We will be compassionate, relentless and courageous in the fight for justice.

We will be willing to see all the beauty, power and potential of each person we represent.

We will advocate for structural changes that contribute to ending the mass incarceration system that has devastated our society for far too long.

We will fight against unjust and racist immigration laws, defend all people regardless of their birthplace or immigration status, and fight mass deportation as vigorously as we fight mass incarceration.

We will remain committed to racial justice. We will grow excellence among defenders.

We will honor the brilliance of the intergenerational resilience of our clients and their communities.

We will remember that our representation of individuals ripples out to the folks who love them, and therefore strive to stay engaged with their families and communities.

We will keep burning the flame of hopefulness because we know that hopelessness is the enemy of justice..

San Francisco Public Defender Manohar Raju
February 20, 2020
Oath of Elected Office