Georgia Public Defender Council

Georgia Public Defender Council Our attorneys and staff provide zealous and effective client-centered representation

Three pre-law students spent this summer in the Barrow County Public Defender's Office.They reviewed discovery, research...
09/02/2026

Three pre-law students spent this summer in the Barrow County Public Defender's Office.

They reviewed discovery, researched legal questions, sat in on court, helped prepare cases, and translated for Spanish-speaking clients. Two of them had interned with the office before and asked to come back. One begins law school at the University of Georgia this fall.

Internships like this are how a public defense office meets its next generation of lawyers — and how a student finds out whether this work is theirs to do.

Read about their summer: gapubdef.org/articles/barrow-county-summer-interns

GPDC is seeking an Independent Contract Attorney for the Macon Circuit, covering Bibb, Crawford and Peach counties.The r...
09/01/2026

GPDC is seeking an Independent Contract Attorney for the Macon Circuit, covering Bibb, Crawford and Peach counties.

The role carries a defined caseload of criminal matters under contract with GPDC, representing people who cannot afford an attorney.

Applications close September 19.

Details: gapubdef.org/positions

When someone you love is arrested, the questions come fast. Where are they? How do we find a lawyer? What happens next?I...
09/01/2026

When someone you love is arrested, the questions come fast. Where are they? How do we find a lawyer? What happens next?

If your family member cannot afford a private attorney, they may qualify for representation by a public defender. The court determines financial eligibility, so gathering records of employment and income early is worth doing.

Families are often surprised to learn that an attorney represents the client, not the family, and cannot share confidential details without the client's permission. That protection exists for your loved one. Public defenders can still explain court procedures and what comes next.

You can help in ways that matter. Attorneys often need employment and school history, medical records, military service, and the names of people who can speak to your loved one's life before the arrest.

Read "When Someone You Love Is Arrested: A Family's First Steps":
https://www.gapubdef.org/articles/when-someone-you-love-is-arrested.html

Supporting Families is a series for the people who stand beside someone facing charges. Find the whole series, and more resources for clients and families:
https://www.gapubdef.org/clients

Find the public defender office serving your county:
https://www.gapubdef.org/find-defender

Day Three: Finish StrongDefender University 2026 concluded with a meaningful celebration of growth, leadership, and the ...
08/03/2026

Day Three: Finish Strong

Defender University 2026 concluded with a meaningful celebration of growth, leadership, and the people who continue to strengthen Georgia’s public defense community.

The final day brought the conference to a close with engaging sessions, thoughtful reflections, and the presentation of awards recognizing individuals whose dedication, leadership, and commitment continue to make a difference. These recognitions celebrated those who consistently step up, support their colleagues, and contribute to a stronger public defense system.

Closing remarks encouraged attendees to carry the lessons, connections, and conversations from the week back into their daily work. Throughout three days of learning and collaboration, public defenders, investigators, mitigation specialists, and administrative professionals from across Georgia came together with a shared purpose: to grow as leaders, refine their skills, and continue serving their communities with excellence.

As Defender University 2026 came to an end, attendees left with renewed motivation, valuable insights, and stronger connections that will continue well beyond the conference. Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Summer Conference such a memorable and impactful experience. We look forward to continuing this tradition of learning and growth next year.

Day Two: Learning Never StopsThe momentum from Day One carried seamlessly into another day of learning, collaboration, a...
07/30/2026

Day Two: Learning Never Stops

The momentum from Day One carried seamlessly into another day of learning, collaboration, and meaningful conversation at Defender University 2026.

Attendees explored new ideas through engaging sessions, participated in thoughtful discussions, and asked questions that encouraged deeper understanding and practical application. We were also honored to welcome Executive Director Omotayo Alli, whose remarks served as a meaningful reminder that excellence in public defense requires a commitment to continuous growth and lifelong learning.

Every session offered something new, but one message remained constant: investing in ourselves as professionals is ultimately an investment in the clients and communities we serve. Day Two continued to strengthen the knowledge, relationships, and shared purpose that define Georgia's public defense community.

This summer, the Barrow County Public Defender’s Office welcomed three outstanding pre-law interns who spent the season ...
07/30/2026

This summer, the Barrow County Public Defender’s Office welcomed three outstanding pre-law interns who spent the season gaining meaningful, hands-on experience in public defense.

From assisting attorneys with legal research and case preparation to working directly with clients, Yinia Hernandez-Tavarez, Kenny Aldana, and Andre Grant made valuable contributions while deepening their commitment to serving others.

We are thankful for their dedication and look forward to seeing all they accomplish in their future legal careers.

Read more: https://gapubdef.org/articles/barrow-county-summer-interns

Day One: Leadership Set the ToneDefender University 2026 began by bringing together public defenders, investigators, mit...
07/29/2026

Day One: Leadership Set the Tone

Defender University 2026 began by bringing together public defenders, investigators, mitigation specialists, and administrative professionals from across Georgia for a week dedicated to learning and professional growth.

Following check-in and opening sessions, attendees heard from Justice Colvin, whose remarks on leadership emphasized the importance of leading with purpose, integrity, and service.

It was the perfect kickoff to a week of insightful speakers, meaningful conversations, and the collaboration that continues to strengthen public defense across Georgia.

This summer, we are pleased to welcome Georgia Merchen to the Glynn County Public Defender's Office. Georgia is an incom...
07/08/2026

This summer, we are pleased to welcome Georgia Merchen to the Glynn County Public Defender's Office. Georgia is an incoming senior at Wake Forest University majoring in Philosophy, Political Science, and International Affairs.

With a longstanding interest in criminal law, Georgia joined GPDC to gain meaningful firsthand experience and explore public defense as a potential career path. She is especially looking forward to learning how attorneys build trust with clients, observing court proceedings, and gaining practical insight into the work of public defenders.

Following graduation, Georgia hopes to attend the University of Georgia School of Law and pursue a career in either criminal prosecution or criminal defense.

We are grateful to have Georgia with us this summer and look forward to supporting her professional journey.

This summer, we are proud to welcome Kaitlyn Eve Muzio to the DeKalb County Public Defender's Office. Kaitlyn is a secon...
07/08/2026

This summer, we are proud to welcome Kaitlyn Eve Muzio to the DeKalb County Public Defender's Office. Kaitlyn is a second-year law student at Georgia State University College of Law with a passion for public service and client advocacy.

Inspired by GPDC's mission to ensure every individual has access to legal representation, Kaitlyn joined the team to gain hands-on experience serving clients and learning from dedicated public defenders. She says the most rewarding part of her internship has been connecting with people from all walks of life and helping tell their stories.

Kaitlyn plans to pursue a career as a public defender after law school. Outside of her legal studies, she's a proud dog lover and enjoys spending time with her long-haired dachshund, Martini.

We are thankful for Kaitlyn's dedication and compassion and are excited to support her continued growth throughout her internship.

Today, we honor the life and legacy of Attorney James Kelley Kidd, whose lifelong dedication to public defense was defin...
07/01/2026

Today, we honor the life and legacy of Attorney James Kelley Kidd, whose lifelong dedication to public defense was defined by compassion, humility, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Throughout his career, he reminded us that every person deserves dignity, respect, and a voice.

His influence extended far beyond the courtroom, touching the lives of colleagues, clients, friends, and generations of public defenders. While we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life of extraordinary service and a legacy that will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.

To read more about Attorney Kidd's remarkable life and the impact he made on so many, we invite you to read his full memorial here: https://gapubdef.org/articles/remembering-attorney-james-kelley-kidd

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Atlanta, GA
30334

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