As the Head of Social Work, Harpreet Samra leads a panel of 37 mental health professionals and four Client Advocates for the Private Defender Program. Preet consults with attorneys, investigators, and paralegals to determine the best course of action for the Social Work team. She also works closely with community partners, collaborates with jail Correctional Health Services, and liaises with community-based organizations to ensure clients receive comprehensive support.

Preet created PDP’s Social Work department from the ground up by recruiting mental health professionals, developing a sustainable referral system for attorneys, and creating training tools for service providers. With over 17 years of experience in social work before joining the PDP in 2021, Preet has dedicated her career to improving holistic outcomes for individuals involved in the legal system. Her extensive background in mental health advocacy and direct client services has made her an essential leader in bridging social work and legal defense.