In the evolving landscape of public services, digital transformation is not just a matter of efficiency—it is a catalyst for equity, dignity, and hope. Nowhere is this more evident than in the justice system, where the stakes are high and the consequences of outdated processes can be life-altering. Publicis Sapient’s partnership with the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office (LACPDO), as featured in the acclaimed documentary "Forgiving Johnny," exemplifies how technology can fundamentally reshape public defense, delivering real-world impact for individuals and communities.
For decades, public defenders have been the last line of defense for society’s most vulnerable, yet they have often been hampered by fragmented, paper-based systems. In Los Angeles County—the largest public defender’s office in the United States—attorneys were tasked with managing over 100,000 cases annually across 32 offices, relying on more than 26 disconnected legacy systems and millions of paper records. This complexity risked critical information being lost or delayed, undermining the ability to provide timely, effective counsel and increasing the risk of unjust incarceration.
Publicis Sapient partnered with LACPDO to design and implement a cloud-based Case and Client Management System (CCMS). This digital platform was built to do more than just digitize records—it was engineered to transform the very nature of public defense:
The CCMS enables attorneys to receive client information before proceedings begin, allowing for earlier, more thorough preparation and more effective advocacy. This shift from a case-centric to a people-centric approach supports holistic representation, including diversion and treatment options as alternatives to incarceration.
The impact of this transformation is profound. Attorneys can now advocate more effectively for their clients, reducing the collateral consequences of contact with the criminal justice system. As Ricardo Garcia, LA County Public Defender, notes: “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 story of Johnny, as told in "Forgiving Johnny," brings this impact to life. Facing a lengthy prison sentence due to developmental disabilities, Johnny’s journey—supported by his public defender and family—demonstrates how digital tools can help secure diversion and treatment rather than incarceration. The CCMS made it possible for his attorney to access the right information at the right time, advocating for a more just and humane outcome.
The transformation of LACPDO is not an isolated success. It is a blueprint for how digital modernization can:
Publicis Sapient’s work in public defense is part of a broader commitment to using technology for social good. The same principles—centralized data, cloud-based access, workflow automation, and a relentless focus on the individual—are transforming emergency assistance, healthcare, and government services across the country. Whether it’s keeping families in their homes during a crisis or connecting patients to care in rural communities, digital transformation is a force for equity and resilience.
“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.”
— Ricardo Garcia, LA County Public Defender
The digital revolution in public defense is about more than technology—it’s about ensuring that justice is accessible, fair, and humane for all. By putting people at the center and leveraging the best of digital innovation, agencies can prevent individuals from falling through the cracks, improve access to essential services, and drive holistic, people-centered outcomes.
Are you ready to reimagine your agency’s impact? Let’s work together to build digital solutions that change lives, strengthen communities, and set new standards for public service.
Contact Publicis Sapient today to start your journey toward digital transformation for social good.