The San Mateo County Bar Association’s Private Defender Program is a distinguished Managed Assigned Counsel (MAC) program established in 1969 to provide high-quality, zealous legal representation for financially eligible individuals in San Mateo County. It stands out as a preeminent indigent defense organization recognized nationally for its client-centered, holistic advocacy and comprehensive support structure.
The program is appointed by the San Mateo County Superior Court to represent individuals accused of crimes who cannot afford an attorney, including those facing felonies, misdemeanors, juvenile delinquency, dependency cases, and matters under the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act. Its approach integrates legal defense with social and support services to address clients’ broader needs and break the cycle of incarceration, backed by a robust system of investigators, social workers, advocates, and expert witnesses.
Services Offered
- Criminal Defense
- Juvenile Defense
- Civil Commitments
- Clear Your Record / Post Conviction
- Specialty Courts
- Holistic and Support Services
- Investigations
- Social Worker Support
- Criminal Immigration Services
- Access to Expert Witnesses
- Paralegal Services
- Client Advocacy
- Community Engagement
The program serves clients throughout San Mateo County and operates from main offices in Redwood City and a dedicated juvenile branch in San Mateo. It has been formally recognized by the American Bar Association and the National Legal Aid and Defender Association for excellence in indigent defense.
