"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."
,
Los Angeles, CA –The Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office (LACPDO) has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Partners for Justice (PFJ) Legacy Award for its groundbreaking client-led, collaborative defense approach. This national honor recognizes defender organizations that set the gold standard in public defense.
“The Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office is honored to receive the Partners for Justice Legacy Award. This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to a client-centered, holistic and collaborative defense. This partnership is transformative—not only for our clients but for the Los Angeles County community as a whole,” said Public Defender Ricardo D. Garcia. “This is what client-led defense looks like.This collaboration exemplifies the power of public defense to create lasting change, and we are deeply grateful for PFJ’s partnership in this mission."
PFJ, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming public defense across the United States,has its largest partnership in the country in Los Angeles. Through this collaboration, 27 PFJ Client Advocates are embedded across LA County, working alongside the public defender’s office to provide holistic support to individuals navigating the criminal legal system.
"It’s such an honor to present this award to our nation’s largest and oldest public defender,"said Emily Galvin-Almanza, founder and co-executive director of PFJ."What the team here in Los Angeles is doing is exceptional. Their embrace of Collaborative Defense and dedication to ensuring that their clients not only receive zealous courtroom representation but also defense against the broader consequences of court involvement is a model for the rest of the country to follow."
In 2024 alone, PFJ Client Advocates assisted over 2,800 individuals, helping them comply with court mandates and access critical services such as housing, medical benefits,and employment opportunities. More than 90% of clients successfully completed court-ordered requirements, demonstrating the impact of this partnership in improving outcomes for justice-involved individuals.
The Partners for Justice National Team presented the award during a ceremony on March 10. The Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office joins a distinguished group of past recipients,including the Harris County Public Defender’s Office, 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.
To learn more about LACPDO’s partnership with PFJ, click here.
