Lisa Maguire has led the Private Defender Program since 2019, overseeing a panel of dedicated defense attorneys who provide diligent and zealous representation to their clients.

Under her leadership, the Program has expanded significantly to support a more holistic approach to client representation. She built the Program’s Social Worker and Paralegal Panels from the ground up, ensuring attorneys have access to critical support resources. Lisa also created a Managing Attorney of Collaborative Courts position at the PDP to provide guidance to attorneys navigating the complexities of specialty courts. Additionally, she created a position for an in-house Criminal Immigration Attorney who provides the attorneys with guidance in how to reduce negative immigration consequences to their clients. Most recently, Lisa added four PFJ advocates to assist clients with housing and other essential support services.

Lisa first joined the Program as a criminal defense attorney in 2001, handling a wide range of cases, including serious felonies and homicide cases. In 2017, she was hired as Assistant Chief Defender, where she assisted with program operations before stepping into the Chief Defender role in 2019.

An active leader in the legal community, Lisa serves on the board of the California Public Defender Association, and is a member of the Legislative Committee, and co-chairs the Amicus Committee. In recognition of her contributions, she received the Eleanor Falvey Award in 2023 for outstanding service to Women Lawyers and the San Mateo County legal community.