Overview
Company Name: Los Angeles County Public Defender
Website: [LACPD Official Site](https://pubdef.lacounty.gov/)
LinkedIn: [LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/company/lapubdef)
Industry: Law Practice
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees
The Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office is recognized as the largest and oldest public defender office in the United States, established in 1914. It is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal representation to individuals in need, particularly indigent criminal defendants and juveniles, across 36 office locations throughout Los Angeles County. It operates with a client-centered focus, defending liberties, protecting rights, and ensuring access to justice and community resources.
Key Financial and Employee Data
- Estimated Revenue: $217 million annually
- Revenue per Employee: $337,500
- Employee Count: Over 1,100 staff, including more than 700 attorneys, paralegals, investigators, psychiatric social workers, and administrative/support staff
- Recent Employee Growth: Notable increase of 12% over the last year to 643 employees
Leadership
The leadership team of the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office is composed of dedicated professionals with a wide range of experience and expertise in the legal field:
- Justine Esack, Chief Deputy Public Defender: Located in San Fernando, she has been serving since April 2020 and has extensive experience as a Deputy Public Defender.
- John Mathews II, Chief of Staff: An advocate for systemic justice reform with a breadth of policy experience.
- Traci Blackburn, Assistant Public Defender: With 28 years as a deputy public defender, she handles diverse cases ranging from misdemeanors to complex felonies.
- Candis Glover, Assistant Public Defender: First African-American woman appointed in this role, overseeing Prop 47 legal clinics since January 2016.
- Graciela Martinez, Assistant Public Defender: Stanford University alumnus with prior leadership in Immigration and Civil Commitment Units.
- Thomas Moore, Assistant Public Defender: An actively licensed attorney with extensive experience defending public cases.
- Haydeh Takasugi, Assistant Public Defender: Georgetown University Law graduate with expertise in technology advancement and case management.
- Mohammed Al Rawi, Chief Information Officer: An STTCAward recipient, he leads the office's digital transformation initiatives.
- Jon Trochez, Administrative Deputy: Brings over 20 years of public sector experience to the executive team.
- Luis Rodriguez, Juvenile Division Chief: Active since 1994, with a focus on juvenile advocacy and criminal cases.
Services & Achievements
The Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office offers a broad range of services focusing on criminal defense, juvenile advocacy, and immigration, covering courts from the superior level to state and federal appellate levels. Under Mohammed Al Rawi's leadership, their digital innovations have been recognized with the 2023 AWS State and Local Government Champion designation. Their mission centers on unwavering legal advocacy, justice transformation, and defending clients' rights. For more information, visit the [Contact Us page](https://pubdef.lacounty.gov/contact-us/) on their official website.
Competitor Landscape
The Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office faces competition primarily from prominent law firms and legal services offices:
1. Mokri Vanis and Jones: Generating $12.6 million with 52 employees.
2. International Litigation Services: Revenue of approximately $4.9 million with 26 employees.
3. Lang Richert and Patch: Estimated revenue of $6.7 million with 31 staff.
4. Selman Breitman and Abramson Labor Group: Both major players with estimated revenues around $45.4 million.
Competitors offer diverse legal services, positioning the Public Defender's Office as a central figure in advocating for indigent clients amidst a competitive field.
Recent Developments
Recent highlights include an emphasis on increasing justice and public defender services in LA County's proposed budget. Additionally, the office's collaboration with the District Attorney reflects a joint commitment to holistic justice reforms, reinforcing their role in systemic change and equity in the legal landscape.
