Independence of defense counsel: The United States Supreme Court has recognized on numerous occasions that the independence of appointed counsel is an indispensable element of effective representation. The first principle set forth in the American Bar Association’s “Ten Principles of a Public Defense Delivery System” is that the public defense function, including the selection, funding, and payment of counsel, is independent. IDS recognizes that the independence of defense counsel is critical in an adversarial system and, in accordance with the ABA guidelines, works to ensure that attorneys appointed to represent poor people are “independent from political influence and subject to judicial supervision only in the same manner and to the same extent as retained counsel.”
Excellent service to our stakeholders: IDS staff will listen to and be responsive to the concerns of its wide array of stakeholders that includes the clients who rely on attorneys funded by IDS, the attorneys who rely on IDS for the resources necessary to provide effective representation, and the judges and other court system actors who are involved in the process of appointment of qualified counsel for indigent persons.
Responsible stewardship of the tax dollars entrusted to the agency for the provision of counsel to poor people: IDS best serves both indigent clients and our state’s taxpayers by thoughtfully allocating and carefully accounting for the funds provided to it. Responsible stewardship includes working to ensure that public funds are not used to provide anything less than zealous and effective representation.
Diversity, Inclusion and Equity: By working towards organizational diversity we can bring more varied perspectives, experiences, backgrounds, talents, and interests to our work and better ensure fair and just outcomes for a diverse client base.
Professionalism, Teamwork and Collaboration: IDS recognizes that agency goals are attained, and agency values are implemented, when we work together and strive to meet or exceed professional norms.