01/03/2008 GAAS:03:08 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Print Version | Email / Share
Governor Schwarzenegger Appoints Michael Hersek State Public Defender
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced the appointment of Michael Hersek as state public defender.
"Michael's comprehensive understanding of public defense coupled with his extensive experience including serving as the state public defender for the last four years makes him the perfect person for this position," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "I thank him for his continued service to the people of California and I am confident that Michael will continue to provide the best possible representation for inmates who cannot afford legal help."
Hersek has served as the state public defender since he was first appointed by the Governor in 2004. Previously, he served as central staff attorney for the California Supreme Court from 1999 to 2004, where he advised the seven justices on criminal-law matters. From 1991 to 1999, Hersek was a deputy state public defender in the Office of the State Public Defender. Previously, he served as an annual research attorney for the California Supreme Court from 1989 to 1992. Additionally, Hersek has served as an adjunct professor at the Golden Gate University School of Law since 2000.
"I share Governor Schwarzenegger's commitment to criminal justice and indigent defense services," said Michael Hersek. "I am deeply honored he has asked me to continue serving in this immensely important role."
Hersek, 44, of San Francisco, earned a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Long Beach. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $142,965. Hersek is a Democrat.
The Office of the State Public Defender was created by the California Legislature in 1976 in response to the need of the state appellate courts for consistent, high-quality representation for defendants. The state public defender, in conjunction with court-appointed private legal counsel, represents persons who are financially unable to employ counsel when exercising their constitutional right to an appeal. Due to the increasing number of inmates on Death Row awaiting appointment of counsel, the mandate to the office from all three branches of government has been redirected toward an exclusive focus upon death penalty cases. The agency has two regional law offices that are located in Sacramento and San Francisco. The state public defender and the administrative staff are headquartered in San Francisco.
