Public defenders are real lawyers

Public Defenders are committed to the cause of justice for their clients. They fight vigorously to defend them. They work long hours under some untenable conditions to ensure that their clients receive justice. I have the utmost respect for them. They are unquestionably "real" lawyers.

In the debate about who should be the next district attorney of Los Angeles County as reported by the Daily Journal I said that the job requires a "real lawyer." ["LA DA Lacey attacks opponents, defends record in first campaign debate," Jan. 31, 2020.] If you weren't there, to put it mildly, I was occasionally distracted during the debate and I regret the unintended implications of that choice of words. I am writing to clarify and to apologize to anyone who may have been offended.

For those of you who don't practice in the criminal justice world, these two words together have a special derogatory significance. Some indigent defendants will say upon learning they have been assigned a deputy public defender (or an alternate public defender) that they want a "real lawyer." Some defendants and their families are under the misconception that criminal defense lawyers privately retained are more equipped or more committed to representing their interest. I understand how that is hurtful and nothing could be further from the truth.

As a courtroom prosecutor for many years I have extensive experience litigating cases against the lawyers from the Los Angeles County Public Defenders Office and the Alternate Public Defenders Office. I had respect for them when they were my adversaries in court, and I continue to hold them in high regard. Deputy public defenders appear in court everyday, frequently in front of the same judge and prosecutor, and they represent people who are charged with some of the most serious crimes. They know what to expect because of their intimate familiarity with the participants. They know the value of a case and they are skilled in successfully trying cases. Deputy public defenders are unquestionably experienced defense lawyers. If I gave anyone at the debate the impression that I do not absolutely believe this, make no mistake. They are indeed real lawyers.

As a prosecutor I know first hand the value of the public defender in our system of justice. We not only need these stellar advocates representing the accused, our system would not function without them. Our system of justice, which is the envy of the world, is based on fairness and fairness requires that those accused of a crime will have dedicated lawyers defending their constitutional rights regardless of their ability to afford one.

One of my opponents, Rachel Rossi, previously worked for four years as a Los Angeles County public defender and for four years as federal public defender. In making my remarks during the heated debate I did not mean to disparage her competency as a defense attorney. When I learned that some deputy public defenders may have walked away from the debate believing that I somehow questioned their value or competency as a lawyer I felt compelled to let them know that I absolutely did not intend that message and I sincerely apologize for the miscommunication.

Just as it is disheartening that anyone would think that a public defender is anything but a high caliber real lawyer, it is equally hurtful to suggest that someone without any experience as a prosecutor can just walk into the largest prosecutorial office in the world and take over. The point I should have made is that of all the candidates I am the only candidate running for this office who has ever prosecuted a case in court -- the only "real prosecutor" running for district attorney of Los Angeles County. 

-- Jackie Lacey

District Attorney

Los Angeles County