by Meryl Carver-Allmond, BIDS Training Director

In honor of Gideon month, we asked several attorneys from across the state “Why are you a Public Defender?” Here are their responses.

by Meryl Carver-Allmond, BIDS Training Director

A few weeks ago, I noticed a job posting for a BIDS “Public Defender III” position. I didn’t understand exactly what that meant, so I walked down the hall to our Executive Director, Heather Cessna’s, office, and asked if she could explain it all to me. She gladly did so, and I have recreated our conversation for you all here.

by Kate Duncan Butler

But even as I interviewed to be the appellate attorney at a prosecutor's office, I knew that I didn't have the true heart of a prosecutor. I mostly just waxed poetic about fundamental fairness and the importance of the rule of law. That's probably why I still remember when one of my future coworkers asked, point blank, "You could also do all of those things as an appellate defender. Why do you want to work as a prosecutor?"

I don't remember my answer.

by Kelly Driscoll, Tenth Judicial District Deputy Public Defender

Life is stressful and oftentimes we lose sight of what is truly important. We fail to make time for ourselves and find excuses for why we don’t make our own mental well-being a priority.

The best way to be a good partner, parent, friend and advocate for our clients is to take care of ourselves, not just physically, but mentally.

by Meryl Carver-Allmond, BIDS Training Director

In the next few weeks, we will be gradually rolling out our new BIDS logo in places like our letterhead, business cards, and, yes, even some swag! As such, I wanted to tell you all a little bit about the inspiration and design of this unique Kansas PD emblem.