The Challenge​

Public defenders carry one of the heaviest burdens in the criminal legal system—advocating for clients, protecting constitutional rights, and striving for justice under intense time and resource constraints. Substance use disorder cases add a new layer of complexity and moral weight. These cases often intersect with poverty, trauma, and mental health—issues that demand advocacy far beyond traditional legal roles.

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Many public defenders express deep frustration over the growing number of clients with substance use disorders, coupled with systemic challenges like policy shifts, high caseloads, and underfunded support systems. These pressures increase burnout and make it nearly impossible to provide the level of support clients deserve—especially without specialized knowledge or tools.

 

You want the best outcomes for your clients, but too often, you’re navigating these cases without enough resources, time, or training to do so effectively

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What We've Learned

Through years of research and conversations with public defenders across the country, common themes emerge:

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• High Stress, High Stakes: Public defenders report significant burnout, moral injury, and a diminished sense of professional efficacy.

  • Majority HIGH Emotional Exhaustion, indicating widespread fatigue, stress, or emotional depletion.

  • Moderate Depersonalization, indicating a struggle to remain invested in the work and those they serve.

  • Low personal accomplishment, demonstrating a large sense of inefficacy in their role.

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• Expanding Responsibilities: Substance use cases often require understanding treatment options, relapse risks, and recovery pathways—areas not covered in law school.
   

• Limited Resources: Many defenders are forced to take on roles beyond their job description—advocates, case managers, social workers—without adequate support or training.
   

• Knowledge Gaps: Without access to reliable, science-based information on substance use and treatment, it’s harder to secure the best outcomes for clients.

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