice Legacy Award in December for its groundbreaking work providing client-led, Collaborative Defense support to people facing criminal charges.
The Partners for Justice Legacy Award is presented annually to one defender organization in the nation that embodies the gold standard in public defense. The Harris County Public Defender’s Office was selected for its commitment to Collaborative Defense—a method to help public defenders be more client-led and secure better outcomes—and for its Holistic Services Division.
“The Harris County Public Defender’s Office is an incredible example of the inherent power of public defense,” said Emily Galvin-Almanza, founder and co-executive director of Partners for Justice. “Nationally, about a third of us have had a loved one represented by a public defender, and, if and when we are in that position, having a legal team with the skill to both win in the courtroom and prevent life-altering fallout from a criminal case is essential. In Harris County, Alex Bunin and his team are proving that defenders are not just zealous trial advocates but engines for public safety, public health, and economic mobility. We’re thrilled to recognize their achievements.”
In 2019, the Harris County Public Defender’s Office began collaborating with Partners for Justice, a national nonprofit transforming public defense across the United States, to place non-attorney Client Advocates within the office. Since August 2022, the PDO has worked with 21 Advocates through PFJ. The Advocates have collectively served 1,613 people with 2,900 separate matters or needs. Advocates support attorneys with case management and mitigation to contextualize an individual’s life and improve their legal outcome. Advocates also prepare reentry plans, help people obtain vital documents, connect with public benefits, and assist individuals seeking treatment or emergency housing.
“PFJ Advocates have become an integral part of our team. Each Advocate brings a fresh perspective and new energy to the representation of our clients,” said Alex Bunin, Chief Public Defender of the Harris County Public Defender’s Office. “Just knowing there is another person who cares about them can buoy clients’ hopes. It is hard to remember how we got along before the Advocates.”
Established in 2020, the Holistic Services Division embedded the PFJ Advocates, social workers, and other professionals with defense teams to help clients address the underlying circumstances that drove them into the criminal legal system. In the last year, the Holistic Services Division has helped 82 people through the parole revocation process, 129 individuals with asset forfeiture and property restoration cases, and 2,032 people with record clearance (with a 99 percent success rate).
“Our first cohort of PFJ Advocates were a cornerstone for the continued development of the Holistic Services Division,” said Leslie Ginzel, Chief of the Holistic Services Division. “With the support of PFJ and the Client Advocates, we have seen real change in our clients’ lives. Issues that have plagued them for so long get sorted out, and they can focus on more meaningful parts of life.”
Partners for Justice National Team members presented the Legacy Award during a ceremony on December 3rd at the Harris County Public Defender’s Office. The Harris County Public Defender’s Office joins other award recipients, including the Tribal Defenders Office for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes in Montana, the Delaware Office of Defense Services, and the Alameda County Public Defender's Office in California.
