To the editor:

A thank you to the attorneys who serve Columbiana County as public defenders. They are professionals who help to keep our local courts running smoothly. Without experienced and competent defense lawyers, our justice system suffers.

Cases may be delayed and court dockets can become backlogged arguably resulting in a waste of scarce public resources. Public defenders not only contribute to efficiency, they aid in remedying situations leading to court involvement.

Defense attorneys often are the ones who facilitate counseling or substance abuse treatment for clients in need of services. Public defenders help children and families who find themselves in juvenile court for various reasons–sometimes with issues related only to poverty. They shoulder full caseloads and a great deal of responsibility.

Columbiana County’s public defenders serve as non-profit and do not receive the health and retirement benefits afforded to county employees. They pay for their own malpractice insurance, required continuing education and office expenses in contrast to what the county has historically covered for their county-employed counterparts.

Columbiana County Commissioners have often spoken positively about the cost savings involved with contracting with a corporation for legal services. Commissioner Mike Halleck was quoted as recently stating that the arrangement has saved the county millions of dollars. (“County changes public defender provider, Morning Journal, December 23, 2024).

I hope we as a county do not just consider the cost savings associated with our public defenders. We should fully appreciate the difficult work being done every day by a dedicated group of local attorneys serving all of us and the interests of justice.

Sheri Liebschner,

East Liverpool