In the traditional model of the public defender, the communities from which clients come are generally ignored, and clients are most often met in the courthouse rather than the public defender's office. Family meetings are rare, and long-term involvement with schools or community organizations is not even considered. By contrast, the more holistic model of representation is client-focused, interdisciplinary, and community-based. Instead of focusing only on the charge being brought against the client as a traditional defender might, an advocate in a more holistic environment may also address any abusive relationship and substance abuse issues, whether or not they initially appear to be related to the offense at issue in the charge. This bulletin recommends a procedure for transforming a public defender's office culture from a traditional to a holistic perspective. Suggestions include the establishment of an interdisciplinary work group, the creation of a physical environment that supports the holistic vision, a focus on community outreach, the reinforcement of client-centered values in the office community, the creation of a hiring committee, and the establishment of client-centered criteria for the tasks of all office staff.