A Day in the Life of the Public Defender

[@RockyMountain947]

In law school at the moment. Did 28 months incarcerated, got out and got my bachelors degree and Masters in Economics. I hope that one day I can help a few other people change their life trajectory as well.

[@YungGuapo]

Keep going champ 💪🏾

[@TheKayPitt]

I was a public defender for a year and a half. I decided to quit and work in private practice, but I soon realized that making money off of criminal defendants was NOT where my heart was. Now I’m currently waiting for an opening at my home public defenders office so I can get back in the fight! :))

[@jennyyoo3182]

Hi! I’m a college student interested in public defense! Could I possibly ask you some questions via Zoom if you have the time? Thank you!

[@drjamarmontgomery]

@@jennyyoo3182 yes! Please reach out to me on IG @docmontgomery2020.

[@drjamarmontgomery]

Good luck and I’m happy for you!

[@34thstreetman]

Why chase after a career with so much competition?

[@Boc3phu5]

Did you quit because the work load was so demanding?

[@jayjayeffron9249]

Greetings Jamar, Myname is Jordan I am a young African American male preparing to go into law school. I majored in Sociology and worked as a Social Worker in Downtown LOS ANGELES in the Skidrow neighborhood. It is my passion to work in public interest in many capacities, especially defense. I reviewed the comments and don’t have any social media as I took a break (was time to get close to God above anything) so I can’t message you on instagram. However, I want to say thank you for doing what you do and persevering! I hope to reach out to you and learn more!

[@tuffguy007]

Great video introduction to the practice, and your enthusiasm for the work is inspiring. I was a P.D. for 25 years, now retired. Every day was an adventure, always challenging, and I don't regret a minute. Best of luck in your career.

[@library4theblind]

Currently in my undergrad, and have been considered pursuing law for the better part of the last year. Your final statement about you being a social engineer, someone who is able to better the conditions for the underprivileged and underrepresented people really hit home for me. Having considered social work, but feeling frustrated looking upon the mire of bureaucracy in that field, I really resonate with utilized the privilege that I have to improve the material conditions of the laymen -- and of those who are not offered any legitimate, material assistance in our society. I'm happy I found your video, it was exactly what I was looking for. A real explanation of your feelings as a public defender, not parsed through some large media outlet like NYTimes. Thanks for sharing, I truly appreciate your insight.

[@aaronwest1055]

This is what I want to be a lawyer for. I grew up low class trash, the rich got enough folks to defend them. I wanna be there for the little guy. Thank you for reminding me what I wanted to go in for.

[@_G4.R4_]

you guys are like the real world Kim Wexlers, at least a good side of her, standing up for real justice and arguing on behalf of the disenfranchised, never give up, you’re real heros.

[@AnnieBrackett88]

Thank you for all you do. My dad is a public defender and so many people misunderstand the service you all do for our country.

[@XavianneNailz]

This was a really good video, if you can, can you go in depth about the schedule of being a public defender, benefits, what's it like working as one, the pay or whatever you're willing to share.

[@drjamarmontgomery]

I’m a contract Public Defender, so no benefits. If I was full time Public Defender I would have benefits. I was making 3800/month and had to be in court 2-3 times a week.

[@bassstudent4life]

@@drjamarmontgomery $3800/month as a lawyer???

[@drjamarmontgomery]

@@bassstudent4life yes

[@bassstudent4life]

@@drjamarmontgomery Very discouraging.

[@austinhhollinger]

@@bassstudent4life if your heart is in it, the money won't matter for the most part. These people do excellent work

[@philos_theos]

Please continue making more lawyer videos if possible. Things like day in the life's, what it is really like, etc. This was really helpful.

[@bloomheller22]

This is great, thanks. I'm trying to get into indigent defense right now. I've got some interviews with a few PD offices coming up in the next few weeks. I can't wait to get started. This video is food for thought, I appreciate the viewpoint.

[@drjamarmontgomery]

Congratulations family! It’s a rewarding experience if you focus on becoming a better attorney everyday. And be willing to accept wins that don’t necessarily feel like wins

[@Char2805Live]

I found your video from searching for public defender vlogs to see what that job looks like. I watched the whole video and was learning a lot and then you said you were from Shreveport. That threw me off because I grew up there. Proud that you're from the hometown!

[@drjamarmontgomery]

I appreciate you!

[@robpeters5204]

Thank you for being a decent human being. Fighting for what’s right is a rare quality especially for a young black man. You are a credit to society. All the best and success.

