Program Overview

Program Overview

The Public Defenders program provides legal representation to individuals charged with serious criminal offenses. There are 29 Public Defenders in New South Wales, based in Sydney and across 8 regional sites.

Roles and Responsibilities

Public Defenders:

• Provide legal representation in District and Supreme Court trials and sentence proceedings
• Appear in Court of Criminal Appeal and High Court appeals
• Offer advice to Solicitors and Barristers in relation to criminal law
• Contribute to law reform through submissions or participation on committees
• Give lectures and seminars, write papers, and facilitate an annual criminal law conference
• Provide student placement opportunities to law students

Student Experience

The Public Defenders program provides students with a wide range of experiences in the preparation and observation of criminal cases. Students are given real cases to work on and may be able to attend court to follow trial, sentence, and appeal cases, if the Judge permits access. Students may be given complex research tasks and are encouraged to take an active role in the office, working independently while still receiving supervision and support.