THE TYPES OF LAWYERS WHO REPRESENT INDIGENT DEFENDANTS AND THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF INDIGENT REPRESENTATION ARE DESCRIBED. THE TRADITIONAL PROPOSALS FOR REFORM OF THE SYSTEM, SPECIALIZATION AND CONTINUING EDUCATION, ARE REVIEWED. THE RULES OF CONDUCT FOR TRIAL COUNSEL SUGGESTED BY THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA CIRCUIT OF THE US COURT OF APPEALS IN UNITED STATES V DECOSTER (1973) ARE EXAMINED. THE ROLES OF THE TRIAL JUDGE AND DEFENSE COUNSEL IN IMPROVING INDIGENT REPRESENTATION SERVICES ARE ASSESSED. EMPHASIS IS PLACED ON THE NEED FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION TO SUPPLEMENT SUGGESTED REFORMS.