PDS Staff Photo 2016_edited-1

About Us

Welcome to the website for the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia (PDS). We hope you will find the information you seek about PDS and our legal services, our recruiting programs and current job opportunities, and our training programs and related materials for professional development.

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Mission & Purpose PDS's mission is to provide and promote quality legal representation to indigent adults and children facing a loss of liberty in the District of Columbia, thereby protecting society's interest in the fair administration of justice.

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Why PDS is a Model Program Learn why PDS is the model institutional public defender program.

Awards & Acknowledgements Learn about our awards and acknowledgements over the years.

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PDS Historical Timeline For more than 50 years, PDS has led the nation in providing exceptional advocacy and quality legal representation to indigent adults and children.

Executives, November 2019

Leadership Learn more about the dedicated people who serve on the PDS Board and the executives and division chiefs who manage the day-to-day operations of the organization.

Legal Services Divisions PDS provides its exceptional legal service through seven legal divisions: Trial, Appellate, Mental Health, Special Litigation, Parole, Civil Legal Services, and Community Defender.

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Legal Support Services Divisions PDS’s legal divisions are successful because of the outstanding services provided by the Investigations Division, the Office of Rehabilitation and Development, the Defender Services Office, and administrative support.

Calendar of Events

Annual Report and Budget Learn more about PDS’s annual accomplishments and its budget.

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