The criminal justice system is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the power of digital innovation. Nowhere is this more evident than in the work of the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office (LACPDO), the largest public defender’s office in the United States. Through a groundbreaking partnership with Publicis Sapient, LACPDO has reimagined how public defenders access, manage, and act on critical information—ushering in a new era of justice that is faster, fairer, and more humane.
The impact of this transformation is brought vividly to life in the short documentary 'Forgiving Johnny,' directed by Academy Award®-winner Ben Proudfoot. The film follows the journey of Noah Cox, a dedicated LA public defender, and his client Johnny, a man with developmental disabilities facing a potential 20-year prison sentence after a family altercation. In the past, defending someone like Johnny would have meant sifting through mountains of paper records, often with incomplete or delayed information. Today, thanks to a cutting-edge client case management system (CCMS) developed by LACPDO and Publicis Sapient, Cox was able to access all the documentation he needed—instantly and securely.
This digital leap enabled Cox to advocate for diversion and treatment for Johnny, rather than incarceration. The result? A life changed, a family reunited, and a powerful demonstration of how technology can be a catalyst for compassion and justice.
Before the CCMS, LACPDO’s more than 100,000 annual cases were tracked manually, mostly on paper. This system was not only inefficient but also risked lives and livelihoods, as critical information could be lost, delayed, or overlooked. The new digital platform has transformed every aspect of public defense:
Ricardo Garcia, LA County Public Defender, describes the transformation: “Our attorneys are now receiving client information digitally often before the proceedings. They’re able to get a head start looking at the case, which has allowed our attorneys to more effectively counsel clients. We’re shifting the narrative from a case-centric to a people-centric view, which has enabled us to objectively illustrate the benefits of holistic representation, diversion and alternatives to incarceration models and the tangible benefits of decarceration.”
The National Association for Public Defense also recognizes the significance of this change. Lori James-Townes, Executive Director, notes, “We’re committed to improving the quality and delivery of public defense services, which includes helping public defenders leverage technology to be more effective in how they defend their clients.”
The story of 'Forgiving Johnny' and the LACPDO’s digital transformation offers practical lessons for government agencies and legal organizations everywhere:
Publicis Sapient’s work with LACPDO is part of a broader commitment to using digital transformation to address major societal issues. Through initiatives like the Impact Films series, which includes 'Forgiving Johnny,' the company is shining a light on how technology can improve lives—not just in theory, but in practice. As CEO Nigel Vaz puts it, “Our collaboration with the LA County Public Defender’s Office stands out because of the powerful human impact. It transcends operational efficiency by creating more effective public defenders, measurably reducing unjust incarceration and the collateral consequences of contact with the criminal justice system.”
The transformation of public defense in Los Angeles is just the beginning. As more legal organizations and government agencies embrace digital modernization, the lessons from 'Forgiving Johnny' and the LACPDO will serve as a blueprint for change. By putting people at the center and leveraging the best of technology, we can build a justice system that is not only more efficient, but more just.
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