Shield

The first open-source client-case management system for public defenders, who protect people that cannot afford legal assistance. Shield empowers public defenders to handle more cases by stearmlining legal data input and visualizing client legal histories.

Why it matters

In 2015, public defenders in Washington State had to take over 1000 cases per month. This means that they could only spend 36 minutes per case, whereas private attorneys could be given hours or weeks on one case. Unfortunately, the technology available to public defenders are either outdated or don’t properly manage clients on the long term.

Not only are public defenders working inefficiently they are being overworked.

Viewing History

Shield gives our public defenders a visual representation of all past and upcoming client cases and dates.

Record Keeping

With Shield, public defenders are able to scan case docents and input case information for future trials and court use.

Secure Log-in

Client information can be accessed across multiple members of a firm with minimal fear of third party access through Shield.

Final Verdict

Shield allows public defenders to focus on protecting the public interest without getting caught up in tedious workflows.

Here's the case...

Mary is a public defender working in King County, Washington. Over the past month, her and her legal defense team are helping their client, Harry, manage his most recent case.

  • Mary’s heavy caseload makes it difficult to document Harry’s past offenses to make the optimal decision in court to improve Harry’s outcome.
  • John, Mary’s legal assistant, documents all the cases. John only recently started working in this criminal defense firm. He isn’t used to technology in the firm and has trouble understanding criminal defense terminology.
  • Harry has a long legal history, but having gone in and out of homelessness, Harry does not have full awareness of his history.

    • Here’s how Shield can ensure Mary helps clients like Harry.

    Client Search

    Shield connects the clients to their past cases. By searching Harry’s full name or by his past offenses, Mary is able to quickly pull the information she needs to help Harry get the best verdict in court.

    Case Information

    Shield tracks all past client information and thus missing history with a client can be accounted for by Mary while she works on the case. Shield quickly searches across multiple cases for relevant information, being much quicker than paper and single case documenting systems.

    New Forms

    When Mary is swamped with work, John steps in by inputting legal information. Shield forms are designed to mirror legal forms and display questions that are relevant to Harry’s current status. John will be guided by Shield to provide Mary the information she needs quickly and accurately.

    History Timeline

    Mary is able to see Harry’s whole history including future events. Mary can react at the appropriate time to get started on Harry’s case again. She’ll also be able to correct any inaccuracies in information whether by fault of Harry, John, or even the court.

    Meet the team

    • Daniel Hoang - Product Designer

    • Calvin Korver - Software Developer

    • Kyle McNulty - Software Developer

    • Xingyue (Eugenia) Yang - Product Manager

    The iSchool Capstone

    The Capstone projects allow students to identify an information problem or need. They then develop the approach and methods needed to address the problem, conduct the research and present the findings in both oral and written formats.