496 | Why the Lawyers Handling 80% of Massachusetts's Public Defender Cases Stopped Taking New Cases Part 2 w/Shira Diner

Hunter is joined once again by Professor Shira Diner. Last time she was on the show, she explained why the bar advocates in Massachusetts stopped accepting new cases. This time, she joins to explain how the Legislature and Judiciary responded and what comes next for the state.  

Guest:
Shira Diner, Professor of Law, Boston University

Resource:

Read the Case Here:
https://statecourtreport.org/case-tracker/committee-public-counsel-services-v-middlesex-and-suffolk-county-district-courts

 

Updated Coverage

https://www.wgbh.org/news/local/2026-03-17/following-high-court-ruling-mass-bar-advocates-turn-to-lobbying-lawmakers

https://www.masslive.com/news/2026/05/defense-lawyers-sue-over-mass-law-they-say-stops-them-from-fighting-for-better-pay.html

https://www.bostonherald.com/2026/04/04/massachusetts-continues-to-address-bar-advocate-shortage-with-incentive-plan/

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497 | How Did the Tribal Defenders Office of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Build a Model Holistic Defender Service w/Ann Miller, Susette Billedeaux, and Josh Cahoon

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495 | Will a Severe Budget Deficit in Santa Clara County Require the Public Defender to Stop Taking New Cases? w/Damon Silver