[@drjamarmontgomery]

Thank you. While I hope you had the best intentions in your comment, there are plenty of young Black men fighting for what’s right. Contrary to popular belief and media, fighting for what’s right is actually a common quality amongst young Black men. However, it’s much more convenient to demonize and devalue Black men as a whole than to recognize when America mistreats and misjudges Black Men, God allows the world to mistreat and misjudge America.

[@Marcus-zx8su]

​@@drjamarmontgomeryTell em! We have been fighting for the rights and dignity of the people of this nation from the beginning. I am on the tail end of my bachelor's degree and I am considering going to Law school afterwards. Your channel is helping me narrow down a decision. Thank you sir.

[@Thehokage36]

Hopefully I passed my bar exam and I’ll be working as a public defender I already accepted a position. Great video

[@drjamarmontgomery]

Congratulations and good luck

[@mosrandomness4342]

Hey man, I love this and am really grateful I stumble upon this video. Keep up your positive mindset and terrific contribution to society.

[@drjamarmontgomery]

Thank you so much! And I sure will

[@Boc3phu5]

Thanks for the insight. Do you have time to workout in the morning? As a PD, are you forced by the state to take on clients even if you cant?

[@lasha4585]

Thank you for the work you’re doing! 🙏🏽

[@bassstudent4life]

Did you give any technical/specific strategy in your book "Montgomery's Declassified Guide to Succeeding in Law School"? In what area? I'd like to order it but don't want to pay for yet another motivational, platitude-driven type of book.

[@Rampaigee]

Thx for sharing your experience! I'm a law grad studying for the bar. What kept u motivated throughout this process?

[@drjamarmontgomery]

Paige D didn’t mean to reply so late. I saw myself in every single one of those kids. Giving up was like giving up on myself

[@paytonsorci6409]

1L here... Thank you for this! Respect

[@rodneyfavors7083]

Good bro! Blessings!

[@michaelhernandez2075]

Thanks for the insight. Do you have any book recommendations?

[@drjamarmontgomery]

Montgomery's Declassified Guide to Succeeding in Law School www.amazon.com/Montgomerys-Declassified-Guide-Succeeding-School-ebook/dp/B07MMBJ5C2

[@hannatadesse2117]

Public defenders are under appreciated, under paid, under respected and even by "private lawyers.

[@magicbeans3509]

Wonderful! Keep up the good content.

[@drjamarmontgomery]

Thank you! Will do!

[@CapJunkyyy]

salute to Mr.Montgomery 🙏🏼💪🏼dude is a good lawyer i can sense the good proud in him

[@robinberry4957]

So true. The judge calls the shots

[@pranavpillai7778]

I hope to become a white collar criminal defense lawyer. To he there I’d have to be a PD. I hope to finish a clerkship, work at a state PD office, work at a federal PD office, then go to a white collar defense firm. I have respect for PDs, most PDs at state, local, and county level cases are overworked.

[@Lawperson97]

I’m a 1L and I got an interview with the public defender’s office for a summer law clerk position. Could you give me any advice for the interview? And advice about the law clerk’s position in general?

[@drjamarmontgomery]

Contact me on IG on @drjamarmontgomery Or on Facebook Jamar Montgomery

[@Lawperson97]

@@drjamarmontgomery Can I e-mail you? I deleted all social media. By the way I’m in BR- didn’t realize you’re in Shreveport till the end of the video. Small world!

[@drjamarmontgomery]

@@Lawperson97 that’s fine. Go to docmontgomery.lpages.co/free-crypto-101-guide and send me your email

[@sailormars20]

I have a question, I can't decide which path to go in law, been thinking about public defender but i have experience working for a corporate law. IS one able to switch between after graduating? Like if i work as a public defender, and then decide to switch over to corporate lit, is that possible?

[@drjamarmontgomery]

I haven’t had that career path. But corporate litigation is civil, whereas public defender is criminal. Public defender’s office will give you plenty of litigation experience that would likely take years for you to get as a beginner in corporate litigation

[@Tyl2343]

Hey Doc, future law student here with the goal of becoming a public defender to advocate for kids/people who cannot afford or find help otherwise. i have some questions about work/life balance and other things i would love to ask you if possible

[@drjamarmontgomery]

Not a problem, reach me @drjamarmontgomery on IG or Jamar Montgomery on FB

[@jchang.y]

lovely video

[@drjamarmontgomery]

Thank you

[@Michael-iw3ek]

Very cool

[@WhispersFromTheDark]

What a delightful young Man!

