First Tier Conflict Indigent Defense Services

The County of Santa Cruz seeks a qualified legal services provider to deliver First‑Tier Conflict Indigent Defense for approximately 800‑850 cases per year where the Public Defender Office has a conflict of interest. The contractor must supply licensed California attorneys, investigators, social workers, and support staff to ensure continuous, client‑centered representation, including case assignment, training, oversight, reporting, and interdisciplinary services such as linkage and navigation. Compensation will be on an hourly/event basis with tiered rates by case type; the contract is expected to begin July 1 2027 after the current vendor’s term ends June 30 2027. • Approx. 800‑850 conflict cases annually (misdemeanor, felony, juvenile, probation violations, etc.) • Services include full legal representation, investigation, social‑work/mental‑health linkage, immigration advice, and court attendance • Must maintain California attorney licensing, ≥10 years experience (≥5 years felony work) for lead attorney • Required interdisciplinary team: attorneys, investigators, paralegals, social workers, peer navigators • Hourly billing in 15‑minute increments; rates tiered by case type; mileage reimbursed per IRS rates • Mandatory reporting of complaints, ineffective‑assistance findings, disciplinary actions within 3 business days • Contract term expected to run from July 1 2027 (start of service) for at least one year, with possible renewal • Proposals due November 23 2026 via OpenGov portal; questions due October 23 2026 • Evaluation based on effectiveness of representation, client outcomes, organizational capacity, and cost