Monroe County Public Defender's Office

04/21/2026

March 18 is Public Defense Day—a day that recognizes the essential role public defenders play in protecting the constitutional rights of our community.

This year, we were honored to welcome two guests from Public Safety, who visited our office to celebrate the occasion and present us with a proclamation recognizing the work we do every day.

Before 1963, the right to an attorney depended on your ability to pay. That changed with the landmark Supreme Court case Gideon v. Wainwright, which guaranteed the right to counsel for those who could not afford one—forever shaping the foundation of our justice system.

The attached photo captures just some of the dedicated individuals in our office, including attorneys from our criminal, family court, and appeals divisions, all committed to ensuring that every person has access to fair representation.

Today, and every day, we are proud to stand for that promise.

04/01/2026

Julie A. Cianca is a veteran advocate for justice who made history in November 2022 as the first woman to be appointed as the permanent Monroe County Public Defender. A Rochester native and graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Albany Law School, Cianca has dedicated over 30 years to public defense. She rose through the ranks of the office after joining in 1994, transitioning from representing clients in town and village courts to handling high-profile felony cases in County Court. Her career is built on the steadfast principle that the government must be held accountable for its accusations, and she has consistently viewed her clients as individuals whose constitutional rights deserve zealous protection regardless of their financial status.

Since taking the helm of the office, Cianca has prioritized a "client-centered" approach that emphasizes empathy and professional excellence. Her leadership has focused on stabilizing the department by significantly improving staff recruitment and retention while expanding training programs and community partnerships. She has also been a vocal proponent of modernizing the office, including the exploration of new technologies to manage the nearly 30,000 cases her team handles annually. A firm supporter of New York’s criminal justice reforms, she continues to advocate for equitable bail and discovery laws. Following her most recent reappointment in February 2026, Cianca remains a critical voice for the indigent, ensuring that the promise of a fair defense is upheld for everyone in the community.

03/18/2026

We were excited to welcome a group of students from Fairport High School to our office for a behind-the-scenes look at what we do every day.

Students toured the Hall of Justice, observed live court dockets, and gained insight into the role of public defenders in the criminal legal system. A special thank you to our attorneys, Lindsay Hartley and Jeremie Mathias, for taking the time to host, share their experiences, and answer thoughtful questions from the group.

Opportunities like this help build understanding, spark curiosity, and inspire the next generation of advocates.

02/25/2026

In honor of Black History Month, one of our attorneys had the privilege of speaking with 5th and 6th graders at RCSD John Williams School #5 alongside an incredible panel of professionals.

The students came ready with thoughtful questions — asking what we do as Public Defenders, what it took to get to this position, what college was really like, and what dreams first inspired us to pursue this work.

Representation matters. Exposure matters. Conversations like these plant seeds.

Thank you to the students and staff for welcoming us and reminding us why this work is so important — both inside and outside the courtroom.

10/11/2025

We were excited to welcome Spencerport High School student Jelani Merced, who spent the day shadowing attorney Marybeth McCarthy, Esq. to explore what it’s like to advocate for justice firsthand.

Jelani also connected with Jelani-Rhea, one of our dedicated University of Rochester interns, to learn more about our internship experience and the pathways that lead to public defense careers. Jelani Merced will be joining our office as part of our Summer 2026 Internship Cohort.

Make no mistake — the next generation of defenders is already rising: curious, compassionate, and ready to serve.

09/22/2025

We are proud to welcome the Fall 2025 Internship Cohort to the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office. This group represents the continued growth of our program, bringing together talented and motivated students eager to contribute to the work of public defense.

These interns are the next generation of advocates—each bringing unique skills, perspectives, and a shared commitment to justice. Please join us in celebrating their arrival and supporting them as they begin what promises to be an inspiring semester.

09/05/2025

We’re excited to join the 3rd Annual Let’s Get L.I.T. Community Give Back this Saturday, September 6th at Nativity Prep!

Stop by our table from 12–2 PM to connect with us and celebrate literacy, community, and justice.

09/01/2025

08/21/2025

Since May, Mendon High School senior Rain Royce has been interning at the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office, immersing herself in the world of law and public service. In reflecting on her experience, Rain said: “Having the opportunity to see real trials and some of the hard work that goes b...

08/12/2025

Last week, the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office visited Edison Career and Technology High School to speak with students about the importance of knowing their rights under the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments. Students also learned about our Defenders of Tomorrow Program and internship opportunities with the MCPDO.

We were joined by William Burgess, Deputy Majority Leader of the Monroe County Legislature representing District 29 (Rochester), whose presence added tremendous value to the conversation. His commitment to community engagement and advocacy for youth was evident throughout the visit.

Two of our current interns shared their personal experiences, explaining why they chose to intern with our office and how their interest in law has grown. This was a powerful learning opportunity, and we extend our sincere thanks to Edison⚡️Tech, Mr. Larry Morales Sr., William T. Burgess and everyone who made this day possible.