Official Site of The State of New Jersey

Holistic representation is a team-based public defense model that combines legal advocacy with coordinated support services to address the underlying needs that often contribute to justice system involvement. By connecting clients to resources such as housing, treatment, employment, and other stabilizing supports, this approach improves client outcomes and strengthens public safety.

Traditional legal representation focuses primarily on a person’s case. Holistic representation goes further by recognizing that clients are better able to navigate the legal system, and avoid future system involvement, when their broader needs are addressed.

The New Jersey Office of the Public Defender (NJOPD) piloted this model in Atlantic, Hudson, and Monmouth counties. In the pilot, attorneys worked alongside trained specialists who helped clients access critical services, while allowing attorneys to focus on legal strategy.

NJOPD's three-county pilot demonstrates the model’s effectiveness:

• Service connections, including help accessing health care, benefits, housing, employment, and treatment supports, increased from 142 clients in 2024 to 773 clients in 2025, a 442% surge.
• The pilot primarily served clients with significant needs: 25% were unhoused, 60% had a mental health diagnosis, and 80% were connected to employment or workforce training.
• The model also demonstrates broader public safety and fiscal benefits:
• Up to 98% of participants remained arrest-free when provided holistic support.