The lawyers contracted to serve as public defenders in Toledo are experienced, dedicated, private practice lawyers who bring years of experience to the position. Indigent Toledoans are not stuck with wet behind the ears law school flunkies to represent them, as so often public defender’s are portrayed.

Additionally, the law clerks at the public defenders who are all students at the UT law school, get invaluable experience serving the public and community in the court room and carry that experience with them into practice. The program should be funded on an increasing basis not reduced. If the City wants an equal number of lawyers on the prosecution side………make them a priority, increase their wages, and make public service a viable option for graduates carrying a substantial financial loan burden upon graduation.