San Francisco Public Defender
4.2
Glassdoor Rating
200+
Total Staff
120+
Attorneys
25,000+
Annual Caseload
7
Open Positions
About
Known nationally for pioneering holistic defense and the Clean Slate expungement program. One of the most progressive public defender offices in the country.
Strategic Career Intelligence
Trial Volume
~600 jury trials/year
Source: SF Public Defender Annual Report 2024
Avg. Time to First Trial
3-6 months
Specializations
Career Pathways
Experience Value
Pioneer of holistic defense — unique experience with social workers, investigators, and immigration attorneys embedded in defense team. Clean Slate program provides expungement expertise found nowhere else. National reputation opens doors to policy and leadership positions.
Specialty Courts
Holistic Defense Services
Open Positions(7)
View AllDeputy Public Defender
Senior Trial Attorney
Immigration Defense Attorney
Social Worker — Defense Team
Clean Slate Coordinator
Managing Attorney — Felony Division
Data Analyst — Defense Metrics
Salary Ranges
| Level | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Entry Level | $105,000-$125,000 |
| Mid-Career | $130,000-$160,000 |
| Senior | $165,000-$200,000 |
| Leadership | $210,000-$290,000 |
Budget & Funding Intelligence
Total Budget
$65M
Primary Sources
2025-06-30
Figures cited: $65M PD budget, 1.5% increase
Budget Trend
= StableSF's strong tax base supports consistent PD funding. Office is nationally recognized as a model for holistic defense. Low vulnerability reflects institutional stability and political support. However, city budget pressures from pension obligations are a long-term concern.
Quick Info
- County
- San Francisco
- Region
- Bay Area
- Case Management
- Legal Server
- Caseload/Attorney
- ~208
- Phone
- (415) 553-1671
- Website
- Visit
Union Representation
SEIU Local 1021
Unionized workplace
Benefits
- SFERS Pension
- Health/Dental/Vision (SF City plan)
- PSLF Eligible
- Paid CLE
- SEIU Local 1021 Membership
- Commuter Benefits
- 12 Paid Holidays
Labor History
Funding Sources
- City & County of San Francisco General Fund
- State Trial Court Trust Fund
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