Public Defender
Annual Salary up to $253,980*
Home to approximately 500,000 residents, Sonoma County offers a rare and compelling array of scenic, recreational, and geographic characteristics – including over 200 award-winning wineries, inspiring coastline and beaches, the Russian River, and majestic redwoods.
Appointed by the County’s Board of Supervisors, the Public Defender is a leader and collaborative partner within the County’s social and criminal justice system. This executive joins an organization that promotes a collaborative and team-based approach to meeting the needs of the county strategic plan and criminal justice system. In addition to serving as the Liaison to the Board of Supervisors, the Public Defender represents the office to other criminal justice departments (i.e., the Sheriff’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office, and the Probation Department), elected officials, social justice partners, interested community groups, the Sonoma County Bar Association, the California State Bar Association, the California Public Defenders Association, and the American Bar Association. This collaborative approach and involvement includes coordination with outside agencies and organizations.
As department head, the Public Defender is responsible for the development, administration, and direction of the County’s program for legal defense of indigent criminal defendants. As mandated in California Government Code section 27706, the office is responsible for providing representation of defendants who are unable to employ counsel in felony and misdemeanor trials, and preliminary hearings in the Superior Courts; minors whose parents are unwilling or financially unable to obtain counsel in Juvenile Court proceedings; and persons who are unable to employ counsel in mental health related proceedings which may result in incarceration or detention or other deprivation of liberty, and determining eligibility for the Public Defender’s services. Given the size of the office and current resource constraints, the Public Defender carries a significant caseload in addition to overseeing the office.
The Public Defender manages a current annual budget of $14.5 million and leads a staff of 54, which includes two chief deputies, 31 attorneys, and 8 investigators.
The ideal candidate for County Counsel will have a keen, nimble, and curious legal mind and strong experience as a municipal attorney. They will also have demonstrated knowledge, skills, background, and abilities needed to manage a municipal legal department, extensive civil trial experience, and experience pertinent to the key issues and direction Sonoma County faces. County Counsel is an impressive and credible communicator, with the ability to convey complex ideas and strategies clearly and effectively, both in writing and in person. County Counsel fosters, encourages, and expects excellent legal services from the Office’s Deputies and other attorneys; and holds all staff accountable for providing complete, thorough, well thought out and defensible positions and strategies.
Senior attorneys from County Counsel, City Attorney, Attorney General, and private sector offices (that specialize and focus on municipal issues) should consider applying for this exceptional opportunity. Out-of-state legal professionals are also encouraged to apply, if they have qualifying legal experience working within California and the ability to reinstate their licensure.
Sonoma County offers a total compensation package that is both attractive and competitive. The position receives a cash allowance in addition to base salary. Combined, the annual salary is $253,980, depending upon the qualifications of the selected candidate. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. For more information and instructions on how to apply, visit www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org. The County of Sonoma is an equal opportunity employer.
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