Description of the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office

The Monroe County Public Defender’s Office is proud to be recognized as one of the leading providers of legal services in New York. The reason for our excellent reputation can be found in the dedication and talent of our team – attorneys, social workers, investigators, and administrative professionals all work collaboratively to ensure the very best results for our clients. Using a client centered approach, we represent financially eligible clients in criminal or family courts, as well as in appellate matters.

We are leaders in ongoing legal education, offering training statewide on cutting edge issues, and serve as a resource for any attorney in need of support. Our training program for new attorneys – a sixteen week, skills based immersion into all aspects of representation – ensures that every attorney is prepared to handle every aspect of a criminal case. We understand that constitutional protections, to mean anything, must be applied equally to all, not just those with means, and are committed to the daily challenge of ensuring that our clients' rights are scrupulously protected and zealously argued.

The Monroe County Public Defender’s Office represents clients in the following types of cases:

• Criminal Court Bureaus (Town Court Bureau, City Court Bureau, Non-Violent Felony Bureau, Violent Felony Bureau): We represent clients in all stages of criminal proceedings in town, village, city, county, and supreme courts throughout Monroe County.  
   
• Family Court Bureau: We represent clients in Family Court on cases involving custody, visitation, family offenses, abuse, neglect, paternity and allegations of willful violations of court orders. 
   
• Appeals Bureau: We represent clients on appeal of criminal convictions and sentences, orders affecting parental rights, sex offender risk level classifications, as well as in other post-conviction state court proceedings.

The Monroe County Public Defender’s Office staff engages in teaching and training of attorneys around the state, and has been recognized for those efforts with the Monroe County Bar Association Raymond J. Pauley Award. 

At the Monroe County Public Defender's Office, our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice is intricately woven into our mission as champions of justice and advocates for the indigent. Our dedication to these core principles shapes our approach to legal representation and defines our role as leaders within the legal community.

The Monroe County Public Defender

 Julie A. Cianca, Esq.

 Appointed by the Monroe County Legislature, Julie A. Cianca, Esq. brings decades of  legal experience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to justice in her role as the Monroe County Public Defender. A respected advocate for equity and due process, Ms. Cianca oversees a multidisciplinary team that provides the highest quality legal defense, ensuring Constitutional rights are upheld for everyone in our community.

Under her leadership, the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office continues to expand its focus on holistic and client-centered defense, incorporating trauma-informed practices, community partnerships, and support services that address the underlying issues driving criminal system involvement. With a clear vision for fairness and access, Ms. Cianca champions reform, mentors the next generation of public defenders, and ensures that the office remains a voice for the voiceless in Monroe County.

Job opportunities

The Monroe County Public Defender’s Office is now hiring for the following positions:

• Public Defender Assistant Grade II

For other open positions, please see the Monroe County Civil Service page.

⚖️ Legal Internship Opportunities

Monroe County Public Defender’s Office
Building the Next Generation of Public Defenders and Social Justice Advocates

The Monroe County Public Defender’s Office offers structured legal internship opportunities throughout the academic year and summer for law school, undergraduate, and high school students interested in public defense, criminal justice, and social equity.

🔹 Law School Internships (Fall, Spring, Summer)

Law students are paired directly with experienced Assistant Public Defenders to support:

• Legal research and writing

• Drafting motions and legal memoranda

• Investigative and case preparation support

• Observation and participation in hearings, trials, and client interviews

The Summer Legal Internship Program is a full-time, two-month experience that includes:

• Legal and trial practice training sessions

• Mentorship from senior attorneys

• Direct exposure to court proceedings

• Possible courtroom appearances under a New York State Judicial Practice Order (22 NYCRR Part 1200.52)

🔸 Undergraduate & High School Internships (Fall, Spring, Summer)

Students will:

• Shadow legal professionals and support staff

• Assist with administrative and case-related tasks

• Participate in justice-education activities

• Attend tours, Q&A sessions, and courtroom observations

These internships are designed to spark early interest in law, advocacy, and public service careers.

📅 Internship Application Schedule (Standardized)

✅ Now Accepting Applications for:

2026 Summer Internship Cohort

📥 How to Apply

Students interested in interning with our office should submit:

• A resume

• A cover letter expressing your interest, availability, and any areas of focus

Please email all materials to:

Joshua Stubbe
Second Assistant Public Defender and Internship Coordinator
📧 [email protected]

📞 Contact Us

Monroe County Public Defender’s Office
Committed to Equal Justice Under Law

Main Office Address:
Monroe County Public Defender’s Office
📍 10 North Fitzhugh Street, 2nd Floor
Rochester, NY 14614

Main Phone:
📞 (585) 753-4210
(Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

Email:
✉️ [email protected]