Conflict defender's focus: 'the people'

In 2001, Chance began attending the University at Albany, then went to Albany Law School two years later through an accelerated program where she completed three years each in college and law school.

Following that, Chance worked as the affirmative action manager for the city and county and became an assistant district attorney in Albany County, where she mostly handled drug court treatment cases.

In late May, she was hired as the conflict defender, an office that is called up in cases when a public defender represents a co-defendant or witness in a criminal case and the public defender can only represent one because of conflicting interests.

County Public Defender Stephen Signore, the former conflict defender, said Chance having worked as both a defense attorney and prosecutor is an asset.

Chance's staff includes six attorneys, one investigator, a secretary and three paralegal interns — two from Schenectady County Community College and one from the University at Albany.

Chance wants to increase jail visits and contacts with clients and improve technology for the lawyers in her office and the defendants they represent.