California / State Public Defender

Agency file

State Public Defender

Source file: California — State Employee Compensation (SCO Payroll Data Warehouse, CPRA) / ingested Jun 19, 2026

The State Public Defender handles legal functions of government — prosecution, legal advice, and representing the state in court.

In 2023, this agency had 104 employees with median total compensation of $120,733; the highest distinct record was $263,130.

Year: 2023
Employees: 104
Median total: $120,733
Highest record: $263,130

What the records show

Compensation analytics

These summaries compare pay within the agency before listing individual records.

Salary distribution

$0$209,681+

How 2023 total compensation is spread across the 104 employees. Each bar is a pay range; taller bars mean more people earn in that range. The amber line marks the median ($120,733) — half earn less, half more. The far-right bar collects the highest earners.

Average pay composition

Base — $108,321 (96%)
Overtime — $12 (0%)
Other — $4,057 (4%)
Benefits — $0 (0%)

What an average paycheck here is made of — base salary versus overtime, other pay (bonuses, allowances), and benefits. A large overtime or other-pay share means take-home often exceeds base salary.

Pay percentiles

10th

25th

Median

75th

90th

$8,842

$64,110

$120,733

$160,900

$186,632

The pay ladder for this department. Someone at the 90th percentile earns $186,632 — more than 90% of the department; the 10th percentile earns $8,842. The shaded band is the middle half of employees (25th–75th percentile).

Largest job titles

Attorney III

19 · $157,169

Attorney Supervisor

16 · $185,667

Attorney IV

12 · $175,484

Staff Services Manager I

7 · $92,867

Attorney

5 · $98,005

The most common job titles in this department by headcount, with the median total compensation for each. Click a title to see everyone who holds it.

Record list

Employees

Highest-paid first / page 1

Jolie S Lipsig

Attorney Supervisor/State Public Defender

2023 total comp

$263,130

Base pay: $122,313
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $140,817
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $263,130
Union / bargaining unit: S02
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $15,701
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 4260155749007
Salary Total: $15,701
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $263,130

Jolie S Lipsig holds the role of Attorney Supervisor at State Public Defender. In 2023, their total compensation was $263,130. They are represented by S02.

Mary K Mc Comb

State Public Defender/State Public Defender

2023 total comp

$210,603

Base pay: $210,328
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $275
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $210,603
Union / bargaining unit: E99
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $17,830
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 4260106036001
Salary Total: $17,830
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $210,603

At State Public Defender, Mary K Mc Comb serves as a State Public Defender. Their 2023 pay totaled $210,603. Union affiliation: E99.

Kathleen M Scheidel

Attorney, Assistant Chief Counsel/State Public Defender

2023 total comp

$209,681

Base pay: $194,358
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $15,323
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $209,681
Union / bargaining unit: M02
Work county: ALAMEDA

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $16,483
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 4260155871001
Salary Total: $16,483
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $209,681

At State Public Defender, Kathleen M Scheidel serves as a Attorney, Assistant Chief Counsel. Their 2023 pay totaled $209,681. Union affiliation: M02.

Elias P Batchelder

Attorney Supervisor/State Public Defender

2023 total comp

$199,739

Base pay: $185,117
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $14,622
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $199,739
Union / bargaining unit: S02
Work county: ALAMEDA

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $15,701
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 4260155749021
Salary Total: $15,701
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $199,739

Elias P Batchelder works as a Attorney Supervisor for State Public Defender. Elias earned $199,739 in 2023. Their bargaining unit is S02.

Alyssa C Mellott

Attorney Supervisor/State Public Defender

2023 total comp

$199,464

Base pay: $185,117
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $14,347
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $199,464
Union / bargaining unit: S02
Work county: ALAMEDA

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $15,701
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 4260155749017
Salary Total: $15,701
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $199,464

Alyssa C Mellott works as a Attorney Supervisor for State Public Defender. Alyssa earned $199,464 in 2023. Union affiliation: S02.

Galit Lipa

C.E.A./State Public Defender

2023 total comp

$196,979

Base pay: $194,609
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,370
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $196,979
Union / bargaining unit: M01
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $16,498
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 4260137500002
Salary Total: $16,498
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $196,979

Galit Lipa holds the role of C.E.A. at State Public Defender. In 2023, their total compensation was $196,979. Their bargaining unit is M01.

Christina A Spaulding

C.E.A./State Public Defender

2023 total comp

$194,884

Base pay: $194,609
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $275
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $194,884
Union / bargaining unit: M01
Work county: ALAMEDA

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $16,498
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 4260157500001
Salary Total: $16,498
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $194,884

Christina A Spaulding works as a C.E.A. for State Public Defender. Christina earned $194,884 in 2023. Union affiliation: M01.

