Episode 29: Private Bar Assigned Counsel Program, State Public Defender with Kathleen Pakes and Melissa Lamb

Episode 29: Private Bar Assigned Counsel Program, State Public Defender with Kathleen Pakes and Melissa Lamb

From Bottom Up by Joe Forward

December 1, 2025 · 35 min · Season 1 · Episode 29

About this episode

The episode discusses the Wisconsin State Public Defender's Assigned Counsel Program and its impact on new attorneys and the justice system.

Through the Assigned Counsel Program, the Wisconsin State Public Defender (SPD) appoints private bar attorneys to handle conflict cases, providing attorneys with courtroom experience in criminal cases representing clients charged with misdemeanors and felonies across the state. "You can absolutely do it," said attorney Kathleen Pakes, director of the Assigned Counsel Program. Pakes is talking about new or newer attorneys who may be interested in taking assigned cases, noting SPD provides training and other resources. Learn more about the opportunities in Episode 29 of the State Bar of Wisconsin's Bottom Up Podcast, a bonus episode with Pakes and program and policy supervisor Melissa Lamb, hosted by State Bar Communications Director Joe Forward. This conversation explains the program and explores the essential qualities and motivations of public defenders, the unique challenges they face, and the critical role they play in upholding justice and protecting clients' rights. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to the Episode 00:55 – Guest Introductions: Melissa Lamb and Kathleen Pakes 02:20 – What Is the Assigned Counsel Program? 04:15 – History and Attorney Shortage Challenges 06:31 – How…

People in this episode

Host: Joe Forward

Guests: Kathleen Pakes, Melissa Lamb

Topics covered

  • Assigned Counsel Program
  • Public Defender
  • Legal Training
  • Criminal Law
  • Attorney Support
  • Justice System

Keywords

  • Assigned Counsel
  • Public Defender
  • Criminal Cases
  • Attorney Training
  • Legal Resources
  • Justice
  • Misdemeanors
  • Felonies

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Wisconsin State Public Defender, State Bar of Wisconsin

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