Employment Opportunities

Criminal Court Appointed Attorneys Program (CAAP) Director

Overview

The Alameda County Bar Association (ACBA) seeks a full-time, exempt Director to lead the Criminal Court Appointed Attorneys Program (CAAP). The Director reports directly to the ACBA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and collaborates closely with the Chief Operating Officer (COO), particularly on program design, technology initiatives, and systems upgrades to build quality, efficiency, and sustainability.

CAAP ensures high-quality criminal defense representation to indigent clients in Alameda County when the Public Defender declares a legal conflict. The Director will be a key ambassador for CAAP, responsible for strengthening relationships with courts, county partners, panel attorneys, and the defense community, while also leading innovative program design to support attorney recruitment and retention at a time of historic caseloads.

The position is hybrid, with work conducted remotely and at the ACBA offices in downtown Oakland. The Director is expected to work on-site 1–3 days per week during initial staff onboarding or training. Additionally, the Director is required to attend ACBA events and networking functions, often scheduled in the evening.

Position Purpose

The CAAP Director provides strategic, operational, and forward-facing leadership to ensure CAAP fulfills its contractual obligations to Alameda County, maintains financial and programmatic integrity, and recruits and retains a highly qualified panel of independent contractor attorneys to serve indigent clients. The Director manages a staff of eight, including:

• A  5+ person referral and billing team responsible for court referrals and financial administration of panel payments.
• A  3+ person social work team (1 unit manager and 2 staff social workers), providing direct support in adult felony and juvenile transfer cases and coordinating contract social work support for panel attorneys.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with CAAP’s contract with Alameda County, all applicable laws, ACBA policies, and CAAP Rules and Fee Schedule.
• Recommend and implement rule and fee schedule changes to strengthen quality and sustainability.
• Monitor program performance, financial health, and caseload trends; ensure timely and accurate data collection and reporting.
• Oversee fiscal administration, including budget monitoring, billing systems, and compliance with financial audits.

Recruitment, Retention & Community Engagement

• Serve as the primary recruiter and ambassador for CAAP panel attorneys, with special focus on experienced felony-level attorneys.
• Design and implement innovative recruitment and retention strategies, including mentorship, training, and supports that foster attorney sustainability.
• Represent CAAP at ACBA networking events, bar section programs, and community meetings to build awareness and attract new panel members.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with the County Administrator’s Office, CAAP Panelists, Courts, Public Defender’s Office and other Justice Partners to foster collaboration, and transparent communication.

Staff & Team Management

• Supervise and support the CAAP team; provide regular training, coaching, and evaluation.
• Ensure effective administration of attorney referrals, billing, and payments.
• Support the Social Work Services Unit in advancing holistic defense practices and ensuring high-quality client services.
• Promote a collaborative and innovative team culture, balancing hybrid/remote work with in-person connection.

Innovation, Technology & Program Development

• Collaborate with the CEO and COO to design and implement system and technology upgrades to improve program quality, transparency, and efficiency.
• Advance special projects to strengthen CAAP’s resilience during periods of high charging and panel shortages.
• Design training, orientation, and mentorship systems for new and advancing panel attorneys.
• Implement initiatives such as backlog reduction projects, attorney retention supports, and judicial education efforts.
• Explore new program models, incorporating best practices from other conflict counsel programs.

Governance & External Partnerships

• Staff and collaborate with the CAAP Advisory Committee, ensuring member input shapes program policies.
• Provide transparent communication to the ACBA Board of Directors.
• Represent CAAP and ACBA with credibility and professionalism in court, county, and public forums.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) and active membership in good standing with the California State Bar.
• Minimum 7 years of criminal defense experience, including serious felony cases; deep knowledge of California Penal Code.
• Demonstrated credibility with courts, defense attorneys, and indigent defense stakeholders.
• At least 3 years of program management experience, including supervision, budgeting, and contract compliance.
• Proven experience in recruitment, retention, and/or mentorship of attorneys or staff.
• Experience with volunteer recruitment and management and/or board cultivation.
• Strong communication, public speaking, and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated capacity for innovative program design and implementation.
• Comfort with technology and data systems; experience implementing programmatic or administrative upgrades preferred.
• Commitment to access to justice, fairness, and holistic defense.

Work Environment & Schedule

• Hybrid role with office located in downtown Oakland.
• In-person presence required 1–3 days per week, with flexibility to increase after onboarding or training.
• Evening attendance required for ACBA networking events, panel recruitment, and Board meetings.

Compensation & Benefits

• Full-time, exempt position with benefits.
• Salary commensurate with experience.

To apply, please contact:

Jennifer Shin, Sr. Vice President – Director of Permanent Placement

Cell: 818.263.0110 | Direct: 510.977.8256

Jennifer.shin@roberthalflegal.com | LinkedIn

Robert Half | 1999 Harrison Street | Suite 1950 | Oakland | California 94612