Madison, Wisconsin – August 29, 2025 – The University of Wisconsin Law School has assured stakeholders that its Public Defender Project, a vital clinical program training aspiring attorneys in indigent criminal defense, will persist despite the recent layoffs of several faculty members, including the program’s director, Professor John Gross. The announcement comes as the institution grapples with a 5% budget reduction mandated by UW-Madison’s chancellor, highlighting broader challenges in legal education and public defense amid ongoing statewide shortages of public defenders. The school’s commitment to reenvisioning the program in partnership with the State Public Defender’s Office aims to maintain its role in addressing Wisconsin’s chronic criminal justice staffing crisis.
The Public Defender Project, housed within the Frank J. Remington Center at UW Law School, provides second- and third-year students with hands-on experience through a three-credit seminar on the public defender’s role, a two-credit trial skills class, and internships in Wisconsin public defender offices during summer or the school year. These opportunities, certified under Wisconsin Supreme Court student practice rules, are crucial for preparing students to represent low-income clients in criminal proceedings, fostering skills in advocacy, ethics, and systemic understanding. The program has long been a cornerstone of the school’s clinical offerings, complementing the Prosecution Project, which focuses on district attorneys’ offices and was unaffected by the cuts.
Background on the Layoffs and Budget Pressures
In June 2025, UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin requested a 5% budget cut from each division to address fiscal shortfalls exacerbated by state funding constraints and rising operational costs. UW Law School, like other units, implemented reductions, prioritizing layoffs as a “last resort” while also trimming expenses for supplies, travel, catering, and library acquisitions. Dean Dan Tokaji communicated in an August 7 email to staff and faculty that these measures affected “several” employees, though the exact number remains undisclosed, with university officials directing inquiries to public records requests.
Among those impacted is Professor John Gross, a criminal law specialist who joined the faculty in 2020 and directed the Public Defender Project. Gross, who is not tenured, will conclude his role on August 7, 2026. Known for his engaging teaching style, including “Thursday afternoon pep talks” that supported students during the COVID-19 transition to in-person classes, Gross has been a mentor to many. His departure has sparked concern among students and alumni, who view the program as essential for promoting balanced criminal justice education.
The layoffs have ignited debate over equity in legal training. While the Prosecution Project, directed by Lanny Glinberg, remains intact—prompting relief from some faculty but criticism from others—student groups like the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Law Students have mobilized. They launched an online form to collect testimonials from participants in both projects, aiming to advocate for the Public Defender Project’s full support and highlight Gross’s influence on peers’ understanding of criminal law. One student organizer described the cuts as “a painful shock” and “a continued attack on the importance of criminal defense attorneys,” especially those safeguarding indigent clients from state overreach.
The School’s Response and Path Forward
In a statement to Law.com on August 28, 2025, UW Law School officials confirmed the project’s continuation, emphasizing collaboration with the State Public Defender’s Office to “reenvision” its structure. “The Public Defender Project will continue,” a spokesperson noted, though details on the new format—such as potential interim leadership or modified curriculum—remain under discussion. This assurance addresses uncertainties voiced by Gross, who stated he has not been informed of specific plans and anticipates a transformed program if it proceeds.
The decision reflects the school’s recognition of the program’s value in a state facing acute public defender shortages. As of August 2025, Wisconsin’s criminal case backlogs persist, with felony resolutions averaging 259 days in 2023—down slightly from prior years but far exceeding pre-pandemic levels. The State Public Defender’s Office reports around 30 vacancies statewide, heavy workloads, and recruitment challenges, despite recent pay raises and new positions funded in the 2025-26 budget. Public defenders handle cases for those below 115% of the federal poverty line, often turning to private attorneys for conflicts, but low reimbursement rates and high demand exacerbate delays.
Broader context underscores the urgency: A class-action lawsuit filed in 2022 against Gov. Tony Evers and the Public Defender Board alleges violations of the Sixth Amendment right to counsel, citing waits of weeks to over a year for appointments. While the suit seeks dismissals if counsel isn’t provided within 14 days—a timeframe endorsed by the Wisconsin Supreme Court—the state’s efforts, including 12 new positions and salary increases to $75,000 starting pay, have stabilized but not resolved the crisis. Turnover remains at 13-20%, and rural counties suffer disproportionately, with some lacking non-government attorneys.
Implications for Legal Education and Public Defense
The continuation of the Public Defender Project is a win for clinical legal education, which integrates theory with practice to produce ethically grounded attorneys. However, the layoffs raise questions about resource allocation and the sustainability of specialized programs. Critics argue that prioritizing prosecution training over defense perpetuates imbalances in the criminal justice system, where indigent defendants already face systemic disadvantages. Student advocates emphasize that Gross’s program not only trained defenders but also enriched the Prosecution Project by providing comparative insights.
For the State Public Defender’s Office, partnering with UW Law School could bolster recruitment pipelines. Programs like this have historically addressed shortages by attracting law graduates to public service, though low pay—starting at $56,659 before recent hikes—and high caseloads deter many. The office’s Training Division offers resources for all experience levels, but hands-on clinics like the Public Defender Project are irreplaceable for building trial-ready skills.
As Wisconsin navigates these challenges, the reenvisioned project could incorporate innovations like expanded virtual components or interdisciplinary collaborations to enhance efficiency. Dean Tokaji has indicated no further layoffs are anticipated this academic year, signaling a stabilizing budget. Yet, with felony filings rising and bail-jumping charges quadrupling since 2000, sustained investment in public defense training is essential to uphold constitutional rights and clear court backlogs.
This development at UW Law School serves as a microcosm of national trends in legal education, where budget pressures test commitments to public interest work. By affirming the project’s future, the institution reaffirms its dedication to equitable justice, even as it adapts to fiscal realities. Stakeholders, including students and the defense bar, will watch closely as details emerge on the program’s evolution.