[@drjamarmontgomery]

Thank you!!!

[@anthonytran5950]

What law school and college/major did you go to/graduated?

[@drjamarmontgomery]

I went to Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, LA. I was an engineering major in undergrad.

[@oskarvera4396]

What books do you guys recommend

[@oskarvera4396]

To study the laws

[@chrisreynolds6391]

I feel like committing a crime so you can be my lawyer for free. Great video.

[@drjamarmontgomery]

Lol please don’t, and thank you I’m honored

[@yurvedicenergy3214]

I’m lawyer from peru southamerica, could i be a public defender assistant? What’s requirements?

[@drjamarmontgomery]

It depends on the jurisdiction

[@VimeosBetter]

amazing video. surprised not viral

[@drjamarmontgomery]

Thank you so much!

[@davidswann6154]

cool - you are a cool, smart dude - rock on!

[@drjamarmontgomery]

I appreciate it

[@kalford4909]

Question for you. Do you know how the public defenders “office” works in small counties? I put office in quotations bc my county does not have a public defender’s office. The public defenders are also lawyers that can be hired. They are all on a rotation. I had trouble with on of the lawyers who was acted as my public defender showing up to court. When I called to complain about his behavior (he also called the assistant district attorney an asshole in court) they told me there was no public defenders office nor anyone supervising the public defenders and if I wanted to complain I need to complain with the bar association. Well when you complain with the bar you have to disclose your name and I am extremely fearful of retaliation. I’m just curious how public defenders in small town USA is supposed to work. My Google searching has not be successful. I’m in Franklin County NC for reference. Than you in advance for any insight you may have!

[@drjamarmontgomery]

Thank you for reaching out. Just like you are afraid of retaliation, lawyers are afraid of the bar association. The bar association is your friend in that case

[@kalford4909]

@@drjamarmontgomery I can understand that. Never thought about it from that point of view. So is it normal for a small county court to not have a public defenders office?

[@drjamarmontgomery]

@@kalford4909 It's definitely not uncommon. The court will usually appoint a lawyer from the bar association to represent you when there isnt an established public defender's office.

[@kalford4909]

@@drjamarmontgomery ok thank you!

[@thebloodofjesus6207]

What state are you in

[@drjamarmontgomery]

Louisiana

[@julioperla4935]

Is it possible to do 20 or 30 years as a public defender? Like, dedicate yourself to that cause?

[@drjamarmontgomery]

Yes it is. I know people who have spent a considerable amount of their careers as public defenders

[@julioperla4935]

@@drjamarmontgomery Very well.

[@briansmith5720]

I thought that I was public defenders are okay but they have so many goddamn cases that they can never concentrate on one case so your best bet is to hire a private attorney

[@notsure855]

Top fucking brer 🙌💪

[@garydomaz1849]

So you are a criminal defense attorney, not a public defender. A public defender is an employee of either the state, county, city or whatever territory. PDs represent those who cannot afford an attorney or are incapable of retaining legal representation for whatever reason and have been appointed one by the court. Unless the jurisdiction has contracted out criminal defense legal services to private law firms like yourself. I think it’s important to distinguish between the two.

[@drjamarmontgomery]

I was a public defender. I was an employee of the parish/county public defenders office.

[@ned6938]

Quit urging plea deals and defend.

[@alexanderchenf1]

I notice that most good public defenders are are black

[@yungko21uhh32]

What’s ur Instagram

[@drjamarmontgomery]

@drjamarmontgomery

[@mazdamafia18]

You mean public pretender

[@drjamarmontgomery]

Sounds like you had a bad experience with the Public Defender’s office

[@mazdamafia18]

@@drjamarmontgomery their all shit who don’t care about you or your case they just want that 150$ as quick as possible so they can move on to the next.

[@eldcool3290]

U r nice guy. Get out

[@CapJunkyyy]

brah i had child support case today /family court they had me at court 8:30am and judge didn't show up till 10:45am. mf wanted lunch at 12pm and had everyone come back at 2pm they sent me to lock up for 30 days but judge ended up going with 4 days.. lucky me right!? over Child support DEBT even though the child lives and is enrolled at school under my guardianship .. paid a $100 purge got out today/same day. Jail sucked, smelled nasty and cold asf