Marin Public Defender Takes New Role

MARIN COUNTY, CA — Marin Assistant Public Defender Brian Morris has taken a new role.

Morris will lead Sonoma County’s Public Defender’s Office later this year, officials said Monday.

Morris has served as Marin’s assistant public defender since 2015.

He worked in Marin’s Public Defender’s Office for 15 years before becoming the county’s assistant public defender.

“I’m looking forward to partnering with Sonoma County’s vibrant and diverse community and other county departments to help improve our clients’ lives,” Morris said in a statement.

“It is an honor to join a staff that is well-respected for providing excellent service while carrying complex, high-volume caseloads.”

He previously served as deputy public defender for Mendocino and Sonoma counties.

He currently serves on the California Public Defender's Legislative Committee, the Marin County Juvenile Justice Realignment Committee, the Marin County Criminal Justice Behavioral Health Team, the Marin County Equity CORE Team, and is a member of the Marin County Bar Association.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Vermont, and Juris Doctorate from the University of San Francisco School of Law.

Morris is expected to begin his role on Dec. 1 with a base salary of $231,084, Sonoma County officials said.

"Brian’s extensive litigation experience and passion for person-centered representation will continue a tradition of positive outcomes for Sonoma County residents who are unable to hire an attorney for financial reasons,” Sonoma County Supervisor Lynda Hopkins said in a statement.

“He has a collaborative leadership style that will only enhance relationships among the county’s justice partners, and we’re happy to have him.”