Lisa M. Maguire has served as Chief Defender of the Private Defender Program since December 2019. Lisa brings extensive experience to the position after running a private criminal defense practice for over 16 years handling cases from misdemeanors to capital murder cases. In her role as Chief Defender, Lisa is responsible for the overall operation of the Program, including the administration of the Adult and Juvenile Divisions. Lisa serves on the board of the California Public Defender Association. She is a member of the Legislative Committee and co-chairs the Amicus Committee.

John Elworth became the Assistant Chief Defender in November 2023, after 16 years in private practice as a criminal defense attorney and member of the Private Defender Program. In 2019, John received the Woodman Award for his dedication to indigent defense. During his years as a panel attorney, John served as lead counsel on cases ranging from possession of methamphetamine to capital murder. As Assistant Chief Defender, John assists in the overall operation and administration of the Private Defender Program.

Ron Rayes joined the management team in 2019. As Assistant Chief of the Juvenile and Civil Commitment Branch, Ron administers Juvenile Justice cases, Dependency cases, Lanterman-Petris-Short-Act (LPS) cases, CARE court and Probate Guardianships, as well as Conservatorship cases. Ron was a criminal defense attorney for over 16 years, representing indigent clients in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, as well as appearing on juvenile court and transfer cases. Ron serves on the Pacific Juvenile Defender Center’s Executive Board and is an active advocate for juvenile justice reform, frequently presenting on juvenile justice law before the California Legislature.

Mitri Hanania joined the management team in November 2022, after more than 20 years in private practice as a criminal defense attorney. Mitri joined the Private Defender Program as a panel member in 2001. He is a State Bar certified criminal defense attorney and has earned the Woodman Award for his excellent work with the Private Defender Program. Over Mitri’s career, he has handled a diverse range of cases, from minor traffic violations to complex homicide cases.

Tanya Montano O’Malley joined the management team in November of 2022. Tanya is the Managing Attorney of Specialty Courts & Community Engagement. Before running a private criminal defense practice for 17 years, she worked for the U.S. Department of Justice, and the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. In her private practice, she assisted San Mateo County in implementing various collaborative courts and programs, including mental health, homeless connect and drug courts.

Jessica Agnich joined the management team in March 2024. Prior to joining the management team, Jessica was a public defender in Solano County for seven years before going into private criminal defense practice for eleven years. Jessica’s extensive practice specialized in homicides, gang related cases, and serious and violent felonies. Jessica joined the PDP in 2018. Her work as a member of the panel included several not guilty verdicts for clients faced with serious charges, including charges carrying a potential exposure of life in prison.

Indiana Albanes began her work in the field of investigations in 2009 and earned her role as Head of Investigations in 2023. As Head of Investigations, Indiana plans the provision of investigation and paralegal services for attorneys, as well as recruits panel investigators. Prior to her start as Head of Investigations, Indiana focused her investigative work toward the understanding of how early life experiences and trauma can contribute to difficult and complicated circumstances clients find themselves in later in life. Indiana’s work emphasized the importance of humanizing the client, drawing attention to the importance of providing meaningful prevention and intervention services

Harpreet Samra, LCSW started as Head of the PDP’s Social Work Panel in 2021, founding the Program’s Social Work Department. After over 17 years of dedicated Social Work fighting for justice, equality and equity across various arenas, Preet now leads a panel of 37 mental health professionals serving San Mateo County. In her role, Preet conducts consultations with attorneys, investigators, and paralegals on cases to determine the best course of action for the Social Work team. Preet works closely with community partners, collaborates with jail Correctional Health Services and the Forensic Mental Health team, and liaises with community-based organizations to develop referral processes.

Carla V. Gomez has twenty years of criminal defense experience as both a federal and county public defender and has extensive experience as an immigration deportation defense attorney. Carla started her career as a Federal Public Defender in San Diego where she tried over 15 federal felony trials. Carla then became a San Francisco Public Defender where she practiced for over 15 years as a felony attorney. Carla successfully defended challenging cases in immigration court where her clients with serious felonies have won asylum, withholding, the Convention Against Torture and readjustment of status.