S6E8: Defending Justice for All with Jodi Linker, Federal Public Defender for Northern California
Wed Dec 03 2025
In this episode, we sit down with Jodi Linker, the first woman to lead the Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Northern District of California—one of the most storied defender offices in the country. With nearly two decades of experience and a team of over 70 attorneys, Jodi represents people who can’t afford legal counsel in federal court, taking on cases that span drug offenses, immigration, fraud, firearms, and more. She shares how her office navigates the unique challenges of San Francisco, a city grappling with homelessness, inequality, and shifting political winds.
We explore the ethics of defense work, what it means to lead with integrity in a high-pressure system, and the limits—and possibilities—of individual advocacy within a deeply flawed structure. Jodi reflects on moments with clients that have reshaped her understanding of justice, and speaks candidly about the future of federal public defense, structural reform, and what it truly means to give back. Whether you're in the legal field or just curious about the intersection of justice, leadership, and impact, this episode offers a powerful look at what it means to fight for fairness when the odds are stacked.
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In this episode, we sit down with Jodi Linker, the first woman to lead the Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Northern District of California—one of the most storied defender offices in the country. With nearly two decades of experience and a team of over 70 attorneys, Jodi represents people who can’t afford legal counsel in federal court, taking on cases that span drug offenses, immigration, fraud, firearms, and more. She shares how her office navigates the unique challenges of San Francisco, a city grappling with homelessness, inequality, and shifting political winds. We explore the ethics of defense work, what it means to lead with integrity in a high-pressure system, and the limits—and possibilities—of individual advocacy within a deeply flawed structure. Jodi reflects on moments with clients that have reshaped her understanding of justice, and speaks candidly about the future of federal public defense, structural reform, and what it truly means to give back. Whether you're in the legal field or just curious about the intersection of justice, leadership, and impact, this episode offers a powerful look at what it means to fight for fairness when the odds are stacked.