San Francisco Public Defender Jeff Adachi (right) has appointed former Board of Supervisors President Matt Gonzalez (left) as Chief Attorney. File photo by Luke Thomas.
From the Office of San Francisco Public Defender Jeff Adachi
February 22, 2011
Matt Gonzalez, a longtime civil rights and criminal defense attorney and former Board of Supervisors president, was appointed to Chief Attorney of the San Francisco Public Defender’s office today.
San Francisco Public Defender Jeff Adachi announced the news to his staff during an 8 a.m. meeting. Gonzalez replaces former Chief Attorney Teresa Caffese, who left Dec. 31 for private practice. Gonzalez’s position is effective immediately.
The appointment marks Gonzalez’s return to the San Francisco Public Defender’s office, where he served as a deputy public defender from 1991 to 2001. He successfully tried many cases while in the office, including serious felonies, three-strike cases and life-in-prison matters.
In 2000, Gonzalez was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. He took office in 2001 and was elected by his colleagues two years later as president of the 11-member body. Gonzalez was the main sponsor of a ballot measure that created the highest minimum wage in the country. He authored groundbreaking legislation on elections and ethics reform, instant run-off voting, and commission appointments. He also proposed a measure to give immigrants the right to vote in municipal elections.
Adachi said Gonzalez’s experience both in the courtroom and in City Hall make him an excellent fit for the position, which involves overseeing and managing all internal operations of the Public Defender’s office as well as participating in budget planning and negotiations.
“We wanted a top trial lawyer who understands our work, has a commitment to our clients and a dedication to preserving the resources that allow our office to function,” Adachi said. “That person is Matt Gonzalez.”
Since 2005, Gonzalez has been a partner in the law firm of Gonzalez and Leigh, where he handled both civil and criminal matters. While in private practice, Gonzalez successfully litigated a number of federal civil rights cases, including the first punitive damages verdict against a sitting district attorney (Solano County) in California’s history. His firm also brought suit against Yolo County’s Superior Court challenging the lack of Latino representation on its Grand Jury, which brought important reforms. Gonzalez also successfully defended the head of Yolo County’s Housing Authority against corruption and other charges.
The McAllen, Texas native received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia University in 1987 and his Juris Doctor degree from Stanford Law School in 1990. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the 2000 Lawyer of the Year award from the San Francisco La Raza Lawyers Association, the 2003 In Defense of Animals Guardian Award, and the 2004 Bert Corona Award from California’s Mexican American Political Association.
The Hunger Site
March 3, 2011 at 3:32 pm
marc – you reminded me of the many times Matt has quit on his constituents and supportersin his quest for greener political pastures. You forgot to mention he also quit the Democratic Party during an election to help him get elected Supervisor, and then quit the Board when he couldn’t become Mayor. Matt later quit the Green Party to forward his political career, and forever be known as “former VP Candidate”. Now he gets a second shot at quitting the public defender’s office.
February 27, 2011 at 4:14 pm
Using my old math that sounds like 14 years of ‘public service’. Probably 13.9999 years more than 99.9999% of the population gives. What’s your beef ?.
February 27, 2011 at 9:27 am
Ten years as attorney at the Public Defender, four years as District Five Supervisor, in only six short years, Matt Gonzalez will be able to qualify for one of those public sector retirement packages, courtesy of Jeff Adachi.
-marc
February 24, 2011 at 4:32 pm
Do you think it came with a note? “Matt – here is a $200K/year job with a big political upside, given to you in appreciation for your supporting my ballot initiative.” – Love, Jeff
February 22, 2011 at 6:14 pm
Yes. I like that too.
February 22, 2011 at 1:29 pm
HALLELUJAH !!!
STAND WITH MADISON
MILLE GRACIE MIKE – GO ROSS.
NO TO HERRERA – We Have A Right To Vote !!
GO GIANTS !!!