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The San Mateo County Bar Association’s Private Defender Program (PDP) was established in 1969 to provide high-quality, zealous legal representation for clients charged with crimes in San Mateo County who cannot afford an attorney. Overseen by a 15-member Board of Directors, we are a “Managed Assigned Counsel” (MAC) program committed to client centered holistic representation.
The PDP is appointed by the San Mateo County Superior Court to represent financially eligible individuals at public expense. This includes people accused of felonies and misdemeanors, juveniles in delinquency cases, parents and juveniles in dependency cases, and cases brought under the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act.
Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to protecting the constitutional rights of our clients. We practice client-centered, holistic legal advocacy, which goes beyond traditional legal defense to address the full range of our clients’ needs and break the cycle of incarceration. To support this work, we provide our attorneys with all necessary support services, including investigators, paralegal services, access to our Partners for Justice Advocates, criminal immigration services, and social workers. Additionally, attorneys have access to expert witnesses to testify and assist in legal proceedings.
We have been recognized by the Standing Committee Legal Aid and Indigent Defendants of the American Bar Association and the National Legal Aid and Defender Association as one of the preeminent indigent defense organizations in the country.
The Private Defender Program is committed to ensuring clients have access to the information and resources they need. Here are helpful links and information to assist you throughout your legal process.
If you want to work for the PDP as an attorney, investigator, social worker, law clerk, or intern, please email your resume and cover letter to PDPrecruitment@SMCBA.org
If you are applying to be a PDP panel attorney, please also complete a PDP attorney application.
We will be in touch with you shortly regarding your application. If you have questions about your application, call 650-298-4000 and ask for the following:
If you have an attorney, contact your attorney about getting back on the calendar. If you do not know who your attorney is or cannot reach your attorney, please call 650-298-4000 and ask for the attorney of the day.
If you have a bench warrant in a juvenile case, contact the juvenile office at 650-312-5396.
Please complete this form to provide feedback about your attorney directly to the PDP.
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