The Future of Public Defense: Why Managed-Assigned Counsel Works

Under a managed-assigned counsel system, legal defense for indigent defendants is coordinated by an independent, non-profit organization or a separate administrative office that assigns cases to private attorneys based on experience, availability, and performance metrics. This structure introduces a level of oversight and accountability absent in the traditional rotation or “wheel” system. The managed-assigned counsel model aims to ensure that defendants receive consistent, high-quality legal representation regardless of whether a public defender's office is available.

One of the primary benefits of a managed-assigned counsel program is that it removes the ad hoc nature of attorney assignments. Instead of judges selecting attorneys from a list or attorneys taking cases as a sideline to their private practice, the assigning authority carefully matches cases with qualified legal professionals. This approach reduces perceptions of judicial favoritism, limits conflicts of interest, and creates a buffer between the judiciary and defense attorneys. The Texas Indigent Defense Commission has found that managed-assigned counsel systems improve representation quality and reduce administrative burdens on courts, especially in counties lacking the resources for a full-time public defender office¹.

Accountability and Performance Monitoring

Managed-assigned counsel programs often include mechanisms for performance evaluation, professional development, and case tracking. Participating attorneys are typically subject to oversight by a program director or board who reviews their caseloads, monitors case outcomes, and ensures compliance with ethical and legal standards. This level of accountability is difficult to achieve in a traditional wheel system, where there is little to no follow-up once an attorney is assigned.

These oversight mechanisms also enable jurisdictions to identify and address systemic issues such as attorney overload, inadequate preparation time, or poor client communication. For example, in Travis County, Texas, the Capital Area Private Defender Service (CAPDS) regularly audits attorney performance and offers training to improve the quality of representation. According to a 2020 evaluation, CAPDS attorneys were more likely to engage in early investigation and to spend more time with clients compared to attorneys in less-structured systems². This emphasis on quality control contributes to more just outcomes and greater public trust in the justice system.

Cost Efficiency and Administrative Benefits

While establishing a managed-assigned counsel program requires upfront investment in administrative infrastructure, the long-term financial benefits can be substantial. These systems reduce inefficiencies by centralizing case assignments, minimizing duplication of efforts, and streamlining billing procedures. Counties that operate under managed-assigned models often experience fewer delays, faster case resolutions, and reduced jail costs due to quicker access to counsel.

Additionally, these programs facilitate better data collection, which can inform budget planning and policy decisions. By tracking attorney workloads, case durations, and client outcomes, program administrators can present data-driven recommendations to policymakers. This kind of transparency is especially valuable in smaller jurisdictions, where budget constraints require efficient allocation of limited resources. The National Legal Aid & Defender Association has noted that managed-assigned counsel programs ofte