To: Board of Supervisors
From: Ellen McDonnell, Public Defender
Report Title: Larsen Justice Fellowship Agreement with the Regents of the University of California
?Recommendation of the County Administrator ? Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Public Defender, or designee, to execute the Larsen Justice Fellowship Agreement with the Regents of the University of California, a non-profit educational institution, on behalf of the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law, Zo? Fisher (the "Fellow" and volunteer of the Public Defender) for the period August 18, 2025 and ending no later than August 17, 2026.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact for the County for this action, as this is a non-financial agreement.
BACKGROUND:
The Contra Costa County Public Defender's Office (CCPD) seeks to enter into a Fellowship Agreement with the Regents of the University of California, on behalf of the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law to provide experiential learning opportunities for students and recent graduates interested in public service and indigent defense. Under the agreement, CCPD will host Zo? Fisher, as a legal volunteer from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law who will assist with legal research, case preparation, and client support under the supervision of CCPD staff.
This collaboration benefits both CCPD and the educational institution. The program allows students to gain practical experience in the legal field while supporting the CCPD's mission to provide high-quality representation to clients who cannot afford private counsel. Participation in the program also enhances the CCPD's recruitment pipeline by fostering interest in public sector careers.
The Larsen Fellow began their placement with the Public Defender's Juvenile Unit on August 18, 2025. The request for Board approval was delayed because The Regents of the University of California, on behalf of the University of...
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