Public Defender

The County of Santa Clara is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as Public Defender, an executive position appointed by the Board of Supervisors. This role is responsible for the strategic direction, operational oversight, and fiscal management of the Office of the Public Defender.

As the County’s chief legal advocate for indigent defense, the Public Defender ensures high-quality representation in criminal, juvenile, dependency, and mental health proceedings. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative leader with a deep commitment to justice, equity, and innovation in public defense.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage all operations, staff, and strategic initiatives within the Office.
• Ensure effective legal representation and ethical advocacy across all case types.
• Mentor attorneys and foster a high-performing, mission-driven legal team.
• Build strong partnerships with courts, County leadership, and justice system stakeholders.
• Oversee departmental budget, performance metrics, and policy development.
• Represent the Office at board, committee, and community meetings.

Current & Emerging Priorities:

• Enhance service delivery amid budget constraints.
• Adapt to evolving legislation and legal standards.
• Expand immigration defense capacity for noncitizen clients.
• Address racial disparities and promote individualized sentencing.
• Strengthen transparency, public education, and post-conviction support.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of public defense in Santa Clara County and lead a dedicated team committed to justice and equity.

To apply, please visit our website: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/santaclara/jobs/5070588/

The ideal candidate:

• Active member of the State Bar of California
• 10+ years of criminal defense experience in California, including 5+ years of trial work
• Deep knowledge of California criminal law, constitutional law, evidence rules, and trial strategy
• Proven leadership in a complex legal organization and a strong commitment to public defense
• Thoughtful strategist and problem-solver who possesses excellent judgment to assess not just a legal problem but also the business, social, and political context within which the legal problem must be resolved
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to promote collaboration and partnership with the Board of Supervisors, County Administration, other County departments, and external agencies
• A culturally responsive, community-engaged, and visible leader with a high level of integrity and honesty