Who We Are

The Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) aspires to be a beacon of justice in California. Our core mission centers on providing unwavering advocacy for the underrepresented, particularly those facing capital sentences, while empowering the broader defense community to ensure effective and equitable representation for all.

Our Mission

To achieve a more just criminal legal system by providing zealous advocacy for our clients and empowering California’s defense community to provide excellent representation for all.

Our Vision

Forge a more just and less punitive California without the death penalty.

Divisions and Programs

The agency is strategically structured into two mission-centric divisions.

Appellate Division

The Appellate Division is committed to providing zealous representation to people sentenced to death in California. This division combines dedication to our clients, expert legal knowledge and creative advocacy in defense of human rights.

In addition to capital appeals, the division actively manages several key programs:

Amicus Program

OSPD provides expert perspectives on cutting edge criminal law issues by filing amicus (friend of the court) briefs in cases in the California Supreme Court and the California Courts of Appeal.

Systemic Litigation Program

This program is dedicated to training a new generation of excellent appellate advocates. Attorneys in this program tackle many complex legal issues and have secured landmark victories for our clients.

Non-Capital Litigation Program

OSPD occasionally represents appellants in non capital cases to ensure that important issues in the law are carefully litigated and developed.

Learn more | Appellate Division

Indigent Defense Improvement Division (IDID)

The IDID is fundamental in supporting public defense systems throughout California. It works with defense teams, offices, and county leaders to promote and implement zealous defense practices by providing in-depth training, capacity building, rigorous research and data support.

IDID is instrumental in not only ensuring attorneys have the tools they need for representing clients today but also in pioneering new ways of thinking of public defense in California, ensuring a continuous evolution and improvement in the quality of legal defense.

Training

Through collaboration with practitioners, defense offices, and training organizations, the training team provides regional training events, webinars, online courses, and reference materials. The training division strives to provide California’s public defenders with the skills and knowledge to ensure the highest standard of representation in court.

Capacity Building

California’s 58 counties have unique local public defense delivery systems. The capacity building team provides technical assistance and expertise on implementing new structures and innovative porgrams. In doing this work, they collaborate with local and national organizations to serve the critical needs of California’s unique public defense systems.

Research

Our research experts work to collect and provide data about the public defense systems in California. They also act as a resource for jurisdictions wanting to learn more about critical data collection practices, data analysis or using data in publications or presentations.

Learn more | IDID

Diversity and Inclusion

At OSPD, we strive to create a diverse and inclusive workplace, recognizing that our ability to represent our clients well and to support the indigent defense community requires varied perspectives and experiences. We are committed to equitable practices and welcome individuals from all walks of life to join us in our mission.

Join Our Team

Our Core Values

Dedicated Service at the Forefront

At the Office of the State Public Defender, our primary mission is to serve our clients and county defender stakeholders with unwavering commitment. We are driven by a a deep commitment to justice and work to uphold the dignity of every individual. Our approach is rooted in respect and a dedication to meet the needs of those we serve.

Empowering Through Balance and Support

We believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, capable of tackling challenging tasks with innovative and creative solutions. Our team maintains a holistic view of our agency's goals, ensuring that every action contributes to our overarching mission of excellent representation and service.

Leading by Example

Our strength lies in our ability to support each other. We emphasize active listening and encouragement. We persevere through challenges and approach our work with dedication and consistency. This approach not only strengthens our team but also sets a standard of excellence in service to our clients and stakeholders.

Fostering Courageous Collaboration

We embrace open-mindedness and judgement-free, collaborative spaces. Our team shares expertise freely. This collaborative spirit enhances our ability to champion the needs of our clients and support those doing similar work across the state.

Our Story: A Legacy of Advocacy

1976

The Beginning

The OSPD was established by the California Legislature to provide high quality legal representation to indigent defendants in appellate courts. We soon became a formidable voice in California's courts, in cases on behalf of individual clients and on matters of broad importance in the justice system.

1980s

Adapting to Challenges

In the 1980s OSPD, like many other organizations that provided legal representation to poor people, suffered severe budget cuts. Even as our staff dwindled, OSPD was increasingly assigned to represent people in complex appeals in death penalty cases.

1997

Focus on Capital Cases

In 1997, as death sentencing in California increased, the Legislature shifted OSPD’s focus, entrenching our role in death penalty appeals and expanding our involvement in non-capital case training. This period marked OSPD's rise as a leading authority in capital case representation.

2020s

Expansion and Innovation

Legislation in 2020 catalyzed a major expansion of our mission. We extended our reach beyond appellate work to include support for county level public defense across the state, enhancing attorney training, supporting county initiatives, and spearheading innovative defense strategies.

2023 & Beyond

Championing Justice

OSPD remains committed to implementing new laws, including the Racial Justice Act, and advocating for our clients in every way. This commitment to fairness and equity in both capital and non-capital cases represents our continuous effort to create a more equitable justice system for all Californians.