Alexander S Post

Attorney Supervisor/State Public Defender

2023 total comp

$192,428

Base pay: $185,117
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $7,311
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $192,428
Union / bargaining unit: S02
Work county: ALAMEDA

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $15,701
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 4260155749020
Salary Total: $15,701
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $192,428

Alexander S Post is a Attorney Supervisor at State Public Defender. 2023 total compensation came to $192,428. Their bargaining unit is S02.

Nerissa J Huertas

Attorney Supervisor/State Public Defender

2023 total comp

$189,534

Base pay: $175,685
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $13,849
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $189,534
Union / bargaining unit: S02
Work county: ALAMEDA

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $15,580
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 4260155749008
Salary Total: $15,580
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $189,534

Nerissa J Huertas holds the role of Attorney Supervisor at State Public Defender. In 2023, their total compensation was $189,534. Their bargaining unit is S02.

Jessica E Oats

Attorney IV/State Public Defender

2023 total comp

$189,260

Base pay: $175,514
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $13,746
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $189,260
Union / bargaining unit: R02
Work county: ALAMEDA

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $14,954
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 4260155780027
Salary Total: $14,954
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $189,260

Jessica E Oats holds the role of Attorney IV at State Public Defender. In 2023, their total compensation was $189,260. They are represented by R02.

Lisa A D'Orazio

Attorney IV/State Public Defender

2023 total comp

$186,632

Base pay: $176,306
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $10,326
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $186,632
Union / bargaining unit: R02
Work county: ALAMEDA

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $14,954
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 4260155780034
Salary Total: $14,954
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $186,632

Lisa A D'Orazio holds the role of Attorney IV at State Public Defender. In 2023, their total compensation was $186,632. Union affiliation: R02.

Jenny P Andrews

Attorney Supervisor/State Public Defender

2023 total comp

$185,667

Base pay: $185,117
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $550
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $185,667
Union / bargaining unit: S02
Work county: ALAMEDA

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $15,701
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 4260135749026
Salary Total: $15,701
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $185,667

Jenny P Andrews holds the role of Attorney Supervisor at State Public Defender. In 2023, their total compensation was $185,667. They are represented by S02.

Laurel P Arroyo

Attorney Supervisor/State Public Defender

2023 total comp

$185,667

Base pay: $185,117
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $550
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $185,667
Union / bargaining unit: S02
Work county: ALAMEDA

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $15,701
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 4260135749025
Salary Total: $15,701
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $185,667

At State Public Defender, Laurel P Arroyo serves as a Attorney Supervisor. Their 2023 pay totaled $185,667. They are represented by S02.

Robin L Kallman

Attorney Supervisor/State Public Defender

2023 total comp

$185,667

Base pay: $185,117
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $550
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $185,667
Union / bargaining unit: S02
Work county: ALAMEDA

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $15,701
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 4260155749024
Salary Total: $15,701
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $185,667

Robin L Kallman is a Attorney Supervisor at State Public Defender. 2023 total compensation came to $185,667. Their bargaining unit is S02.

Denise Kendall

Attorney Supervisor/State Public Defender

2023 total comp

$185,667

Base pay: $185,117
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $550
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $185,667
Union / bargaining unit: S02
Work county: ALAMEDA

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $15,701
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 4260155749013
Salary Total: $15,701
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $185,667

Denise Kendall works as a Attorney Supervisor for State Public Defender. Denise earned $185,667 in 2023. Their bargaining unit is S02.

Albert J Kutchins

Attorney Supervisor/State Public Defender

2023 total comp

$185,667

Base pay: $185,117
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $550
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $185,667
Union / bargaining unit: S02
Work county: ALAMEDA

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $15,701
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 4260155749023
Salary Total: $15,701
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $185,667

Albert J Kutchins is a Attorney Supervisor at State Public Defender. 2023 total compensation came to $185,667. Union affiliation: S02.

Cheryl D Renard

Attorney Supervisor/State Public Defender

2023 total comp

$185,667

Base pay: $185,117
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $550
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $185,667
Union / bargaining unit: S02
Work county: ALAMEDA

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $15,701
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 4260155749011
Salary Total: $15,701
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $185,667

Cheryl D Renard works as a Attorney Supervisor for State Public Defender. Cheryl earned $185,667 in 2023. They are represented by S02.

