Carla Gomez is the Head of Criminal Immigration Defense for the Private Defender Program. Carla helps PDP attorneys navigate the intersection of criminal and immigration law, and assists with case resolutions that minimize immigration penalties and avoid deportation proceedings for clients. In addition to case-specific consultations, Carla conducts training sessions to equip attorneys with the knowledge needed to advocate effectively for noncitizen clients, and engages in community outreach throughout San Mateo County to educate and support immigrant communities.

Carla practiced for twenty years as a public defender and trial attorney before transitioning into immigration deportation defense. Carla then worked as a senior staff attorney at the Immigrant Legal Resource Center where she developed an expertise in criminal immigration issues. At the ILRC she trained attorneys throughout the state, and co-authored publications on crimmigration. Carla joined the PDP management team in 2024.