DATE: October 6, 2026
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Antoinette Taillac, Public Defender
SUBJECT: San Joaquin College of Law Federal Work-Study Agreement
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute a retroactive Agreement with the San Joaquin College of Law to provide the Public Defender’s Office access to and utilize law students from San Joaquin College of Law to provide case support, effective May 12, 2026 through May 12, 2027, not to exceed three consecutive years, which includes a one-year base contract and two optional one-year extensions, total not to exceed $30,000.
REPORT
There is no additional Net County Cost (NCC) associated with the recommended action. This recommended action will allow the Public Defender’s Office to continue the existing work study program, providing the Public Defender’s Office access to and utilizing law students from the San Joaquin College of Law (SJCL) who are interested in becoming defense attorneys. Seventy-five percent of the associated cost will be offset through the Federal Work-Study Program implemented by SJCL. This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
If the recommended action is not approved, the Public Defender’s Office will receive less case support provided by law students and will not be able to take advantage of the Federal Work-Study Program offered by SJCL.
RETROACTIVE AGREEMENT:
The Public Defender's Office is requesting retroactive approval of the agreement with SJCL to ensure continuity of services and educational opportunities provided through the partnership. Services commenced prior to the completion of the County's agreement approval process due to operational needs and scheduling requirements associated with the academic program.
The retroactive agreement will allow the County to formalize the existing relationship, ensure compliance with County contracting requirements, and provide compensation for services rendered during the period in which students participated in activities supporting the Public Defender's Office. The delay in bringing the agreement before your Board was administrative in nature and was not intended to circumvent County policy. Approval of the retroactive agreement will ratify services already provided and allow the partnership to continue without interruption.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. Seventy-five percent of the costs will be offset through the Federal Work-Study Program implemented by SJCL. Twenty-five percent of the cost, estimated to be $30,000 over the three-year term, is included in the Public Defender’s Org 2880 FY 2026-27 Adopted Budget. During the retroactive period, the Public Defender’s Office incurred $635 in costs associated with the program. Sufficient appropriations will be included in future budget requests.
DISCUSSION:
The Fresno County Public Defender’s Office was contacted by SJCL regarding employing law students and offsetting seventy-five percent of the cost of employing these students with Federal Work-Study Program funds.
Law students interested in a career in defense will be approved and placed by the Public Defender during the academic and summer semesters. Students will have the opportunity to work closely with defense attorneys in a wide variety of areas of defense. Students may also attend in-house training administered by the Public Defender’s Office.
Students will be recommended by SJCL for consideration first, then will be evaluated by the Public Defender. Students will be paid the state minimum wage by SJCL, and the Public Defender will be billed on a monthly basis for twenty-five percent of that cost. Students will be limited to work a total of 192 hours per placement, up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and will be allowed to work up to 40 hours per week during the summer, at the Public Defender’s discretion. Students will accompany defense attorneys to court, assist in the preparation of felony and misdemeanor defenses, and observe preliminary hearings, trials, and other court proceedings.
County Risk has reviewed the agreement and does not approve of the Public Defender’s Office being named a special employer as it may cause a liability when the services of an employee are designated for the benefit of a party who does not employ the laborer. Additionally, the agreement contains a mutual hold harmless clause, and non-standard insurance requirements. However, the Public Defender’s Office believes that the benefits of entering into this agreement outweigh any associated risks.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
BAI #37, April 11,2023
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Agreement with SJCL
CAO ANALYST:
Sevag Tateosian