Sep 23, 2026 · 15 min · 11 segments
Public defenders are overloaded, and legal jargon can leave defendants confused about the charges against them. Debasmita saw this firsthand volunteering with the Rainy Day Fund — and co-founded Legal…
Natalie SilversteinHostSo first of all, I just wanna point out this really wonderful observation that you made about this person who clearly was struggling but didn't wanna say anything, right? Because either he was embarrassed or ashamed, or he didn't think he had the right to ask.
And, you know, and I love that you pointed out that the, the attorney was wonderful, but she was kind of pushing through her job, right? 'Cause she ne- probably has a million people to take care of and a million things to do in a day.
And the fact that she didn't stop and say, "Is this all understandable to you," right, is, is problem number one.
[laughs] And again, public defenders, these poor people, they are working under such difficult circumstances.
They don't have the time and the space to do this, so good on you for making that very human and very kind observation that this young man probably could, could use some help.
And also, saying that you were having trouble, which really, you know, kind of broke down that, that barrier for him.
And I just think it's wonderful that you were working in the public defender's office to begin with.
That's, that's just incredible work, um, because we just don't have enough people who are willing to do that.
But tell me a little bit more about when you say you're pushing all of this, this work out.
How is that done exactly? Is it virtually? Do you have a website? Are you providing written materials, printed materials? Like, how, how logistically is this working?
So first of all, I just wanna point out this really wonderful observation that you made about this person who clearly was struggling but didn't wanna say anything, right? Because either he was embarrassed or ashamed, or he didn't think he had the right to ask.
And, you know, and I love that you pointed out that the, the attorney was wonderful, but she was kind of pushing through her job, right? 'Cause she ne- probably has a million people to take care of and a million things to do in a day.
And the fact that she didn't stop and say, "Is this all understandable to you," right, is, is problem number one.
[laughs] And again, public defenders, these poor people, they are working under such difficult circumstances.
They don't have the time and the space to do this, so good on you for making that very human and very kind observation that this young man probably could, could use some help.
And also, saying that you were having trouble, which really, you know, kind of broke down that, that barrier for him.
And I just think it's wonderful that you were working in the public defender's office to begin with.
That's, that's just incredible work, um, because we just don't have enough people who are willing to do that.
But tell me a little bit more about when you say you're pushing all of this, this work out.
How is that done exactly? Is it virtually? Do you have a website? Are you providing written materials, printed materials? Like, how, how logistically is this working?
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