Anne W Lackey

Attorney IV/State Public Defender

2023 total comp

$183,557

Base pay: $176,306
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $7,251
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $183,557
Union / bargaining unit: R02
Work county: ALAMEDA

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $14,954
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 4260155780022
Salary Total: $14,954
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $183,557

Anne W Lackey is a Attorney IV at State Public Defender. 2023 total compensation came to $183,557. Union affiliation: R02.

Erik B Levin

Attorney Supervisor/State Public Defender

2023 total comp

$181,430

Base pay: $181,130
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $300
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $181,430
Union / bargaining unit: S02
Work county: ALAMEDA

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $15,701
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 4260155749015
Salary Total: $15,701
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $181,430

Erik B Levin is a Attorney Supervisor at State Public Defender. 2023 total compensation came to $181,430. They are represented by S02.

Andrea G Asaro

Attorney IV/State Public Defender

2023 total comp

$176,856

Base pay: $176,306
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $550
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $176,856
Union / bargaining unit: R02
Work county: ALAMEDA

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $14,954
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 4260155780020
Salary Total: $14,954
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $176,856

At State Public Defender, Andrea G Asaro serves as a Attorney IV. Their 2023 pay totaled $176,856. Union affiliation: R02.

Gary D Garcia

Attorney IV/State Public Defender

2023 total comp

$176,856

Base pay: $176,306
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $550
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $176,856
Union / bargaining unit: R02
Work county: ALAMEDA

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $14,954
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 4260155780024
Salary Total: $14,954
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $176,856

Gary D Garcia holds the role of Attorney IV at State Public Defender. In 2023, their total compensation was $176,856. They are represented by R02.

Lisa M Romo

Attorney IV/State Public Defender

2023 total comp

$176,606

Base pay: $176,306
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $300
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $176,606
Union / bargaining unit: R02
Work county: ALAMEDA

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $14,954
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 4260155780028
Salary Total: $14,954
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $176,606

Lisa M Romo holds the role of Attorney IV at State Public Defender. In 2023, their total compensation was $176,606. Union affiliation: R02.

Caroline P Cincotta

Attorney IV/State Public Defender

2023 total comp

$174,362

Base pay: $167,448
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $6,914
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $174,362
Union / bargaining unit: R02
Work county: ALAMEDA

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $14,913
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 4260155780008
Salary Total: $14,913
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $174,362

Caroline P Cincotta works as a Attorney IV for State Public Defender. Caroline earned $174,362 in 2023. They are represented by R02.

Laura S Kelly

Attorney Supervisor/State Public Defender

2023 total comp

$174,305

Base pay: $173,755
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $550
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $174,305
Union / bargaining unit: S02
Work county: ALAMEDA

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $14,913
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 4260155749027
Salary Total: $14,913
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $174,305

Laura S Kelly is a Attorney Supervisor at State Public Defender. 2023 total compensation came to $174,305. They are represented by S02.

Jamie Dickson

Attorney III/State Public Defender

2023 total comp

$172,142

Base pay: $159,470
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $12,672
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $172,142
Union / bargaining unit: R02
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $13,526
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 4260155795068
Salary Total: $13,526
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $172,142

At State Public Defender, Jamie Dickson serves as a Attorney III. Their 2023 pay totaled $172,142. They are represented by R02.

Samuel J Weiscovitz

Attorney IV/State Public Defender

2023 total comp

$167,892

Base pay: $167,442
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $450
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $167,892
Union / bargaining unit: R02
Work county: ALAMEDA

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $14,912
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 4260155780023
Salary Total: $14,912
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $167,892

Samuel J Weiscovitz works as a Attorney IV for State Public Defender. Samuel earned $167,892 in 2023. Their bargaining unit is R02.

Elizabeth H Eng

Attorney IV/State Public Defender

2023 total comp

$160,900

Base pay: $160,450
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $450
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $160,900
Union / bargaining unit: R02
Work county: ALAMEDA

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $13,931
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 4260155780029
Salary Total: $13,931
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $160,900

Elizabeth H Eng is a Attorney IV at State Public Defender. 2023 total compensation came to $160,900. Their bargaining unit is R02.

Jason A Gundel

Attorney III/State Public Defender

2023 total comp

$160,050

Base pay: $159,470
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $580
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $160,050
Union / bargaining unit: R02
Work county: ALAMEDA

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $13,526
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 4260135795003
Salary Total: $13,526
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $160,050

Jason A Gundel is a Attorney III at State Public Defender. 2023 total compensation came to $160,050. They are represented by R02.

Bridgid-Leigh K Brady

Attorney III/State Public Defender

2023 total comp

$160,020

Base pay: $159,470
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $550
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $160,020
Union / bargaining unit: R02
Work county: ALAMEDA

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $13,526
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 4260135795002
Salary Total: $13,526
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $160,020

Bridgid-Leigh K Brady is a Attorney III at State Public Defender. 2023 total compensation came to $160,020. They are represented by R02.

