Public Defender (U)

JOB
The Public Defender is an executive leader position appointed by the Board of Supervisors and is responsible for leading and overseeing the Office of the Public Defender, including supervision of all employees, strategic planning, development, budgetary and administrative oversight of all functions within the Office of the Public Defender. This position will have the opportunity to drive strategic development for future-focused organizational success and service, enhancing efficiency and service delivery, adapting public defense services based on recent legislation and other changes in law, and promoting cost-effective reforms in the criminal justice system.The ideal candidate will be a proven leader in a complex legal organization with membership in the California State Bar and at least 10 years of criminal defense experience in California, including five years of trial experience. They will bring expertise in California criminal law, constitutional law, evidence rules, and trial strategy. The successful candidate will possess strong interpersonal and communication skills to promote collaboration and partnership with the Board of Supervisors, County Administration, other County departments, and external agencies. They will be a 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, and promote cost-effective reforms in the criminal justice system. They will demonstrate strong organizational, fiscal, and administrative leadership skills; ability to manage and inspire a large and diverse legal team; uphold the highest ethical standards; and possess a deep commitment to social justice, equity, and protecting the rights of underserved communities. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of public criminal defense in one of the most diverse and dynamic counties in the nation.Filing Period and Application ProcedureFinal Filing Date: Friday, October 10, 2025 The recruitment may be extended or closed as early as 10 days after issue date. You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible and to monitor this site for updated closing information. For the brochure, click here!This recruitment requires the submission of an online application. No paper applications will be accepted. Applicants must apply online at www.sccjobs.orghttps://esa.santaclaracounty.gov/career-seekers It is important that the following information be included in your application packet as it will be evaluated during the competitive review process: Please submit a letter of interest describing your executive experience addressed to our Honorable Board of Supervisors; A comprehensive resume that clearly demonstrates your professional experience, accomplishments, the size of staff and budget managed; and A list of five (5) professional references.Questions regarding this Executive recruitment may be directed to Quynh Truong, Executive Services at 408.315.9559 or quynh.truong@esa.sccgov.org Stay Informed On Our Latest Executive Leadership Recruitments Subscribe to our Executive Leadership Careers Newsletter! Click hereOr follow us on: Instagram Instagram.com/SCCExecRecruitment

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Legal ResponsibilitiesUpon order of the court or request of an eligible client, provides constitutional legal representation to persons accused of criminal offenses who are financially unable to employ private counsel; Provides constitutional representation in Juvenile Court to minors who are the subject of petitions seeking to declare them to be wards of the court for alleged law violations; Provides constitutional representation in Juvenile Court dependency proceedings to parents who are unable to employ private counsel and who are in danger of having their children taken from them; Provides constitutional representation to persons who are subject to mental illness and related proceedings in the psychiatric court who are unable to provide private counsel; Directs case preparation, trial work and legal research; Directs the assignment and review of staff attorneys' cases; Maintains ethical relationships with judges, prosecuting attorneys, law enforcement agencies, and other public and private agencies; and Performs other related work as required.Management Responsibilities Establishes and maintains appropriate administrative policies, services, controls and reporting systems in the effective and efficient performance of office functions; Establishes and monitors policies and procedures for revenue recovery in the Office of the Public Defender; Maintains close liaison with the Board of Supervisors as to administrative matters relating to or affecting Board of Supervisors' policies; Establishes and maintains goals, objectives and plans carrying out the functions of the Office consistent with Board of Supervisors' policy determinations; Organizes, coordinates, supervises, and directs the activities of the Office of the Public Defender; Appoints, trains, supervises, evaluates and directs subordinates and professional, administrative and clerical staff; Recommends the annual office budget to the County Executive and participates in its presentation to the Board of Supervisors; Directs maintenance of office fiscal and personnel records and performs related work.