Craig M Buckser

Attorney III/State Public Defender

2023 total comp

$160,020

Base pay: $159,470
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $550
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $160,020
Union / bargaining unit: R02
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $13,526
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 4260155795056
Salary Total: $13,526
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $160,020

Craig M Buckser works as a Attorney III for State Public Defender. Craig earned $160,020 in 2023. They are represented by R02.

Teresa E Deamicis

Attorney III/State Public Defender

2023 total comp

$160,020

Base pay: $159,470
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $550
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $160,020
Union / bargaining unit: R02
Work county: ALAMEDA

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $13,526
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 4260135795006
Salary Total: $13,526
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $160,020

Teresa E Deamicis works as a Attorney III for State Public Defender. Teresa earned $160,020 in 2023. They are represented by R02.

Jennifer M Hansen

Attorney III/State Public Defender

2023 total comp

$160,020

Base pay: $159,470
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $550
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $160,020
Union / bargaining unit: R02
Work county: ALAMEDA

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $13,526
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 4260155795076
Salary Total: $13,526
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $160,020

Jennifer M Hansen works as a Attorney III for State Public Defender. Jennifer earned $160,020 in 2023. They are represented by R02.

Ray S Ibarra

Attorney III/State Public Defender

2023 total comp

$160,020

Base pay: $159,470
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $550
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $160,020
Union / bargaining unit: R02
Work county: ALAMEDA

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $13,526
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 4260135795005
Salary Total: $13,526
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $160,020

Ray S Ibarra works as a Attorney III for State Public Defender. Ray earned $160,020 in 2023. They are represented by R02.

Ashanti R Mitchell

Attorney III/State Public Defender

2023 total comp

$160,020

Base pay: $159,470
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $550
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $160,020
Union / bargaining unit: R02
Work county: ALAMEDA

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $13,526
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 4260135795001
Salary Total: $13,526
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $160,020

Ashanti R Mitchell holds the role of Attorney III at State Public Defender. In 2023, their total compensation was $160,020. Union affiliation: R02.

William C Whaley

Attorney Supervisor/State Public Defender

2023 total comp

$159,877

Base pay: $147,841
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $12,036
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $159,877
Union / bargaining unit: S02
Work county: ALAMEDA

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $12,816
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 4260155749007
Salary Total: $12,816
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $159,877

At State Public Defender, William C Whaley serves as a Attorney Supervisor. Their 2023 pay totaled $159,877. They are represented by S02.

Valarie M Kalb

Attorney III/State Public Defender

2023 total comp

$159,558

Base pay: $159,008
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $550
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $159,558
Union / bargaining unit: R02
Work county: ALAMEDA

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $13,526
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 4260155795072
Salary Total: $13,526
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $159,558

Valarie M Kalb works as a Attorney III for State Public Defender. Valarie earned $159,558 in 2023. Their bargaining unit is R02.

Gary D Johnston

Attorney III/State Public Defender

2023 total comp

$157,169

Base pay: $145,424
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $11,745
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $157,169
Union / bargaining unit: R02
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $12,257
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 4260155795078
Salary Total: $12,257
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $157,169

Gary D Johnston is a Attorney III at State Public Defender. 2023 total compensation came to $157,169. Their bargaining unit is R02.

Ann Kim

Attorney IV/State Public Defender

2023 total comp

$156,974

Base pay: $156,424
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $550
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $156,974
Union / bargaining unit: R02
Work county: ALAMEDA

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $13,930
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 4260155780017
Salary Total: $13,930
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $156,974

Ann Kim is a Attorney IV at State Public Defender. 2023 total compensation came to $156,974. They are represented by R02.

Hassan Gorguinpour

Attorney Supervisor/State Public Defender

2023 total comp

$153,233

Base pay: $152,958
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $275
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $153,233
Union / bargaining unit: S02
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $13,565
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 4260155749022
Salary Total: $13,565
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $153,233

Hassan Gorguinpour works as a Attorney Supervisor for State Public Defender. Hassan earned $153,233 in 2023. Their bargaining unit is S02.

Jessica S Hawk

Attorney IV/State Public Defender

2023 total comp

$151,637

Base pay: $151,087
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $550
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $151,637
Union / bargaining unit: R02
Work county: ALAMEDA

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $13,455
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 4260155780032
Salary Total: $13,455
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $151,637

Jessica S Hawk works as a Attorney IV for State Public Defender. Jessica earned $151,637 in 2023. They are represented by R02.